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BORN
1932
DIED
2019
Richard Fote Obituary
Mr. Fote was a gifted trombonist, composer and music educator, receiving a master's degree from the Eastman School of Music. He also graduated from SUNY Fredonia, and Alfred State, where as a student, he composed the Alfred School alma mater.
Richard was the band director for the Portville School District. He taught trombone at SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Fredonia; held the position of first trombone in the Erie Philharmonic; performed at Eastman, Melody Fair; and recorded an album of classical pieces, called "Recital Music for Trombone."
He was a partner in Kendor Music Publishing, contributing over 100 publications for concert and jazz bands, and was guest conductor and soloist at numerous music festivals; NSSMA; and the New York Brass Conferences. One of Richard's many compositions for concert band, Niagara Overture, is performed annually.
Mr. Fote's family is comforted by his many recordings, and songs he composed to commemorate family milestones, including anniversaries, the weddings of his children, and births of his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gail (Davis) Fote; his children, daughter, Calabria Foti (Bob) McChesney; sons, Richard Fote and William Fote; daughter, Juliet Fote (Thomas) Group; granddaughters, Morgan McChesney and Chandler McChesney; grandsons, Richard Fote ll and Zachary Group; sister, Gloria (Fote) Oliva; brother, William Fote; and sister, Olga (Fote) Rosenthal.
He was predeceased by his parents, William Dominic Fote and Olga Coccari Fote; and oldest brother, Francis Fote.
A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 17, 2019 at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, in Altamonte Springs. Mr. Fote will be interred at 10 a.m. Sept. 21, 2019 at St. Bonaventure Cemetery, following a Memorial Mass at St. John's Catholic Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Fote
6 Entries
Bill Gibson
May 30, 2020
I just learned of Richardss passing
I worked with him at Circus World
He was an amazing musician
I feel fortunate to have worked with him
My sincere condolences to his family
Bruce Hatch
August 13, 2019
I remember Mr Fote so very well, as my junior high band director at Portvile Central. As one of my first musical educators, his influence contributed heavily to my love of music, in all forms, to this very day. I'm sure I'm just one of his many students in which he had a most positive impact in their lives. Thanks for the memories.
Joseph Roosa
August 5, 2019
Every time I think of Dick Fote I always smile and laugh to myself. My father Bill Roosa and Dick were good friends. As a young man, I always remember every time they got together you couldn't help but be intrigued by the stories and laughs! Dick Fote knew how to live life and bring joy to everyone he touched.
Carl Veno
August 5, 2019
Our prayers and sympathy go out to the family of my lifelong friend Richard. He and I spent some great times together in our early years. We went to school together. He will truly be missed.
Thomas Barnes
August 5, 2019
I can recall playing some of his charts in all county jazz band back in the 70's. After all these years, I can still recall this, so they made quite an impression on me. Thanks for touching so many lives, and thanks for the great music. Rest in peace.
Dutch Uithoven
July 20, 2019
Rest In Peace old friend.
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