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Richard Nanista Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
Richard John Nanista, age 57, prominent area double bassist, died March 31, 2004. A native of Long Island, New York, and a 1969 graduate of the Julliard School of Music, he was fluent in jazz and orchestral music. He joined pianist Peter Nero's trio in 1972, with whom he performed for nineteen years, played for leading heads-of-state, and made numerous recordings. After moving to Atlanta in 1983, he established himself as one of the area's leading freelance bassists. He performed with the Atlanta Opera, the Atlanta Ballet, many regional orchestras, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. He also appeared with top local jazz artists and maintained an active teaching schedule. Beginning in 1989, Mr. Nanista spent nearly every summer in Sante Fe, New Mexico, as a member of the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra. Survivors include his wife, Candace McCollough Nanista; daughter, Elise McCollough Nanista; brother, Ronald John Nanista; and step-daughter, Jennifer Anne Nanista. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 3, at St. Paul United Methodist Church at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any cancer research institute. Cremation Society of the SOUTH is handling the arrangements. 770-420-5557.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Nanista
Christine & Emily Dudasik
April 15, 2004
Dear Candace & Elise,
We just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and in our prayers.
Steve Pemberton
April 8, 2004
Dear Candace & Elise:
I am so saddened to hear of Richie’s passing. I had the honor of working with him in Peter’s Trio for several years, and I still recall his tremendous amount of musicianship and professionalism. He was a very gentle soul, always supportive in a strong, quiet way. Because of our time together on stage, I know that a piece of him will always live on in me, helping shape my view of music and the world.
He was a most respected colleague, and I am lucky to have been able to call him my friend. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steve, Phyllis, Steven, Christine and Ryan Pemberton
Jeff Hamilton
April 7, 2004
Dear Candace & Elise,
I just heard of my friend's passing today and wanted to share with you how special he was. When I joined Peter in the early '80s, Rich was a big help to me with a subtle look over the top of his glasses or a slight shrug of a shoulder to let me know what was coming next. He was a musician's musician by always being a team player. I loved his wry sense of humor sprinkled with a dose of reality. Even though our paths have not crossed the past few years, I am greatly sorrowed by this recent news. You are in my thoughts.
Ron & Gina Nanista
April 6, 2004
Candace
Just wanted to let you know were thinking of you.
Love,
Ron & Gina
Ruth Berry
April 6, 2004
I will miss Rich very much; he played for the Augusta Opera for many years where we shared a kindrid artistic sense; it was so nice to be able to play in tune, in rhythm, and to blend sound with a bassist. Each of us had "another life" with a summer festival..an experience upon which we could relate. Rich was a true gentleman..one of the few I have every known.
Jochen Wichmann
April 6, 2004
Dear Candace and Elise,
it is always very hard to find words in such a moment, but Rich's passing is an incredible loss for us and so many people. We enjoyed his humor and friendliness at all times.
We will always remember and never forget the wonderful days we spent together in Atlanta and in Santa Fe, too.
We would love to be closer to you now, but our thought are.
Jochen with Lasse and Sabine
Norman & Paula McCollough
April 4, 2004
Dear Candace & Elise,
We are sorry to hear of Richard's passing. We want to let you know that you and your family are in our prayers and thoughts.
Love, Norman & Paula McCollough
Brent Shields
April 4, 2004
I was a student of Rich's for a short time, but I found him to be a wonderful teacher and an extremely friendly person. I am very sorry to learn of his passing. My condolences to his family.
Mary and Dana Dalton
April 4, 2004
Dear Candace,
What a beautiful memorial service for Rich. We feel so blessed to have known him. You and Elise are in our prayers and we will be here for you in the coming days. Your love for each other was a precious gift and that lives on forever.
All our love,
Mary Lindsey Lewis
April 3, 2004
Dear Candace,
I was so sorry to read in the AJC of your husband's death. You are blessed to have had such a rich and happy life with someone so wonderful. I'll be thinking of you and your family in the days ahead.
Mary Lindsey
Susannah Bellew
April 3, 2004
I am so sorry to hear about Rich. Thinking about you and Elise.
Beverly Nero
April 3, 2004
Dear Candace,
It was an honor and a pleasure to know Richie. It was comforting knowing that when my Dad was on the road during the time they toured together, that he was in the company of a treasured friend and colleague. We are all so sad to hear of his passing. You and your family will in be in our thoughts and in our hearts, always.
With Love and Hugs of support,
Beverly Nero and family.
Frank Carter
April 3, 2004
So awfully sorry to hear of Richs'passing. He was a wonderful bass player in every respect. I felt fortunate to know and work with him quite a few times since he got to Atlanta.I know he'll get "first call" on those great bands upstairs.
Sincerely,
Frank Carter
Sax,clar,etc.
Local 148-462
AFofM
Dennis and Kay McCollough
April 2, 2004
Candace and Elise,
Just wanted you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Hold on tight to your faith in God's ability to give you comfort and peace in the coming days. Please call us when you next come to Woodbine.
Love,
Dennis and Kay
Candace Nanista
April 2, 2004
Thank you everyone for all of your love and support.
For those planning to attend the memorial service on Saturday, there will be a beautiful extended prelude by a string ensemble starting at 10:30 am. We hope you can arrive early and enjoy it with us.
We have felt incredibly supported by all of our friends and loved ones.
Thank you.
The Nanista Family
DWIGHT & BRENDA MCCOLLOUGH
April 2, 2004
CANDACE,
JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. WE ARE SO SORRY. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF WE CAN DO ANYTHING FOR YOU AND ELISE.
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