Name: Visitation for Ronald Worstell
Start: 2019-11-29T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-11-29T17:00:00.000Z
Location: McEwen Funeral Service - Pineville Chapel

Dr. Ronald Worstell passed away November 21, 2019.

Born in Fostoria, Ohio in 1939, he graduated from Effingham High School, Illinois in 1957. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music at the University of Illinois. He began life as an opera singer after two seasons with Santa Fe Opera Company. At Sanford University in Birmingham, Alabama he taught Voice and directed Opera. He sang with the Birmingham Opera Company, concertized and soloed at a church.

In 1965, Ronald married Donna Cox. They were married for 54 years. In New York City he was soloist at a Church and a Synagogue. During this time he sang and recorded with Robert Shaw. In Los Angeles he received his Doctors Degree at the University of Southern California. Ronald was Head of the Voice Department at the University of Denver in Colorado. He gave yearly solo concerts and added Opera Director and Producer to his position. He was at the University for 32 years producing over 30 operas and conducting two of them. He was awarded "Distinguished Faculty Artist" in 1996. For six years he was President of the "National Teachers of Singing" Western Division.

He retired as Professor Emeritus in 1999 to Santa Fe, NM, serving on the Home Owners Board, then to Summerville, SC as President of the Home Owners Board, and then to Charlotte, NC serving six years as President of the Home Owners Board at the Magnolias.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister and brother.

Visitation will be held at McEwen Funeral Service - Pineville Chapel on Friday, November 29th from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Santa Fe Opera Company, 301 Opera Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87506.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Nov. 24, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Worstell

5 Entries

Theodor Lichtmann

December 5, 2019

What a loss! A great artist and the truest friend imaginable. He never tired of searching, not for the better but for the best. Always open for suggestions and experiments. I don't know how many concerts we gave together, all of them memorable.
Donna, I share your grief.

Susan Meider Ledbetter

November 28, 2019

I knew this man as Uncle Ron. I have many childhood memories of sharing holiday meals with Ron and Donna- Thanksgiving included. Of the impressions Uncle Ron left with me, his jolly smile and laugh are among them.
Aunt Donna- please know that your and Uncle Ron's presence in our lives was greatly cherished. I know the greatest gifts to give are memories and I have many good ones like the time Uncle Ron made up a fancy French name for our sweet dog. We laughed and laughed. I am grateful for the nights you provided comfort and lodging when my heart was hurting. I am also grateful for the stories you shared about my father that showed me more of who he is.
You and Ron were a perfect pair!
Please feel and know the love we send to you in this difficult time- and thank you for being a part of our lives. Time spent well and a life well lived.

Steven Taylor

Sent Flowers

Cathy Motter

November 27, 2019

As tears flow, my head and heart are so full of memories from my years as Doc's opera workshop pianist at DU Lamont School of Music. I learned so much from him. He was a wonderful pianist, too. All my love to Donna.

Steven Taylor

November 26, 2019

My dearest, Donna,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. The following is a post that that I just made to my Facebook page -
As we are in the season of Thanksgiving, my heart needs to express my deepest gratitude for a man who was a friend, a guide, a mentor, my voice teacher, and an inspiration to me. Dr. Ron Worstell was all of that and more - he believed in me, encouraged me, and gave opportunities to me that have allowed me to be successful in pursuing my passions for performing and teaching. He is man that I have always admired, respected, and loved.
If a man is measured by the legacy he has left behind, then he is truly a rich man, as I am richer for having had him in my life. May you now rest in peace, Ron, and may love surround you, Donna.
You had me sing this text by Shakespeare which I now offer back to you now as a final blessing, with love. Steve
Fear no more the heat o' the sun,
Nor the furious winter's rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone, and ta'en thy wages:
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.
Fear no more the frown o' the great;
Thou art past the tyrant's stroke;
Care no more to clothe and eat;
To thee the reed is as the oak:
The scepter, learning, physic, must
All follow this, and come to dust.
Fear no more the lightning flash,
Nor the all-dreaded thunder stone;
Fear not slander, censure rash;
Thou hast finished joy and moan:
All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee, and come to dust.
No exorciser harm thee!
Nor no witchcraft charm thee!
Ghost unlaid forbear thee!
Nothing ill come near thee!
Quiet consummation have;
And renownèd be thy grave!