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BORN
1926
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
Theodore Karp Obituary
Dr. Theodore C. Karp, 89. Beloved hudband of Judith (nee Schwartz); devoted father of Shira (Norman) Eliaser; proud grandfather of Davita and Shoshana Eliaser; dear brother of Gilbert Karp. The family wishes to thank his devoted caregivers, including Dante Guerra. Theodore was a professor of medieval music at Northwestern University for 26 years and a well-known scholar in the field of Gregorian chant. Funeral service Sun, 10 AM, at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette. Interment Shalom. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Solomon Schechter Day School, www.schechter.org, or Chicagoland Jewish High School, www.cjhs.org. For info: 847-256-5700.
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Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Karp
Valerie Bengal
March 5, 2016
When I was a student and violinist at UCDavis 1971-73 Dr. Karp was very kind to me and shared his musical expertise and sense of humor. I didn't realize that he was at Northwestern after UCD until I read the notice in the alumni magazine. My MD from NUMS (Feinberg) was in 1980 so in retrospect I am grateful that we were on the same lakefront for a few years.He advised me to solve a thorny problem as I might untangle a glob of string. Pull a little at a time and loosen the filaments. This approach has served me well in academic and clinical medicine as well as music and life. I loved the music and history of the medieval period and will always think of him. I send my condolences to his family and friends.
The Grants
November 13, 2015
Farewell Dear Friend and Neighbor; always a true, kind, and gentle giant who lives fondly in the hearts and memories of all of our family.
His memory is a blessing. Our hearts are with you.
Howard Prager
November 12, 2015
Sincerely sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed talking with Ted when we saw each other. Wishing you, Shira, Norm and family only good memories.
Susan Jackson
November 12, 2015
My deepest condolences. May his memory be a blessing always. His work certainly has been!
November 10, 2015
Dear Judith,
Ted was an inspiration to me as an undergraduate, the model of what a scholar could be, and a reason I have become a musicologist. The depth and dedication he delivered to music history are lessons that live on in all of his students. I often feel that half of higher education is to be exposed to the highest levels of excellence, and the other half is to find your own pathway to such a peak. Ted quietly helped me with both halves. How lucky I am to have known him, and how sorry I am to see him go.
I wish you every comfort in your grief.
Robert Fallon
Bob Kendrick
November 9, 2015
dear Judith, we are so sorry for you and for the whole family. Ted was always a passionate scholar of music, who continued doing important things even in retirement (such as his work on later chant). At U Chicago we also saw how dedicated a teacher he was. Our deepest condolences to all of you in this sad moment. Bob and Lucia
Paul-André Bempéchat
November 9, 2015
Though never a student of his, I had studied Professor Karp's work and would meet him at the AMS annual meetings and enjoy his company. I will never forget his sensitivity when my Mother had passed away just days before the meeting. May we all have such friends and mentors.
Sincerest sympathies to the family and to all who were close to Professor Karp.
Paul-André Bempéchat
Arthur Ness
November 9, 2015
What a loss. I will always hold Theodore in my heart as a dear friend and admired scholar.
My deepest condolences, Judy. Love, Arthur
Vivian Ramalingam
November 9, 2015
Ted was the first musicologist I knew who was not one of my instructors. He fit Diogenes' ideal of an honest man, in the fullest sense of the word. His generosity and enthusiasm toward his students, his friends and their work was so heartening, in a field where the "Scholar As Hero" had prevailed for so long. I, we, will love and miss him as long as memory endures. May he rest in peace.
Liz (Zoller) Cohen
November 9, 2015
One of my very favorite professors from NU. Twenty-five years later, I still tell people how much I loved his class on The Florentine Period. Sending heartfelt condolences to your family.
November 9, 2015
He was a wonderful man! I always looked forward to seeing him at the NYU events because he was an affectionate and loyal alum. A great loss!
Kyle Gann
November 8, 2015
Judith, please accept my condolences. I regularly bring up Dr. Karp in conversation with colleagues as one of the finest, most caring, and most dedicated professors I ever had - and someone who taught the old-fashioned way, with a dignity that made the students feel responsible for their education. I still know the 15th century well because he taught it so well. He's one of a handful of professors whose influence I carry into the classroom with me every day.
Kathy Pisaro
November 7, 2015
Dear Judith:
Sincere sympathy to you and the family. Every time I teach anything about Medieval and Renaissance music I hear Dr. Karp's voice helping me out. He was such an important influence on me and I am so thankful I was able to work with him as a student. I hope all is well with you and your family in this difficult time.
Lynn
November 7, 2015
Dear family and friends I am sorry for your loss. Cherish your fond memories.Draw close to God in prayer.
Lynn Gullickson Spencer
November 6, 2015
Dear Judith,
My sincere condolences to you and the rest of your family...
I'm so glad that I was able to see you both last year at the Wilmette Public Library. It will remain a very special memory for me.
Take care,
Lynn
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