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William Usher Obituary
William (Bill) D. Usher, II died at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, CA on April 30, 2009 as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage. Born January 31, 1968, Mr. Usher was preceded in death by his father William D. Usher and a brother Scott O. Usher. He is survived by his domestic partner, Christopher Sioco of Los Angeles, his mother Marjorie M. Usher of Greene, NY, his sister Valerie S. Usher of Washington, DC, his sister Vickie Morf of Orlando, FL and two nieces Gina and Alyssa Morf.
At the time of his death, Mr. Usher was Director of Music and Organist at St. Gregory the Great Church, a 3800 family parish in Whittier, CA. June 28, 2008 marked the launch of the Music at St. Gregory's Concert Series. The inaugural event was a Solemn Choral Eucharist for the Vigil of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul and featured the world premiere of Usher's Mass in Honor of St. Jude, his first major choral composition.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Usher served at Parsippany United Methodist Church, Parsippany, NJ; St. Stephen United Church of Christ, Louisville, KY; The Church of the Incarnation, Glendale, CA; and St. Mel Catholic Church, Woodland Hills, CA. From 1995-2006, he was the Director of Music at Holy Trinity Church, Georgetown, the oldest Roman Catholic house of worship in the District of Columbia and the parish of the late President John F. Kennedy. Beyond his commitment to leading the music ministry for the 3500 family parish, Usher established the prestigious Music at Trinity Concert Series.
Mr. Usher was the founding conductor of the St. Mel Boychoir, an all treble choir that also performed as the Los Angeles Boychoir on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and is recorded on the soundtrack of the film Wes Craven's New Nightmare. Mr. Usher was conductor of the Capitol Hill Choral Society - which became the Washington Choral Ensemble under his leadership - one of Washington DC's acclaimed choruses. Choirs under Usher's direction have toured in France, Portugal, Spain and Brazil. During a choir tour to Brazil in the summer of 2004, he was interviewed live on Brazilian public radio.
Mr. Usher was a native of Greene, New York. He studied at Westminster Choir College, and received a Bachelor of Music degree in Organ Performance and Church Music from The University of Louisville School of Music and the Master of Music in Organ Performance from the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California.
Memorial services will be held 2:00 pm PT on May 16, 2009 at St. Gregory's Church in Whittier, CA and 9:30 am ET on June 6, 2009 at Holy Trinity Church in Georgetown, Washington, DC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the newly-established William D. Usher, II Memorial Endowed Scholarship at the University of Southern California. Please make checks payable to the USC Thornton School of Music, with "Usher Scholarship" notated in the memo line and mail to: William D. Usher II Scholarship, USC Thornton School of Music, 840 West 34thSt. MUS 408, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0851
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Usher
Russell Silva
February 25, 2024
I was the lead soprano in the St Mels Boy Choir for many years. I remember going to Rome for the New Year of 2000 to sing for the pope. Mr Usher was a great teacher. I remember how passionate he was about music. I was doing a quick search because I was curious as to what he may be up to these days and came across this unfortunate news. He was a great teacher and a kind man. I'm very sad to hear about this news but grateful for lessons that he thought me.
Kevin White
June 3, 2009
Many years and miles have passed since I went to school and was in band with Bill in Greene. But I remember well the nice guy he was, and the talented musician he was even back then. I am happy to have known him. My sympathies to all those whose lives he touched.
Tracie Howard
June 1, 2009
Each day I think about the wonderful person that was taken so early in his life. Bill will be greatly missed! I believe in my heart that he is up above watching over each of you. Hugs and Prayers to you all,
Michael O'Connell
May 25, 2009
Dear Mrs. Usher, Valerie and Christopher,
I send my deepest sympathies to all of you. Bill's gift of music and his talent for sharing and teaching so many will be greatly missed. But more importantly missed will be the man, the son, the brother and the partner ... the person who Bill was. All of us at Holy Trinity were blessed to have him with us for 10 years, thank you for sharing him with us. May you find peace in all the good memories of this wonderful man!
bob and maryellen Magner
May 24, 2009
Maryellen and I were both shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Bill's sudden death. He brought life and spirit to music at Holy Trinity and his dedication and professionalism were of the highest order. We feel very grateful for having known him and to have been able to work and travel with him.
Treva Pierre
May 18, 2009
Valerie & the Usher family,
I am sadden by the news of your loss. May your memories of Bill get you through this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace & Blessings,
Connie Murtagh
May 18, 2009
Valerie, I'm so sorry he hear of the loss of your brother. I hope the happy memories bring you some comfort.
Melanie Siggs
May 16, 2009
I am a work colleague of William's sister Valerie and would like to use this Book to offer my deep sympathy to her and all the family. To lose someone so young, so suddenly, is most tragic and sadly something many of us have now experienced. So very hard to come to terms with, and horribly unfair. It sounds as though 'Bill' was an awesome fellow who lived a full life and leaves a great legacy through his music. I hope you all find comfort in that. He sounds quite remarkable and I sense I would have enjoyed to know him, and hear his choral acheivements. Best wishes, Melanie
Stacie Anuszkiewicz
May 15, 2009
I did not have the privilege to meet Bill, but I am sadden by the news. His sister, Valerie, is friends with my sister and I have heard nothing but great things about him. My prayers and thoughts are with the Usher Family.
Linda (Huntley) Teter
May 15, 2009
I couldn't believe it when I heard about Bill's untimely death. I hadn't seem him since graduation in 1986 but I remember him as a fun loving person. We had fun hanging out together in study hall and he had a wonderful sense of humor. My condolences to his family and friends. What a remarkable person he was.
Jennifer Wilson
May 14, 2009
Words can't express my sadness at the loss of Bill. His great talent, intelligence, warmth, humor and generosity of spirit were truly extraordinary. I was so hoping to spend time with him this summer, when I will be in LA - that he won't be there leaves a great, gaping hole in my heart that won't heal easily or soon. Bill liked to joke that he "made me" - to which I always countered, "Yes, truly, you made me what I am today, and without you I would be someone and somewhere else." Rest in peace, dear friend.
Donna Ely
May 12, 2009
Bill was one of the most talented choral conductors and musicians I have ever had the pleasure to work with. He was also incredibly entertaining and energetic. He will be sorely missed by all who had the good fortune to know him during his many inspiring years at Holy Trinity; he left very big shoes to fill there. All in all, he was quite a guy. Rest in peace friend.
KT Harroun Towell
May 12, 2009
My deepest sympathies to Chris, Valerie, and the Usher family. I had many wonderful experiences singing under Bill's direction. I will always be grateful that Judith, Mary and I were able to sing for the premiere of his own beautiful Mass for St. Jude. I'm sure the Heavenly Choirs are singing that Mass now.
Dawn Martin
May 12, 2009
Valerie,
May the love and admiration that you and Bill had for one another carry you through this difficult time. He made a tremendous mark on two glorious cities and thousands of people. I wish them and, most importantly, you, the strength you will need to get through the lonely moments and the peace that will come from knowing that you shared such a strong bond. I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers and good energy go out to you and Bill's family, friends and admirers.
Amanda (Russell) Shank
May 12, 2009
It saddens my heart to hear of Bill's passing. He was an incredible musician and I have admired him from afar for many years. My prayers go out to all his family and close friends. Peace be with you.
Laura White-Warren
May 12, 2009
I was so saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I have not seen him in so long, but I will always remember what a wonderful friend and classmate he was. He was always there with a smile and an infectious laugh. I am glad he was able to share that with so many throughout his life.
My thoughts are with all of you.
Tom Applin
May 12, 2009
While I did not sing with Bill, as a parishioner, former choir member and acolyte at Holy Trinity,I have a great appreciation for the stunning contribution Bill made to our worship. For me, the spiritual impact of music is central to worship. Bill and the choir gave us ten years of very moving liturgies which I will not forget. I am so very sorry that he is gone but will always remember what he gave us in those ten years at Holy Trinity.
Pam Lucey
May 11, 2009
It was a privilege to be able to sing with Bill and to also be his friend. His contribution to Holy Trinity's worship life through music was tremendous and we were very blessed to have him share his gift with us for so many years. I can almost hear him saying to the heavenly choir--"Fish mouths, I want fish mouths!" They had better pay attention!
Doug & Noel Huffman
May 10, 2009
We were very saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He was such a fun and exciting guy to be around! His accomplishments are amazing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and many friends he had made along his journey.
Tim Auwarter
May 10, 2009
Bill touched so many lives over the years. While I have not seen him since the summer of 1986, I have often wondered what he had accomplished. From the things I have heard he grew into a fine person and spread his energy and spirit to everyone he met. He will certainly be missed.
Duane Pierce
May 9, 2009
It is clearly evident that Bill played a huge role in many peoples lives. He certainly will remain in the hearts and minds of those he crossed paths with.
Dave Jones
May 9, 2009
Bill will always be a memorable part of the Class of '86 and all of the lives he has enriched throughout the years. Bill’s accomplishments are remarkable and his legacy will definitely endure.
May 9, 2009
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's untimely death--he meant so much to me--as a piano student and fellow organist. He had such zest for his music and drive to succeed! We attended his concert at the church in Georgetown and were so proud of him! Our sincere sympathy to Marge and Valerie.
Ellie and John Rugg
Betty Buchanan
May 8, 2009
Dear Valerie,
What a loss to you and to all. My prayers are for you and all of Bill's family.
Love,
Betty Buchanan
Mark Praigg
May 8, 2009
I'm so saddened to hear of Bill's death. I knew him in Los Angeles and performed in the Durufle Requiem in 1994 at St. Mel's. That same year our mutual friend, Steven Webster, died and I remember how hard it was on a then very young man. My sincere condolences
Marilyn Villante
May 8, 2009
Marge, My sympathy to you. I have such fond memories of Billy and Michael, as young boys, playing in the pool with all their Star Wars figures. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
The Villante Family
Sue (Price) Efing
May 8, 2009
I offer my thoughts and prayers to Bill's family. Music was definitely his gift - how wonderful all he was able to accomplish and the people he blessed with it! God bless!
Peg Ross
May 7, 2009
Even though I hadn't seen Bill in some time I thought of him often and wondered what his latest project was going to be. He certainly crammed in lots of activity in his short life. I will miss him and his zest for life. I have many wonderful memories of Bill as a student, a musical marvel and a friend.
Steven Simpson
May 7, 2009
Bill certainly made his mark on the world using the gift he was given. Now he is in the presence of the true audience for whom he performed all his life. Gloria in excelsis Deo!
-Rev. Steven Simpson, formerly of Greene
rob corey
May 7, 2009
marge,
cant tell you how shocked i was to hear of this sad event.to say we are so sorry is just so inadequate,but is also so true. please know we are here for you .
rob and meg corey
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