Fairchild, Dr. David M.

Dr. David M. Fairchild, 89, longtime resident of Eastchester died on June 17, 2015. Beloved husband of the late Carmella, Devoted father of David H. Faichild and his wife Janet, Cherished grandfather of Daniel and Thomas Fairchild. Brother of Eleanor O'Neill and the late Pete Fairchild. David received his Doctorate in Music from Columbia University and taught Music for many years at Eastchester High School. Following his teaching career he worked as a voice therapist and was active working until his death. Visiting at the Westchester Funeral Home, Inc., Eastchester on Friday, June 19 from 3-7PM. Service at the Funeral Home Saturday morning at 10AM folLowed by interment at Kensico Cemetery. To send a condolence to the family, visit www.westchesterfuneralhome.com.

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Published by The Journal News on Jun. 18, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for David Fairchild

11 Entries

Ellen Harvey

June 12, 2020

We still think of Doc so often, especially when we see an old movie with a singer and a band, i.e. Danny Kaye in the movie "Five Pennies." And when we are at the Cape. We loved him and still miss him dearly. Ellen Harvey & Warner Zipf

Nathan Wise

January 11, 2017

I only recently learned of the loss of David Fairchild, who was my school music teacher from Anne Hutchinson (primary) till 1962, then Eastchester Jr. H.S. till 1965, and finally Eastchester H.S. till graduation in '68. His career in the public school system seemed to progress as our class progressed -- and we could not have been more fortunate. I saw him twice in the last few years, at our class reunion in 2010, and at the Yale production of "Kiss Me Kate" in 2013 , the hundredth anniversary of Cole Porter's Yale Class Year of 1913, and I was able to embrace him and express to him (as he wept in my arms) that he was the most important teacher of my life: in the early 'Sixties, he took us to Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concerts at Philharmonic Hall at the new Lincoln Center (which were televised live) and to Mozart's "Magic Flute" at the new Metropolitan Opera, when it moved to Lincoln Center, with the Marc Chagall set design. He produced Gilbert & Sullivan's "Ruddigore" with a cast of 8th graders (I think David Flitter accompanied on piano) - a Herculean task to those who know the opera. He played Curley in "Oklahoma!" at Anne Hutchinson (the opening line of the show, "There's a bright golden haze on the meadow", was never better sung than when Mr. Fairchild delivered it, and I believe his wife played Laurie). He exposed our classes to the finest in sacred, secular, classical, and Broadway music (those were the days when "Brigadoon" and "West Side Story" and "How to Succeed ..." were the most popular source of choral arrangements). At one concert, our chorus of young boys literally "stopped the show" with our performance of "There is Nothing Like a Dame" from "South Pacific" using gestures and choreography that Mr. Fairchild created for us! Some old people still remember that night! So, corresponding with him later in life when he was known as Dr. Fairchild, I told him I was performing in Gilbert & Sullivan myself, with my young grandson ("Yeomen of the Guard" and "Pirates of Penzance") ... and Dr. Fairchild sent me photos and clippings of his performances in numerous roles with the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Society in the 1950s. I am no opera singer myself (I'm a folksinger!) but I know he mentored opera singers such as Ethan Freeman (who performed in that 2013 "Kiss Me Kate" that I mentioned -- as the male lead), and continued to teach in NYC two days a week, until his death. He had the most impact on his students of any of my teachers, including my college years. I will always miss him and remain grateful for having known him, and learned from him. At times, I confess our immaturity as youngsters resulted in a period of disrespect and teasing (I should have known better) but I fortunately had the opportunity as an adult to apologize to him several times for that shameful behavior. He was a gentleman and a gentle man. The Heaven of Mozart, Beethoven, and Arthur Sullivan is a richer place now, for sure.
Nathan Wise, EHS '68

David and Alison Pinsley

July 5, 2015

We were very sad to learn of Dr. Fairchild's passing. He was a mentor, a performer and a teacher to many. We will never forget when he sang under Dr. Albright with the Westchester Band.

Kerri Vanadia

June 25, 2015

My Teacher-My Inspiration
Dr. Fairchild was my teacher and my friend! I loved going to his home for my music lessons. He shared his love and knowledge of music and life! His friendship was a gift and he was an inspiration to me. He touched my life so deeply and I will miss him!

Maia Amada Pugielli

June 20, 2015

I was so saddened to hear the news of the passing of "Doc" my teacher in high school and a longtime family friend. You will be greatly missed. What wonderful memories I have of music rehearsals and performances. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. Much love always.

Audrey Russo

June 19, 2015

Words cannot express my sadness for Doc's departure...nor my gratitude for having him in my life. He was my vocal coach for more than 20 years. Everytime I sing, I will remember him with great love! Till I see you in heaven, Doc! xoxo

Anne-Marie Annunziato

June 19, 2015

My dearest "Doc," I am deeply saddened to hear of your passing. From my days singing in the Eastchester junior and senior high school choirs, to the 10 wonderful years studying voice privately with you, to our 24 years of friendship, I am a better person today for having known you. I will miss you tremendously, and send my heartfelt condolences to David, his devoted son, and his beloved grandsons.

June 19, 2015

I was in the girl's chorus at Eastchester Jr High,
and I remember every sng that we learned. He was a good teacher. Sue Calder-Stad

Tim Riches

June 18, 2015

David was my voice teacher for many years and I will very much miss him and our lessons. He so loved music and enjoyed sharing his favorite songs with me. He would have me sing through book after book, introducing me to those songs. David believed in me when I didn't and encouraged me to sing. He had been emailing me to schedule our next lesson certain he would back at the piano in no time after his stay in rehab, He could never envision retiring, he so loved his students. I will miss him.

Sunset on Cape Cod near Orleans, which he loved. Cheers, Doc.

Ellen Harvey

June 18, 2015

We loved Doc and cherished our friendship with him for the last 18 years, when Ellen met him on a concert tour. We will miss him. He knew God was always with him. God be with you, David, and your family. May delightful memories we have of your father fill our sorrowful hearts with joy. Ellen Harvey & Warner Zipf

Steve Herbst

June 18, 2015

I studied voice with David for about 27 years. He accompanied my recitals and auditions and was a dear friend. I spoke with him on the phone just this past Monday evening after learning of his accident and the resulting hospitalization and rehab. However, given what a trooper he was, I thought he would sally forth and resume teaching -- at least up in Westchester if not in Manhattan. His birthday would have been next month. He will be missed by a legion of students and friends whose lives were impacted by him over many decades.

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