Richard L. DeBaise, 84, of Shelton, loving husband of Kathie Meyers DeBaise passed away peacefully, Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at Bishop Wicke Health Center in Shelton.

Richard was born in Wallingford, January 24, 1936, a son of the late Frank DeBaise and Josephine (Polchopek) DeBaise and had been a Shelton resident for many years. The retired University of Bridgeport music professor studied at Hartt School of Music (BA) and Yale University School of Music (MA MMA DMA). In retirement he became a copy editor for Hometown Publications and Hersam Acorn Publications.

In addition to his wife Kathie, he is survived by his sister June DeBaise; his niece Ruth Howard; and his nephews Roger DeBaise (Louise), Steven DeBaise (Susan), and David DeBaise; many grandnieces; grandnephews; great grandnieces; and great grand nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Roger DeBaise and his sister-in-law Mary "Dolores" DeBaise.

A private graveside service will be held Saturday, April 25, 2020 at St. John Cemetery in Wallingford. Gifts in memory of Richard may be sent to Alzheimer's Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84941-5000 Arrangements are under the direction of The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main St. Ext. For online condolences visit: www.wallingfordfh.com

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

Published by The Record-Journal on Apr. 26, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Debaise

Sponsored by Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford.

10 Entries

Thomas Roche

December 17, 2020

Dear Kathie, I just learned of the passing of Richard. I was a clarinet student of his at the University of Bridgeport from 1968 until 1972. He was a great professor and mentor to me. He would have been pleased to know that at 72 years of age, I still perform on the clarinet in three musical ensembles here in the Greater Greenville, South Carolina area. You and your family have my deepest sympathy and prayers.

JOHN PEARSON

June 1, 2020

I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of Richard. I had the pleasure of having him as a teacher while studying music at The University of Bridgeport and the joy of performing with him on numerous occasions in local musical organizations. I will remember him as a fine musician and truly genuine person. My deepest condolences to Kathie and his family!

Richard/Irena Daigle/Kipa-Daigle

April 29, 2020

Richard/Dick was a good friend, a very good musician (clarinetist, pianist) with a wonderful sense of humor. Kathie, please accept our sincere condolences.

Robert Berey

April 28, 2020

Kathie,
So sorry to hear about Richard - May God Bless-
Bob Berey

Sharon Cappetta

April 27, 2020

My deepest condolences to Richard's family. I worked with him for years at Hometown Publications and Hersam Acorn. Richard definitely was one of a kind. He always said what was on his mind and didn't mince his words. I respected him. He also had a great laugh. We both shared a love of animals too. He only sat a few desks away from me, so we talked a lot. It's been years, but I remember him very fondly.
-Sharon Cappetta

Leslie Frankel

April 26, 2020

I remember playing with Dick in the Greater Bridgeport Symphony. He was a wonderful player and a great guy!

Dorothy Rodgers

April 26, 2020

Sending my sympathy for your loss.

Edward S. Petrowski, Jr.

April 26, 2020

My deepest condolences to Mrs. DeBaise and the entire family. Prof. DeBaise was the finest and most demanding music professor I had and I can say without hesitation that I am a better musician because of him. An amazing clarinetist, sight reader, teacher and counselor and my conducting teacher. I will never forget playing chord progression exercises in his office on his piano. His back was to me and his was correcting test papers. He would call out a key and I would play the progression. I finished playing the progression he called out and when I finished he said that was good, but now play it in the key I gave you. I looked down at my hands and realized I was 1 whole tone off. He did this without any hesitation correcting those papers. God bless you Richard. - your student Edward Petrowski Jr.

Dick and Barbro Lund

April 26, 2020

Our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Dick and Barbro Lund

Cheryl Kohler

April 26, 2020

Sending my thoughts and prayers to Richard's family. Richard had the greatest impact on me of all my college professors both undergrad and grad. He was brilliant in his methods, although sometimes viewed as tough, he new exactly what he was doing always as a professor. He made a difference and that in and of itself is what life is about. Be comforted by all your memories and love!
Cheryl Dias-Kohler
UB '84

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