Photo courtesy of Jagers and Sons Funeral Home
Athens, Ohio
May 31, 1934 – Nov 21, 2014
Richard Syracuse, pianist and Ohio University Professor Emeritus, of Athens, was taken suddenly from this life on Friday, Nov. 21, 2014. He is most remembered for his talent as a pianist, his kindness, caring, mentorship of talented musicians, and his indelible mark on the Athens music scene and on all of those who were fortunate enough to know him and work alongside of him.
Born May 31, 1934 and raised in Bronx, New York, he was the youngest of four children. He received the Bachelor and the Master of Science degrees from the Juilliard School of Music in New York City where he held the Josef Lhevinne, Frank Damrosch and John Erskine scholarships. After initial music lessons with his father, his early studies were at the Mannes College of Music with Mme.Vera Popova; at Juilliard he studied with two legendary piano teachers- Rosalyn Tureck and Mme. Rosina Lhevinne. A Fulbright Scholarship enabled Mr. Syracuse to study at the St. Cecilia Academy of Music in Rome, Italy under Carlo Zecchi where he received an Artist Diploma.
During his early professional career, Mr. Syracuse won numerous competitions and awards, most notable among them include the Queen Elizabeth of Belgium, Alfredo Casella (Rome), Louis Moreau Gottschalk (New Orleans) International Piano Competitions, and the New York Concert Artists' Guild Award. He toured extensively in the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East as recitalist, guest soloist, and chamber musician. He collaborated musically with such notables as Arlene Auger, Leonidis Kavakos, Eugene Fodor, Edith Peinemann, Michael Rabin, Claus Adam, Paul Draper, and Victor Borge.
Mr. Syracuse held the position of artist-in-residence at the Bedford Springs Summer Music Festival in Bedford, Pennsylvania, the International Music Festival in Porto Carras, Chalkidiki, Greece, the Bay View Music Festival in Petosky, Michigan, and the Lyric Mountain Summer Music Festival in Farmington, Pennsylvania. Mr. Syracuse also was invited to perform a recital and give master classes in July 2002 at the Tong-II Han Summer Piano Festival in Sunchun, South Korea. Tong-Il Han was a classmate at Juilliard.
Arriving on the campus of Ohio University in 1966, Mr. Syracuse taught applied piano, keyboard literature, and accompanying, in addition to maintaining an active career as a soloist, accompanist, chamber musician, and jazz musician. He was awarded the Professor Emeritus title when he "officially" retired in 2010. He continued to play and teach in various venues and was a local favorite at Cutler's Restaurant in the Ohio University Inn.
The Ohio University Inn was a significant part of his life. More than 37 years ago, he married his wife Carole Cordray-Syracuse at Christ the King in Athens, and they had their wedding reception at the O U Inn. Preceded in death by his parents, Dominick and Rose Siracusa and two sisters, Belle Calabrese and Gloria Koller, he is survived by his wife, Carole K. Cordray-Syracuse, a sister, Lucille DeAcutis, of Bronx, NY, four nephews: Randy (Ann) Koller of Valhalla, NY; Stephen (Laura) Koller of Yorktown Heights, NY; Arthur DeAcutis of Bronx, NY; Russell (Dawn) DeAcutis of Ridgefield, CT; a niece, Denise DeAcutis of Bronx, NY; and many great nieces and nephews, as well as a sizable group of extended family, friends, and colleagues. He also leaves behind his loyal feline favorites, Humphrey and Olivia.
Richard was a member of the Ohio University Emerti Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Music Teachers National Association, Athens Music Club, and a life member of the American Federation of Musicians Union.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Richard are directed to the Richard Syracuse Music Scholarship Endowment Fund at Ohio University, or the Ohio University Steinway Piano Fund. To contribute in his memory, send donations in care of The Ohio University Foundation, PO Box 869, 104 McGuffey Hall, Athens, OH 45701 or contact [email protected].
A private burial service will take place in McConnelsville, OH. A Reception and Celebration of the Life of Richard Syracuse will be held on December 14, 2014, 3 – 6 pm at the Ohio University Inn, 331 Richland Ave., Athens. An Evening Prayer service will be held February 1, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. at Christ the King University Parish, Stewart and Mill Streets, Athens
Arrangements are by Jagers and Sons Funeral Home, Athens, assisted by Miller Huck Funeral Home of McConnelsville. Please sign the on-line registration book at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
I think of Rick so often and so miss hearing his music. A wonderful part of my life departed with his passing.
Violet Denney
January 18, 2020 | PARKERSBURG, WV | Friend
I sit here re reading the comments about Richard and thinking , again, that the term GENTLE man is the one that fits him best. Apparently, I am not alone. It is only a few days before Christmas, and I can see Richard playing piano for the Heavenly Choir. I know the Lord is smiling, as everyone did when Richard played. GOD BLESS YOU CAROLE AND OD BLESS THE REST OF THE FAMILY.
George McLean
December 21, 2015 | THE PLAINS, OH
In 1966 Rick, as we called him, was the Artist-in-Residence at OU newly arrived. He had a room with 13 of us students at Kahler Cottage which sat next to Scott Quad. That's how I met this wonderful man who I came to admire immensely for his supurb piano artisty,graciousness and gentility. It was only today that I found he had died in 2014 and I am greatly distressed and not being able to meet him again in life. I will forever remember this wonderful man who inspired so many, even those like...
James Kearney
August 30, 2015 | Combleux, France
I just found out about Mr. Syracuse. I was a voice ed major and graduated in 1979, now living in San Antonio, Texas. Thinking back, he scared me to death in my piano juries, but his fingers were magic on the keys. My deepest condolences AND blessings.
Jenny Hutchison-Gonzalez
June 24, 2015 | San Antonio, TX
Condolences to you at this time. I will never forget his rendition of Rhapsody in Blue at Mem Aud under the direction of Andy Trachsel. The audience all gave him a standing ovation with whistles, hoots and hollers! He was a treasure! He also played s beautiful rendition of Claire de Lune at a memorial service I attended. He gave a lot and he lives on in the hearts and souls of many. An example of life well lived!
Penny Shelton
December 13, 2014 | Athens, OH
Dear Mrs. Syracuse,
We add our voice to the many that are heartbroken and deeply saddened at hearing the news of Mr. Syracuse' passing. Growing up in Athens, I looked up to him so, not just for his remarkable ability, but his extraordinary kindness. As I considered music for a career, I was then blessed to study with him for a brief time in the School of Music. My favorite memories included sitting at twin baby grand pianos in his office listening and learning his nuances of Gershwin or...
Judd & Kim Stephenson
December 12, 2014 | Avon Lake, OH
Oh, Carole! Words cannot express the keen pain of loss we feel for Richard. His teaching and playing left ripples in the musical world that will continue to reach outward for generations. The kindness you showed us is a legacy that is even now being passed on to new students. God bless you and comfort you,
Carolyn and Stephen Sachs
Carolyn Sachs
December 10, 2014 | Jackson, MS
I first met Richard when he came in to get something to eat where I worked. He was one of my favorite customers because he was such a great person. He was always kind,showed respect and always so happy; no matter what kind of day I was having he always brought a smile to me when I saw him. I will miss seeing him, as I am assured everyone who knew him will. Rest in peace Richard, I know you are playing for the lord now.
Don Chapman
December 10, 2014 | Nelsonville, OH
Carole, we were so saddened to hear about Richard. What a terrible loss to the music world, the Athens community, and especially to you. We hope that your happy memories of him will help to give you comfort. Miriam and Art Clubok
December 10, 2014