Charles Luther Reifsnyder

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

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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

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.