Charles Reifsnyder Obituary

Charles Luther Reifsnyder

Charles Reifsnyder passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at the Emeritus Fox River Living Facility in Appleton, Wisconsin. He is survived by his son Bob Reifsnyder and his daughter-in-law Jane Bradshaw Finch of Appleton, his granddaughter Anne Reifsnyder of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and two grandsons, Michael Reifsnyder of Omaha, Nebraska and Tom Reifsnyder, currently stationed with the U.S. Navy in Sasebo, Japan.

Mr. Reifsnyder was born in Bomansville, Pennsylvania and graduated from New Holland High School, where he met his future wife Irene Pennington, who preceded him in death two years ago. He first attended the Ernest Williams School of Music in Brooklyn, New York and later graduated from New York University with a Bachelors and Masters degree, as well as arriving at the ABD level toward a Doctorate. He served as an Army Bandsman in an armored division during WWII, with duty assignments in Germany and the Czech Republic.

Following his army service, "Charlie" had an illustrious 30-year career as a music educator in West Orange, New Jersey, serving first as a Band Director and later as the Department Chair for the district. During that time, he was President of the New Jersey Music Educators Association, conductor of the New Jersey All-State Band and a chosen U.S. representative for a conference in Russia. He was a co-founder of the Essex County Summer Music School, as well as co-authoring over two dozen method books for DK publishing which became widely used in the New York Metropolitan area. Upon retirement, his staff presented him with a plaque, quoting Cicero, as the "epitome of grace, wit, and charm".

Mr. Reifsnyder was an active trumpet player as a young man, as a member of the New Jersey Symphony and several other local orchestras and bands. He later was a patron of the arts, attending and contributing to, among many others, the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, Carnegie Hall's Visiting Orchestra Series and the Interlochen Center for the Arts. His enthusiasm for great music, art and literature remained a focus of his life in retirement. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends instead make a contribution in his name to a favorite charity or arts organization.

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

Published by Appleton Post-Crescent on Feb. 21, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Reifsnyder

9 Entries

Jeff Wagner

February 14, 2025

He influenced me in so many ways. He taught me perseverance and a great stick to it attitude

Sam Fierra

March 16, 2014

Mr. Reifsnyder talked me into taking up the oboe in 8th grade and I must say, through his dedication and perseverance, I actually learned to play it. I enjoyed being in the orchestra and although I did not stick with it, through Mr. Reifsnyder's enthusiasm I gained a lifetime appreciation for music, particularly the oboe, and I regularly seek recitals and concerts that feature it. We were given Mr. Reifsnyder by chance but he remains in our hearts by choice.

Jeffrey Wagner

March 16, 2014

French horn became mylove as Mr. Reifsnyder continually guided me at school. A strong personality that drew all of us together as an orchastra worth listening to. He will be missed.

Rich Ardizzone

March 12, 2014

During a school performance recently, a student asked me if I had been inspired by a teacher when I was a student. I told the class about Mr. Reifsnyder, an inspiring musician and teacher and a wonderful person. I told them I still think about the way he taught and carried himself as a model for my own teaching - still - after 55 years. My condolences to his family and friends. Please know he is still present in so many hearts all over the world.

Myra Lewinter Malamut

March 3, 2014

He was my band director at Lincoln Jr High and I also knew him from summer music school. I recall him
as an encouraging, enthusiastic,
kind and caring person, and an
outstanding music teacher who knew his stuff and knew us all by name. I feel privileged to have known him. I am part of his legacy in that until my recent retirement I was a music professor and department chair at Georgian Court University, as well as professional flutist. His legacy continues down another generation; my daughter is a professional trombonist. May he rest in peace.

Keith Ziemba

March 2, 2014

I learned a lot from him during my years in the West Orange Music department. He was one of the reasons I became a music educator and professional trumpet player. He left quite a legacy.

Myles Schlank

March 2, 2014

Mr. Reifsnyder was my first saxophone teacher and our bandleader through junior high and high school. I have many wonderful indelible memories of him, his knowledge, patience, artistry, caring. My condolences to Bob and his family. May your memories help you in this difficult time.

Paul Larsen

March 2, 2014

Mr. Reifsnyder was my first saxophone teacher at Pleasantdale elementary School in West Orange, NJ in 1964. I am a music teacher/pro musician in the Caldwell-West Caldwell public Schools in NJ. I will never forget how kind, patient, and caring he was as a teacher and he continues to be an inspiration to me with my own students. Thank you, Charlie and I pray you to RIP.
Sincerely, Paul Larsen

Steven Hyman

March 2, 2014

My name is Steven Hyman and Mr. Reifsnyder was my trumpet teacher and music mentor from the fourth grade through my high school years. I truly loved the man and highly appreciated his dedication to music making sure I practiced regularly. Some of my best memories of high school was playing in the band, orchestra, and chorus. He will be sorely missed but NEVER forgotten by the students whose lives he touched. My colences to the family. RIP Charlie.

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