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Robert Vandall Obituary
72, of New Philadelphia died Thursday, February 9, 2017 in the Community Hospice Truman House surrounded by his loving family.
Born February 15, 1944 he is a son of Robert A. and Elouise Parker Vandall of Akron. Bob was a 1962 graduate of Buchtel High School and received his master's degree from the University of Illinois. He retired as the owner and operator of the Vandall Piano Studio after 38 years, and was also a Composer and Arranger for Alfred Music in California. Bob was a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia where he was active with the Chancel Choir and the Hand Bell Choir. He was also a member of the Music Teachers National Association, Fortnightly Music Club of New Philadelphia and the Ohio Music Teachers Association. In his spare time he enjoyed walking, jogging and gardening.
A wonderful and loving son, husband, father and grandfather, Bob will be sadly missed by his wife of 50 years, Karen J. Allison Vandall whom he married on June 19, 1966; sons, Chris (Marcie Denton) Vandall of Cleveland Heights, Bruce (Polly) Vandall of New Philadelphia; brother, Park (Ruth) Vandall of Fla.; sister, Pat (Ted) Carano of Cuyahoga Falls; grandchildren, Garrett, Meridith, Harry, Carter and Sidney.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Friday, February 17 at 11:00 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia with Rev. Jim Humphrey officiating. Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Bob may do so by visiting the online obituaries and flowers link on the funeral homes website. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Hospice Truman House at 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Vandall
Amy Immerman
February 5, 2022
I am grateful Bob left us with so many great piano pieces. I think of him fondly every time I teach his pieces. I miss his smiling face, generous heart, and seeing him at state and national conferences.
Philip Huber
December 24, 2020
I never knew Robert, but we love his music. My daughter is playing his arrangement of The First Noel on Christmas Eve as I write this. Thank you Robert, we remember you in your music.
Celia Bartel
January 29, 2020
I did not know Mr. Vandall, but was so touched by his music. What a loss of a terrific composer. I've been teaching his pieces to my students for many years. I especially love the wide variety of emotions in his collection "Modes and Moods". His great contribution to music will continue his legacy and inspire children to reach the stars!
Amanda Wesner
June 1, 2019
I've been admiring and teaching Mr. Vandall's pieces for years. What a special gift he had for composition! One of my students is playing his Prelude in B Minor at my student recital next weekend, and I'm sure that the audience will be moved by the lyrical beauty of this piece. I'm very sorry for your loss. He touched many teachers and students with his beautiful compositions. With condolences and best wishes, Amanda Wesner
Jaymi K Frasen
November 18, 2018
I am just so very deeply saddened by Mr. Vandall's death, I love all his ensemble pieces, and the solo piece Petite Nocturne. A gorgeous tune, I'm just so incredibly sorry.
Judy
June 18, 2018
I heard a piano piece today that I thought must be one of Mr. Vandall's, and in searching for it I came across this page. I'm so very sorry to hear of his passing. My piano teacher in college introduced me to his preludes and I fell in love - as did my mom, a far better pianist than I. What a beautiful gift his music was to us all.
Robin Murray
February 3, 2018
I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Vandall's passing! His wonderful compositions have provided inspiration to my piano students for many many years. The three 'gem sonatina' duets have been a hallmark achievement for my beginning students. They know they have earned something special when I give them the Diamond, Emerald or Topaz Sonatina. I was most fortunate to attend his workshop in Monterey, Fall of 2015 where with his wife, Karen he premiered some of his latest published works. I cherish every piece I have written by him, hope to collect many more. I often end my own practice time playing his Grand Waltz. It's very sad to know there will be no new music coming. He will be missed terribly by the piano teaching world. My deepest condolences to his family.
Sylvia Berry
June 22, 2017
About ten years ago I came across Robert Vandall's music while teaching piano lessons. I've assigned many of his works since then, and I have also played them myself, especially for church services. I can't believe he's gone. (Born the same year as my father, who also passed away too soon, in 2014. They were also both from Ohio. Wow.) This makes me very sad. To his family and friends - his music has touched more people than you'll ever know. Sending my thoughts your way. So incredibly sorry for your loss.
Kelly Marshall
May 2, 2017
His music has touched many hearts, and will continue to do so. What a wonderful eternal legacy to contribute to humanity.
Laura Friedlander
May 1, 2017
To the Vandall Family, My students and I have enjoyed exploring Robert's music for years. In fact, I sometimes have to tell my students that we need to OTHER music because they always love playing a Vandall piece. I met Robert at the MTNA Convention in Las Vegas a couple of years ago. He was warm, welcoming, full of wonderful advice and genuinely delightful. I will carry that memory every time I pull out one of his pieces. He and his music will always be a part of my life.
Christine Scheid
April 29, 2017
To the family of Robert Vandall, my teacher gave me a book of sacred music that Mr. Vantall arranged. I so admire these compositions that I decided I must learn more about the composer. Little did I know that when I first began to explore his work, your beloved was entering the gates of heaven. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. May it comfort you to know that the musical gifts God gave him continue to live on as I and others explore his beautiful compositions.
Diane Zimmermann
April 17, 2017
I have loved Robert's music for many years and enjoy teaching my students many of his wonderful and exciting solos and duets. My own family especially enjoys his lovely Christmas fantasy duets, and looks forward to playing them every year, always hopeful that he will write another one . My students are paying tribute to Robert in our spring recital this weekend, and will be playing many of his delightful duets. Our deep condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed in the music community.
Jerri Nance, MTNA, ISMTA
April 12, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the Vandall family and his friends. I am a piano teacher and performer in the Chicago area. I love his music and my students enjoy performing his works. He will be missed.
Geraldine McClain
March 16, 2017
As a piano teacher in Rochester Hills, MI, I had the pleasure to meet Robert Vandall at our Teacher Programs and a work shop he presented. His music is one of my favorites to teach students. Student's love his music and how they sound playing it! He will be truly missed. Luckily, we have his wonderful music that will live on and and inspire many more student's and pianists. Sincerely, Geraldine McClain
March 8, 2017
Dear Vandall Family;
My piano teacher just informed me of Roberts passing. I never had the pleasure of meeting him but I did peer into his love of music when I was introduced just a month ago to his piano works. I was preparing for my first Adult recital and was wondering what would be both appropriate and beautiful to play. Last month I walked into my teachers studio and I heard this hauntingly beautiful melody rising from the piano. It was prelude no. 12 in G Minor. "I LOVE that", I said. My teacher said...."I knew you would". It fueled my love for the piano. I performed it last Saturday. Had I then known of Roberts passing, I would have dedicated it to him before beginning as a tribute to his musical gift to the world.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
May we all have hope in the resurrection to enjoy the company of Robert once again.
Sincerely,
William Brown
CT
Dr. Stephen Fiess and Neal Wegener
March 6, 2017
Karen and family,
Our love and prayers are with you in the loss of this precious individual and great composer from our midst!!! Robert's musical gifts touched the lives of countless students and teachers alike. Thank you for sharing your inspiration with so many of us!!! You are dearly loved!!! May the Lord grant you His Peace until you are reunited once again!!!
Becky Norcia
March 2, 2017
So sorry on the loss of your beloved brother/son & friend.
May you all find peace through the knowledge that you will all be together one day in the Lord's Heaven.
March 1, 2017
We only met you once but our hearts are heavy. May you rest in peace Robert!
Prayers for all your family,
Ray & Carol Smith
Nina Sage
February 25, 2017
Today I judged a student at Solo-Ensemble contest who played one of Mr. Vandall's piano compositions. As I complimented him on his performance, I mentioned how I love everything he has written. It was then that he told me about Mr. Vandall's passing. So sad to hear. He will be missed in the piano teacher community! I had the opportunity to meet him many years ago at a workshop. His music will live on through our students! Praying for peace and comfort for his family!
February 20, 2017
I met Mr. Vandall at LLCC, where we just celebrated our Founder's Day 50th Anniversary. It's been several years ago, but I still remember him and I'm saddened to learn of his passing. God Bless his wife and family. ~Gail Ramsey (Springfield, IL)
John & Myrn Corban
February 17, 2017
Our heart felt condolences to the Vandall family in their great loss of a wonderful husband and father and grandfather. I met him at a MTNA convention in Portland Oregon. Through the years our many students have enjoyed his beautiful music and his music will live on. A great loss in the music community. Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family as you now embark on the journey of grief.
Jill Jensen
February 16, 2017
Please accept my deepest sympathy. My daughter and I used to love to play Mr. Vandall's duets together. He has always been a favorite composer of mine as well as my students. I have fond memories of attending his workshops when he would come to Utah. He will be greatly missed.
Cheryl Rytting
February 15, 2017
Robert D. Vandall was a wonderful, kind person we were privileged to know. His music will continue to be loved by teachers and students alike. We will miss him. May you receive comfort and peace.
With much love,
Utah Music Teachers Association
Vicki King
February 14, 2017
I teach Piano Pedagogy at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music. Each day we have a Composer of the Day. Today is was Robert Vandall. Two of my graduate students did a beautiful presentation of his life, his works, and his teaching philosophy. Four of the students played his music, including the beautiful "B Minor" Prelude from Book I, and the beautiful "Ballad" from Celebrated Duets. It was very appropriate and done with great respect and great love for the music and the man who composed it. As a teacher, I've loved his music for years and played some of his music for the ballet dancers this week in the Jacobs School of Ballet. It was a lovely moment seeing them do a graceful "Adagio" to the "B Minor" Prelude. I played that prelude last year for a visiting choreographer. "What is that music?" he asked. "I'd love to have a recording of it." May he rest in peace. His music will live on in the hands of students all over the world.
Dr. Vicki King
Bruce Walter
February 14, 2017
I was not aware of Bob's illness 'til seeing obit, Karen and family. Hoping You are doing the best under these tough times of losing a 'loved one' and such a special talent and person to be sure.
Annemarie
February 14, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I am a HUGE fan of Robert's music as are my students. His ability to compose beautiful as well as fun melodies has made learning his music a blast for my students! I had the privilege of hearing him speak in Wisconsin & got to share a recital program that featured a lot of his music. I will be holding a tribute recital in honor of him in May. Please know my thoughts & prayers are with your family as you go through this difficult time.
Barbara Gill
February 14, 2017
My students and I love his music. His ability to write a piece that sounded hard, but fit so well in the hands (making it accessible) drew me to his music when I was a student and continued to bring me back as a teacher.
I was able to play a few duets with him at a music workshop at Daynes Music in 2014 in Midvale, Utah. I was nervous as there was a landslide that morning in my area, but I was thrilled to have a chance to be at the workshop!
His piano duet, "God, Be With You" is one of my favorites. May you remember that the word "Goodbye" is just a shortened version of that phrase.
Dorane Subjack
February 14, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Robert Vandall's passing. His music is well loved by my piano students and often inspires a new zest for learning. He will be missed by many, both near and far. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Mike Arnold
February 13, 2017
Deepest sympathy and prayers to all friends and family
Helen Hodil Rathburn
February 13, 2017
To Karen and your family...so sad to hear of Bob's death. I remember him as a kind and exceptionally talented person. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Christie Sowby
February 13, 2017
Vandall Family,
Please know how much my studio and I appreciated Robert's music. We always will! What a kind-hearted and loving man. We love him and will miss him!
Penni Eads
February 13, 2017
To the Vandall family, May your hearts be comforted in this great loss. What a blessing to the world is Robert D. Vandall! We all love his music, and he has inspired countless students! We are grateful that Robert presented at the Utah Music Teacher Conference a few years ago. Robert is truly a Christ-like person. May you be encircled in the arms of our Heavenly Father's eternal love and know that Robert is with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ continuing his work beyond the veil!
Penni and Tom Eads
February 13, 2017
To the Vandall family, We are grateful for all of the wonderful music of Robert D. Vandall! What a blessing his music is to the world! We loved having him come to the Utah Music Teacher's Conference to present a few years ago! Such a gifted musician, composer, and teacher! God has truly blessed the world through Robert D. Vandall, a truly Christ-like person. May you be comforted and feel the love of everyone he has touched through his gift of music.
Jeanne Nelson
February 13, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I am remembering happier times when you were at Rocky Ridge Music Center and excited at the thought of welcoming a first grandchild.
Kate Hansen
February 13, 2017
To Bob Vandall's Family: I am heartbroken for your loss. He was such a kind and honorable man and brought such wonderful gifts of music to so many. I have used Bob's works in my studio for years. I cannot tell you how many students have enjoyed them. If student interest starts to lag in lessons, I hand them one of his pieces and they just perk right up! I am not alone in this. Many of the teachers in the Billings Music Teachers Association have stories like this to tell, stories of how the beauty and excitement of his works bring so much joy to our students. Please accept our deepest condolences. His music will remain an incredible legacy. May your hearts be healed and at peace.
Bob Henning
February 13, 2017
.The internal void left by the loss of a loved one eventually can and will be filled by God's eternal love. Our sincere condolences to Karen and the family on the passing of Bob whose Christ like life of kindness and works will not be forgotten. Love, Brenda and Bob Henning
February 12, 2017
The void left by the loss of a loved one only can and will eventually be filled by God's unending Love. Our condolences to Karen and the family! Brenda and Bob Henning
Jill Gubler
February 12, 2017
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Robert's death this week. He was a prolific composer and a wonderful man. I was able to meet him on more than one occasion. His music is well-used in my studio and he will be greatly missed. Thanks for sharing him with all of us. His music is a testament to his large soul and his special gift. What a legacy to leave his family. God bless you!
Martha Hilley
February 12, 2017
Dear Karen, I have tried everything I know to try but cannot figure out a way to get there on Friday. Know that I am with you and your family in your hearts. You have known for years how I feel about Bob. His gracious manner with all of us in the piano world, the magic in his music and his ability to share his teaching "gems" with all of us. His music will live on forever and the kindness he showed to all who met him. My prayers are with you, Karen. Much love,
Sheri Kreinbihl
February 12, 2017
My deepest condolences to all of the Vandall family. I consider it a privilege to have known him. What a very fine man he was. His musical abilities were superior.
Sue James-Corman
February 12, 2017
I was saddened to hear of Bob's passing. My deepest sympathy and most sincere prayers are with your family. I remember Bob from Buchtel High School and have been blessed to keep up with him through his music. What a wonderful person and such a loss to the world in general and the world of music, in particular. God bless you all.
Norma Dickson
February 12, 2017
So sorry to hear of Robert Vandall's death. So many piano students and teachers have been influenced by his composing and workshop lectures. He was a gracious man always available to help piano teachers. One year at the Goshen Piano Teacher's Workshop he graciously gave a taped greeting and encouragement to my students to be shown at my summer recital. It was awesome for my students to hear directly from the composer of the pieces they were playing at that recital. He has left a wonderful legacy to the piano teaching world.
February 11, 2017
Dear Karen and family,
I have never forgotten you and Bob and your kindness in inviting me for dinner when I was unemployed and sending me home with a bag of fruit. I am taking piano lessons after a break of more than 50 years and so excited when my piano teacher presented a book of Bob's compositions for me to learn! She could not believe that I knew him and did not know that you had lived in Springfield. Bob was a wonderful person and his loss will be felt by many musicians.
Susan Wigginton Meister
First United Methodist Church
Springfield, Illinois
Terri Tharp
February 11, 2017
Karen, Aunt Eloise, Uncle Bob, Patty and Park, my heart hurts for you, but I take comfort that his eternity is secure. You are all in my prayers. Terri and Buddy Tharp
David Barbee
February 11, 2017
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and the family.
Carol Simpson
February 11, 2017
Thank you, Bob, for giving all of us the fruits of your marvelous gift of music. Your legacy will entertain us for years to come.
Carol Simpson
February 11, 2017
Our deepest condolences to Karen and all his family. He was a most wonderful person, aside from his marvelous legacy that will keep us smiling for all time. Heaven will welcome him. His wit, cleverness, and loving personality has always endeared others. He will be sadly missed.
Steve Beilstein
February 11, 2017
Marc, Connie & David Deibel
February 11, 2017
Sorry for your loss
Amy Immerman
February 11, 2017
I pray for the day when the joy of Robert's memory is greater than the grief of his passing. Condolences to Karen & the Vandall family. The music community is deeply saddened by this loss.
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