Robert Danziger Obituary

ROBERT DANZIGER FEB 7, 1945 - MAY 4, 2009 Dr. Robert Danziger passed away quickly on Monday, May 4 at 11:52 AM after a courageous battle with Leukemia. Anyone who was fortunate enough to know Robert would tell you that he was one of the kindest, most gentle, loving, giving, talented, inspirational, funny, down-to-earth men they have ever met. Bob was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and spent his adolescent years in New York. He attended Potsdam University where he studied bassoon with Robert Reinert. He earned a doctorate in bassoon performance from New York University. He had an illustrious career as a music professor at Northern Michigan University, University of Bridgeport (Connecticut), and California State University Stanislaus. He raised a beautiful family of three girls with his first wife Meryl. After moving to Cali- fornia, he met his soul mate Joy. She was the love of his life, and he often referred to their 15 years of marriage as heaven. He was a performer in many ensembles and symphony orchestras including: The Albany Symphony Orchestra of New York, The Haifa Symphony in Israel, The Akashi Symphony of Japan, The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, Monterey Symphony, Merced Symphony (where he was featured as a soloist), Lake Tahoe Summer Symphony, and Modesto Symphony Orchestra. He was a published author of music appreciation books, and recently completed a solo CD. He was an avid reader, appreciator of nature, all things culinary, and an innovative woodworker. He is survived by his wife Joy Jennings Danziger, mother Mildred Danziger, daughters Raquy, Amy (Jonathan Schwartz) and Julie (Rob Hudson), stepsons Jonathan and Jacob Retz, stepdaughter April (Andy) Rock, brothers Clifford (Joyce) Danziger, Ken (Kathy) Danziger, sister Jill Pilbro, granddaughters Kira and Jaia Hudson, grandsons Jonah and Levi Rock, his Aunt Ruth, and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. Whether you knew him as a son, father, grandfather, husband, friend, colleague, or teacher, he came across as being the quintessential lover of life. He is dearly loved and missed. A private celebration of his life will be held at his home. If Music be the Food of Love, Play On. Contributions can be made to the Robert Danziger Bassoon Scholarship CSUS Music Department, One University Circle Turlock, CA 95382www.modbee.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Modesto Bee on May 7, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Danziger

8 Entries

Arlene Abel

May 10, 2009

I met Robert Danziger when I was privileged to play as 2nd bassoonist under him in the college orchestra. He was an excellent bassoon player but he never made me feel inadequate in my playing. Always kind, always helpful. A truly great man!
He will be missed!

Maureen Whittaker

May 9, 2009

I"m so sorry to hear of Dr. Danziger's passing and send my sympathy to his family. I had him as an instructor in a music ed class at UC Stanislaus. He was in fact a pleasure, an excellent instructor, kind, and helpful. I bought and truly enjoyed one of his books for music appreciation. I also enjoyed hearing him many times in the Modesto Symphony Orchestra concerts. I recently saw Joy and Bob at a local restaurant never thinking it would be my last. He will be missed by many.

Lars Jefferson

May 7, 2009

I knew Bob as a student at CSUS between 1997-2001 and a Librarian for the Modesto Symphony from 2003-2004. We would banter about the merits of why saxophone was a superior instrument and why bassoon should be extinct. Good times. He was always jovial and a pleasure to work with. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Jacquee & Bob Hudson

May 7, 2009

To the Danzinger Family,

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May time ease your sorrow and memories bring you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,

Dan & Jana Maas

May 7, 2009

Joy - I'm so sorry to hear about Bob. He was truly a world class person as well as a world class musician. I talk about him frequently when the conversation turns to music. He is one of my idols in the music world. He is also one of the best teachers I ever had. We have an idea how you feel and know we can't say anything to make it better. Just know that we love you and will always keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Respectfully, Dan and Jana

Dave Keymer

May 7, 2009

I didn't know Bob well but every time I saw him he was friendly and a pleasure to pass a few minutes with. He was a decent man and a man of considerable culture, which he displayed gently, not an egoist, not waving his learning and taste in your face. He was a beautiful musician: I remember a concert my first year at Stanislaus (1992-3) when Bob shared the concert stage with a soprano. They made glorious music together. Bob was a good one. I am very sorry to read that has died. I feel for his family. //Dave Keymer, VP for Student Affairs, 1993-2001

Annie Jeffries

May 7, 2009

I will never forget Bob. He was, without a doubt, my all-time favorite person in the department. Annie

Michael & Karen Guzman

May 7, 2009

Joy, Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of Bob. He was truly a treasured gem who we will miss dearly. With Love, Mike & Karen

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results