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PAUL SPONG Obituary

SPONG--Paul. Ballet pianist extraordinaire Paul Spong died peacefully on October 4th. Born in 1932, Paul was a graduate of the University of Minnesota. From 1962 to 1984, he was Music Director for Brooklyn College's Dance Department. Later he worked at the Joffrey Ballet School, Ballet Academy East, Dance Space, the Dance/Impulses Theater of Margaret Beals and the Aspen Music Festival. Paul was the pianist for two recorded albums with ballet instructor David Howard. Paul is survived by his brother, John Spong of Pompton Plains, New Jersey, and three generations of nieces and nephews. Memorial service: 2pm, October 14 at Trinity Cemetery Chapel, 770 Riverside Drive. A celebration of Paul's life will be held in 2014. Donations can be made to: Manhattan School of Music or Amnesty International.

Published by New York Times on Oct. 13, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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I shall always treasure the fun and delight of sharing wonderful exotic travel adventures with Paul. Our trip to India, our trip to Berline , our wonderful holidays in Paris together will always be a part of my thoughts of Paul.
Jo Schaffer

October 30, 2013

Uncle Paul was always the life of the party. He had the best and most exotic taste in food, wine, travel and life experiences. He was simply the best with the family "fun checks". We will miss you greatly.

Chuck and Mary Sorlie

October 28, 2013

As a child growing up and throughout my life Paul was a great influence on me, with his love of music, especially his playing the piano and loving opera. As a teenager he came by himself from Minneapolis to visit us in Illinois. He made a miniature opera stage for us and got us very excited about Wagner's Ring. I could make a long list of music that he introduced to me. I saw him in a University of Minnesota production as a dashing “Captain of the Pinafore”.
I was lucky to have him as my cousin, and I miss him very much.

Marian LeConte

October 16, 2013

I will truly miss him. He lived life to the fullest and found ways to connect with everyone. He was one of a kind and the world will be an emptier place without hi.

Mike Parson

October 15, 2013

Uncle Paul was always the 'cool' Uncle - whether scoring great seats to the circus, the ballet, the Mets, or introducing us to the joy of music - notably operas and concerts in Central Park! He exposed us to frog's legs, bison, snake, and a whole host of delicacies we wouldn't have tried if it wasn't for his encouragement. His schedule was packed solid with activities and events up until the end...he lived life to the fullest and was an inspiration for us all. We will miss you Uncle Paul!

Laura and Mark Scherban

October 14, 2013

Uncle Paul was such a warm and fun person, he was always a true delight. Even though he thought some of the Mellgren gatherings were surreal, he joined in the fun of family fashion shows, pin the tail on the donkey games and experimenting with Minnesota wine. We will miss him.

Carol and Dave Mellgren

October 14, 2013

Uncle Paul was a wonderful, generous man with a great spirit. We will miss him dearly.

Erik & Adele Spong

October 13, 2013

Uncle Paul was such a fun and wonderful part of our lives. He was also a good friend with dining and touring always involved; birthdays in Paris, the MET and Bronx Zoo, skating at Rockefeller Center, musicals, family Thanksgivings and an incomparable joie de vivre. We will miss him dearly and treasure all the warm memories.

Ann and Manos

October 13, 2013

What a dear friend and wonderful soul. We are so grateful for having Paul in our life.

Dennis Apland and Kathryn Lew

Dennis Apland

October 13, 2013

I had the honor and good fortune of dancing to Paul's music for many years as part of Margaret Beals' Impulses Dance Theatre. Paul's playing and our dancing were improvised, and Paul was able to stun us on a regular basis with the beauty, depth, and "rightness" of his music. What a gift. Beyond that, Paul had a big heart and an optimistic outlook that I greatly appreciated. I am grateful to be able to carry a little of Paul's spirit forward with me in life, through both his music and his friendship. I will miss him dearly. All my condolences and thoughts for peace to his family. Wherever you are now Paul - play on!

John Morris

October 13, 2013

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