CHRISTOPHER AROTS

Christopher John Arots

Born May 30, 1953, Died May 11, 2008

Christopher John Arots, age 54, a man who loved music and touched the lives of countless students, has died in Wilmington, DE on May 11, 2008, after suffering a stroke.

From a young age, he studied music, first at the Wilmington Music School, while he was attending St. Mary Magdalen Elementary School, and later at Brandywine High School where he played in the Blue Blazers, Marching Band, Pit Band and acted in the musicals. Chris graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Music Education, and taught for 22 years at Salesianum High School where he was also band director, English teacher, and guidance counselor. He was dedicated to his students and spent most birthday either marching in Memorial Day parades or conducting concerts. He took the Sallies band all over the world to competitions and performances at such places as Disneyland, Busch Gardens and Europe and conducted dozens of musicals at Sallies and with the Brandywiners at Longwood. He was a contract music teacher for private schools in the Tri State area, taught for the diocese of Camden and most recently was a music teacher for the Christiana School District. The focus of his life was his family, his "kids" and his music. He was always willing to go the extra mile to help a student in need and changed the course of so many lives over his long career as a music educator and teacher. Chris was an assistant director of the First State Symphonic Band, Director and conductor of Brandywine Pops and conductor of the John Walter Band, Cape May County New Jersey. He received both a MS in Counseling and MS in Music from West Chester State University and was president of the music Educators association of Delaware, as well as serving on an accrediting committee for private schools. Chris was an avid antique car enthusiast, owning several, which he worked on himself (not always successfully) and liked nothing better than to travel to car shows with his friends during summer vacations when they weren't painting the school. He could tell you the exact make and model of any car, loved Big Band Music and could sing any Glenn Miller tune. His cats provided companionship and entertainment over the years. He was incredibly devoted to his daughter, Samantha, his wife, Joy and his family including his parents and sisters and their families. He stayed connected to all his nieces and nephews and encouraged them in their paths along the way as he did for so many others. He touched so many and will be missed.

He leaves behind his father, Joseph Arots; sisters, Barbara Geltosky and Betsy Jones; daughter, Samantha Arots; wife, Joy Arots; nieces, Natalie Jones; and nephews, Anthony Geltosky, Evan Geltosky, Colin Jones and Max Jones. He joins his mother, Virginia Arots and grandparents, Roger Brown, Anita Brown, Peter Arots and Anna Arots.

Chris was an organ doner and 3 people have a start on a new life due to his generosity.

Visitation will be at St. Josephs on the Brandywine Curch, 10 Old Church Rd., Greenville, DE at 9 am, Thursday, May 15, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 am. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to The Christopher Arots Musical Educator Scholarship West Chester University Foundation, 628 High St., West Chester, PA 19383.

Visit his memorial website: chrisarots@muchloved.com.

Arrangements by

JOHN F. YASIK

FUNERAL HOME