Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph Sugar Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Sugar
Joseph Rutkowski
October 31, 2024
I knew Joe Sugar as a mentor and a colleague. Then I had the good fortune to run into Joe at the NYSSMA Festival when he was adjudicating brass rooms at NYU and my two young sons were lucky to be evaluated by this master. When I saw the glowing faces of each of my children as they exited that room, I knew that the adjudicator accomplished what the goal of NYSSMA is: reinforce and nurture a child's desire to love music and love playing music.
We are also in eternal debt to Tony Maiello for his impromptu public recognition of Joe Sugar just before Tony conducted the All State Symphony Orchestra's performance of Stravinsky's Firebird Suite at the Eastman Theatre in December 2008.
Now that I am retired, I recall what Joe said to me as he was getting ready to take stage at Tilles Center to conduct an NMEA all county band performance, "When you retire, keep playing your clarinet and writing articles..."
That's what I'm doing, thanks to Joe Sugar!
Joseph Rutkowski
October 28, 2024
Joseph Rutkowski
Friend
Joseph Rutkowski
October 28, 2023
I knew Joe Sugar as a mentor and a colleague. Then I had the good fortune to run into Joe at the NYSSMA Festival when he was adjudicating brass rooms at NYU and my two young sons were lucky to be evaluated by this master. When I saw the glowing faces of each of my children as they exited that room, I knew that the adjudicator accomplished what the goal of NYSSMA is: reinforce and nurture a child's desire to love music and love playing music.
We are also in eternal debt to Tony Maiello for his impromptu public recognition of Joe Sugar just before Tony conducted the All State Symphony Orchestra's performance of Stravinsky's Firebird Suite at the Eastman Theatre in December 2008.
Now that I am retired, I recall what Joe said to me as he was getting ready to take stage at Tilles Center to conduct an NMEA all county band performance, "When you retire, keep playing your clarinet and writing articles..."
That's what I'm doing, thanks to Joe Sugar!
Joseph Rutkowski
October 28, 2024
Joseph Rutkowski
October 28, 2022
I knew Joe Sugar as a mentor and a colleague. Then I had the good fortune to run into Joe at the NYSSMA Festival when he was adjudicating brass rooms at NYU and my two young sons were lucky to be evaluated by this master. When I saw the glowing faces of each of my children as they exited that room, I knew that the adjudicator accomplished what the goal of NYSSMA is: reinforce and nurture a child's desire to love music and love playing music.
We are also in eternal debt to Tony Maiello for his impromptu public recognition of Joe Sugar just before Tony conducted the All State Symphony Orchestra's performance of Stravinsky's Firebird Suite at the Eastman Theatre in December 2008.
Now that I am retired, I recall what Joe said to me as he was getting ready to take stage at Tilles Center to conduct an NMEA all county band performance, "When you retire, keep playing your clarinet and writing article..."
That's what I'm doing, thanks to Joe Sugar!
Joseph Rutkowski
October 28, 2022
Larry Knoll
April 22, 2017
I am now 65 years old, but I remember Mr. Sugar very well from when he was my band teacher at Kramer Lane Elementary School. I transferred to Kramer Lane in 5th grade and met Mr. Sugar when my parents registered me for school in late August just before the first day of school. A few weeks later I was walking with my class to the art room and we passed Mr. Sugar in the hallway. He saw me and said "Hello Larry, nice to see you". I was so proud he rembered me and called me by my name in front of the whole class! I remember that to this day.
I thought of him today and googled him and was very sad he passed away although not totally surprised given our age difference. But if anyone from his family reads this, I want you to know how I appreciated knowing Mr. Sugar and having him as band teacher for 2 years.
Bruce Houston
November 30, 2009
To Claire and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was not only a collegue yet a great friend and mentor to me and my career since we first met through Pete DeLuke in my High Schools years. He was always an inspiration to me and others alike. He will be dearly missed.
Sincerely,
Bruce H.Houston
Retired, Myrtle Beach
jay tartikoff
November 28, 2009
TO THE ENTIRE SUGAR FAMILY
WE ARE SORRY TO HERE OF YOUR LOSS
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU
AT THIS TIME
JOE TARTIKOFF AND NANCY TARTIKOFF
AND JAY THE ROCKER TARTIKOFF
AND JEFF TARTIKOFF TOO...
Ira Temchin
November 14, 2009
Joe Sugar was my first Trumpet teacher at Kramer Lane Elementary school in 1959. He was an extraordinary teacher. I have never stopped thinking of him over the many years. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. My thanks to him for bringing the joy of playing music to my life. Ira Temchin
Charles Schueler
November 13, 2009
I'll miss Joe as a Friend, Masonic Brother and Shrine Noble. I played trumpet in the Kismet Shrine Band, along with Joe before he became Bandmaster, and I became Potentate. He was a gentleman's gentleman, kind, comoassionate, loving and caring and I will miss him greatly.
To the Sugar family, I can only ask God to share a measure of His Grace to guide you through the days and weeks ahead. Much Love to you Clara, Tom, Robert and the Grandchildren.
Bert Konowitz
November 10, 2009
It was a jolting shock to learn of Joe's passing. I thought that Joe would live forever - his energy, dedication, vision and deep comittment to music...and life. In reality, Joe's contributions to so many over the years WILL live on. I always admired his unwillingness to accept compromise, when that compromise threatened his devotion to achieving the richness and beauty that music and music education offered. We have lost a true warrior - Joe focused on the value of music in everyone's life and he was so wonderfully victorius in so many settings. His devotion to Clara is a model for all of us to emulate.
Joe, you made a difference...we are all so much better for all that you did so admirably.
November 9, 2009
Joe was amazing! He instilled love for music and a joy in playing that has lasted and lasted.
What a gift and what a wonderful person. our kids were blessed to have had such a wonderful teacher.
Lynn and Stan Brooks
George Brooks
November 9, 2009
My years at jr high south must have been '69-'70 and Joe Sugar was the man who made it all worthwhile. I have been a professional musician for almost 35 years now. It was Joe who gave me my start and the "permission" to improvise or "ride" as he called it. I still remember the simple blues backgrounds that we would play in the "stage band" as each of us would get our turn to nervously stand and deliver our best.
No matter how irritated he might become during rehearsals due to our our squirrely, hormone charged middle-school misbehavior, his office was always a refuge of warmth, humor and wisdom and ultimately the launching pad for my career. Thank you Joe and Godspeed. I will remember you always.
George Brooks
November 8, 2009
to Joseph R. Sugar,
for granting so many musical wishes!
Thanks Pop.
Jonathan Hudis
November 8, 2009
Joe Sugar: A man with a heart of gold. I cannot think of a more dedicated music teacher. He touched so many lives. He brought us together in so many wonderful ways. He also brought out the best in us. He taught us not to be afraid, even when performing in front of hundreds of people. When, as adults, we look back on our formative years, JR Sugar is one of our fondest memories. He made learning music fun. He taught us what working as team was supposed to be like. He made his part of our world a better place. He will be missed.
Barbara Gold
November 8, 2009
My deepest condolences to the entire Sugar Family. Joe was loved by all his students and their parents. Part of my sons' most memorable times were playing in the band at Hewlett High School. His warmth and personality spilled over to all who knew him. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. He will be missed by all.
Chris Meglin
November 7, 2009
Joe Sugar lives in my heart and I feel privileged to have experienced him as a teacher, a mentor, and friend. It was Mr. Sugar who helped ignite the passion I have as a performer. “Hey Meglin, how are your chops?” he would ask with that cool, collective grin on his face in between audience applause and my setting up the music stand front stage for a trumpet solo. He knew how nervous I was, age thirteen, a prodigy he took personal pride in as he prepared me for the huge “Trumpeter’s Lullaby” solo. He had this gift, this way of assuaging performance anxiety while up on that stage. He celebrated us kids, and the proof came when he would deliver hilarious anecdotal stories to our band concert audiences that amused us and epitomized his youthful heart and loving spirit he brought to his job and the relationship he shared with his students. I love him for being in my corner, and helping me to realize my potential. His influence on me is a lasting one as I credit him for helping shape a stage persona that transcended from a musical performer to a public speaker, a radio disc jockey, and now public educator. He loved the limelight. I think we share this, JR and I. So this question about my chops, it’s a reminder to me about what people with big hearts do, and what good public speakers do. They know their audience. We here in the audience will never forget Mr. Sugar. My prayers and blessings are with the Sugar family.
Randi Romm Bezalel
November 7, 2009
To the Sugar Family,
My deepest condolences to your family. It is a huge loss to every child, student, and adult whose lives were touched by such a kind-hearted, warm, selfless man. My family spent a lot of time with Sugarbear whether it was during band or planning events for the band. The most important memory I have is that Mr. Sugar made every individual he encountered feel good about himself whether he liked the person or not, or whether they were the worst musician he ever heard. He built up more self-esteem than any counselor or psychologist could ever build. He will be sorely missed by ALL who had the fortune to cross his path. Love and prayers to his family who were the center of his universe...
Andy Fox
November 6, 2009
Ten years ago, I did something I'd never done before and haven't done since. I wrote a thank you letter to someone for making a difference in my life. It had been 25 years since he was my teacher and it was about time I let him know how I felt. "JR" called me to thank me for the note. He made all his students feel special and made sure we all had fun. He did his job like no other.
Barry Wiederman
November 6, 2009
Joe Sugar will surely be sadly missed by all students who had him. Way back in 1974, I switched from orchestra to band because I saw how much more fun my friends were having in band. Joe 'Sugar Bear' used to let me sit in on band practice. I finally gave in and joined both the regular band and later the jazz band. What a great time he gave us all.
Kris Theobald
November 6, 2009
To the Sugar famaily,Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,and anyone lucky enough to have met Joe.I will miss the laughs,waves and his presence in our neighborhood as I'm sure all will.
Sincerely,
Kris,Lesli and the Theobald family
The Morettes
November 6, 2009
New York State music and Joe Sugar has been interwoven since his beginnings at Hewlett-Woodmere. No one person has done more to perpetuate the growth of music in New York State than Joe.
The New York State Legislators never had a chance against Joe. He was smarter and more clever. His representation of NYSSMA in Albany ensured that music would be strong and vibrant. He knew how to persuade and display to Albany how music was not important, but vital.
I hang my head in sorrow. For the loss of life. For the loss of NYSSMA's supreme Ambassador. But most of all, because the planet Earth has lost one its truly fine human beings. I am confident that at this very moment, Joe is lobbying God for more funding for the All-Heaven band...and while he's at it, he'll get funding for the rest of heaven's music programs too!
We have many fine memories. He will be greatly missed.
Daniel Deutsch
November 6, 2009
The news of Joe's passing is very sad. Joe was a giant in the field of music education who left his indelible mark on our profession. What I loved most in Joe was his all-embracing humanity. He buoyed so many of us up with his warmth, support, and encouragement.
Joe was a skilled advocate, at home in the corridors of power. But to Joe, an elementary school kid with a saxophone was just as important as a member of the State Senate.
Cindy Ceglio
November 5, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Clara and your family. Joe was such a gentleman and I always enjoyed our conversations when he called me to judge. Peter & I will miss working with him, his smile and his warmth.
Sincerely,
Cindy & Peter Ceglio and family
November 5, 2009
To Clara and his boys: We spent many happy hours with Joe at Woodmere South for over 20 yesra. He always had a smile on his face and would try to make our day happier. He will be missed. Joan Kerwin and Patricia Seery
Dick Katz
November 5, 2009
Clara, Tommy and Robert, My sister called from L.I. to tell me of Joe's passing. Words cannot express my sorrow. He was like a second Dad to me as I began teaching at Jr. High South, and throughout my career.As you remember, we car pooled for over 5 years, and every day started with Joes jokes. Our days started and ended with joy and laughter. How he remembered all the jokes I will never know. He was the best role model I ever knew. He was a terrific teacher, Director, Showman , person and friend to all that came in contact with him. He was always so proud of his boys, and adored you, Clara. My thoughts are with you. The entire country has a great loss with Joe's passing.
Joseph Rutkowski
November 5, 2009
I knew Joe Sugar as a mentor and a colleague. Then I had the good fortune to run into Joe at the NYSSMA Festival when he was adjudicating brass rooms at NYU and my two young sons were lucky to be evaluated by this master. When I saw the glowing faces of each of my children as they exited that room, I knew that the adjudicator accomplished what the goal of NYSSMA is: reinforce and nurture a child's desire to love music and love playing music.
We are also in eternal debt to Tony Maiello for his impromptu public recognition of Joe Sugar just before Tony conducted the All State Symphony Orchestra's performance of Stravinsky's Firebird Suite at the Eastman Theatre in December 2008.
Alice Pratt
November 4, 2009
Dear Clara,
You and Joe have been role models for music educators for as long as I can remember. Joe will always be remembered for how much he gave to his fellow music educators and the students they teach.
November 4, 2009
God asked and:
"A Saint Came Marching In."
The Scanlon Family
Juan Ros
November 4, 2009
Dear Clara, Tom & Robert:
Joe was a mentor, my boss, a colleague, but most of all a friend. He was truly one of a kind. A man that was giving without wanting anything back. He did more for Music Education through his involvement than any dozen others put together. He shall be missed for all of this, but above all because he was a gentle man and a true "prince amongst men". I shall miss him for the great friend he was to me.
Charles Kalinowski
November 4, 2009
Dear Clara, Tom and Robert: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at the loss of your husband and father. Charles and Carole Kalinowski
Linda (Cohen) Woodard
November 4, 2009
I am deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing. As a band member back in 1974 - 1976, I'll never forget how he referred to the oboes as the doobies. His humor, compassion and genuine love for his students was felt by all that knew him. Joe Sugar did more for music in our schools than most ever knew. I hope that his dream will continue with everyone supporting the arts in our schools. My sincerest condolences to the Sugar family and all that knew and loved Mr. Sugar.
Joseph Rutkowski
November 3, 2009
I knew Joe Sugar as a mentor and a colleague. Then I had the good fortune to run into Joe at the NYSSMA Festival when he was adjudicating brass rooms at NYU and my two young sons were lucky to be evaluated by this master. When I saw the glowing faces of each of my children as they exited that room, I knew that the adjudicator accomplished what the goal of NYSSMA is: reinforce and nurture a child's desire to love music and love playing music.
We are also in eternal debt to Tony Maiello for his impromptu public recognition of Joe Sugar just before Tony conducted the All State Symphony Orchestra's performance of Stravinsky's Firebird Suite at the Eastman Theatre in December 2008.
John Gallagher
November 3, 2009
Joe Sugar was responsible for many people becoming music teachers and arts administrators. He has touched so many lives and mentored many young people. Our students receive a quality music education throughout New York State due to the efforts of Joseph R. Sugar. I, personally, owe my career to Joe Sugar. He was my friend, my teacher and my mentor. My heartfelt condolences go to Clara and her family. Music education has lost a giant in New York State.
Amy
November 3, 2009
Joe Sugar was a caring man who is loved, known, and remembered by all. Always with a smile on his face he was always ready to share his knowledge with his students and colleagues. His love for music and music education was shown every day. Thoughts and prayers go out to Clara and the family.
November 3, 2009
Joe Suger was always Mr Suger to me
If it was not for Mr Suger as teacher in South Middle school I would not be the person I am today.
November 3, 2009
I was dismayed to hear of the death of my favorite teacher in the whole world! Mr. Sugar, aka JR or Sugar Bear, made the Woodmere Junior High South band room a haven of warmth and humor and safety during some very tumultuous years during the early 70s. Our 8th grade trip to Washington DC won't be forgotten by anyone who went! Even 20+ years later, when I ran into him at NYSSMA events with my kids, he sometimes had the picture with him! He set a standard for music educators that has blessed our district, and I'm sure many others, for generations of kids. He legacy will live forever.
With love,
Amy (Sheidlower) Flynn
Woodmere South '74
Megan Carlucci Zarchy
November 3, 2009
The music education world has lost a giant. His impression is firmly stamped upon all things NYSSMA, and his warm, charming personality will be missed by all who knew him.
Melissa rossberg gates
November 3, 2009
I have always had a special place in my heart for Joe Sugar...I remember him fondly as Superintendent of Music at Hewlett-Woodmere when I was growing up and have enjoyed seeing him throughout the years at various events in the district and at many concerts that my own children were involved in. My son was able to honor him 2 summers ago by performing when Joe and his wife were honored at Usdan. It brings tears to my eyes that a child of mine will be able to honor him once again and for a final time this Saturday when some HHS chorale students sing at the funeral. Joe Sugar is a truly beloved man and will be missed. Love and prayers to his family...
Sonia Pendergrass
November 3, 2009
To the Sugar family,
I am saddened to hear of Mr. Sugar's passing. He will be missed by so many people. My sympathies to the Sugar family. Know that he will be conducting the biggest band of all now!
Sonia Stein Pendergrass
Former Student
November 3, 2009
I loved him as a band teacher. I remember going to his shows in the parks in the summer with my parents. He was a great man and loved by all.
roger&ronnie Thyben
November 3, 2009
We loved Joe, I spent many years in the Kismet Temple Shrine band under his baton....Very sad to hear the news, he will be missed. God bless Clara and family our prayers are w/you.
November 3, 2009
I am very sad to learn of this. Mr. Sugar( aka Sugra Bear) will certainly be missed:( My condolences.
Karla Essner- Former Student of Mr. Sugar
Donna Tudda
November 3, 2009
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend, teacher and mentor, Joe Sugar. Joe has touched the lives of so many. His commitment to the arts and to our young people has been immeasurable. His ability to teach and inspire will never be forgotten. His legacy will be his warmth for our youth, his enthusiasm for music education and his advocacy for support of the arts in schools. Our heartfelt sympathies to Clara and the rest of his wonderful family. He will truly be missed by so many.
Sincerely,
Peter and Donna Tudda and Family
(Jesse Tudda, NYSSMA '07)
November 3, 2009
Joe Sugar was the best known Music Educator on Long Island.
Showing 1 - 43 of 43 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Sugar's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph Sugar
Funeral services provided by:
Charles J. O'Shea Funeral Homes, Inc. - Wantagh603 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Sugar's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
