Edward R. Pearsall

1954 - 2017

PEARSALL, Edward R. Professor Edward R. Pearsall, 63, of Austin, Texas, passed away on November 24, 2017, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on May 20, 1954, to Dona (Smith) Pearsall and the late John Pearsall. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, professor Ludim R. Pedroza; mother Dona Pearsall of Brookville, PA; sister Sherry Warner of Grove City, PA; brothers Kenneth Pearsall of Conneaut Lake, PA and Philip Pearsall of Titusville, PA; nieces Pam, Amy, Kristi, and nephew Travis. Edward graduated from Titusville High School in 1972 and from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1976, with a B.S. in Music Education. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Music Theory from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1994, Edward went on to hold teaching positions at the College of St. Teresa in Winona, Minnesota, and at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. Since 1999 to the time of his death, he taught at The University of Texas at Austin where he received awards for excellence in teaching. He was also president of the Texas Society for Music Theory from 2005-2008. His research on the cognition of music, theories of rhythm, and other subjects appeared in numerous publications. His latest project was a book on music and inter-subjectivity. Edward's career as music theorist was preceded by one as professional tuba player, notably as member of the Orquesta del Teatro de Bellas Artes (Mexico City National Opera Company) and the Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as appearances with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Edward was also a licensed music therapist and a composer of chamber, film, and electronic music. A lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, an avid traveler, a woodwork hobbyist, an enthusiast of motorcycles and other fast-moving vehicles, a lover of food, cooking, and gatherings with friends and family, Edward enjoyed life to the fullest. In addition to his human family, he is survived by beloved felines Daphne, Merlin, Thimble, and Caesar. A memorial service will be held at 3 PM on Wednesday December 13, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3208 Exposition Blvd., in Austin, Texas. All are welcome to a gathering with refreshments in the fellowship hall after the memorial service. For those desiring, you may also access the online guest registry and obituary at www.wcfish.com.