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Donald Ingram Obituary
Jan 29, 2025
Age 92, of Latham, died at Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center after an extended period of declining health. Born at home in Hinsdale, NY, he was son of the late Howard Ingram and Carrie Cramer Ingram, and domestic partner of Eugene Tobey for the past 54 years. He was a graduate of Hinsdale Central School, and earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music from Syracuse University. Though serving in many posts, he had maintained residency in Latham since 1975. Mr. Ingram was the organist and choirmaster for nearly 20 churches over his career, including St. Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo, St. Peter's, Albany, St. Paul's Episcopal and First United Presbyterian Churches, Troy, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He performed recitals and taught masterclasses throughout the US and in Canada, USVI, England, Scotland and Sweden. He was also responsible for the installation of pipe organs in numerous churches. He served on the board of Troy Chromatics, was president of the Capital District Syracuse Alumni, Dean of the Eastern NY Chapter, Region II Chairman, and founder of the Treasure Coast Chapter (FL) of the American Guild of Organists. Don's friendship and love touched many lives over the years. His positive influence and encouragement made a difference in the lives of many choristers, organists, friends and relatives. Survivors in addition to his partner include a niece, Beverly (George) Gardner, Cambridge, MD; nephew David Welsh of Ocala, FL; great-nieces Pamela Gardner of Walpole, MA, and Julie Morris of TN; and great-nephew Randy Blakeslee of FL. He was predeceased by siblings George, William and Mary Lou (Welsh); niece Bonnie Blakeslee; and great-nephew Adam Gardner.
Funeral and committal services will be held in the spring. Dates will be announced at a later time. Interment will be in the columbarium at St. Paul's Cathedral in Buffalo. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Don's memory to the Donald Ingram Endowed Scholarship Fund at Syracuse University. Donations may be sent to Syracuse University, 640 Skytop Road, 2nd Floor, Syracuse, NY 13244. We recommend using the brycefuneralhome.com website to share or send condolences, light a candle, or view video.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Ingram
Mark Enyart
May 28, 2025
I remember Don from my time in Florida. He was so very kind, considerate and helpful to me as younger organist. He helped me through many times of confusion and consternation. I will always be thankful for him, his attitude, his professionalism and his concern for me as a person and as an organist.
Thank you, Don, for all you did for me in my musical and personal journey in life. You live on in my memories!
My heartfelt sympathy to his family and his partner.
Daniel Blank (God Son)
March 11, 2025
Don was not only my God Father, but a great friend of the family! I just found out about his passing, My most sincere condolences to Gene and all of Don's family. He (and his musical talents) will be greatly missed!
Fr Paul and Maggie Blanch
January 27, 2025
Fond memories of a wonderful friendship with Don at St George's Schenectady and from some wonderful Thanksgiving dinners at Latham.
Ron Gould
January 11, 2025
I followed Don as Organist-Choirmaster at The Church of the Transfiguration, Cranston. Rhode Island, and we continued as colleagues and friends throughout our professional careers. He was a strong influence behind the installation of the large installation of the Schlicker organ at St. John´s Episcopal Church, Youngstown, OH, and a studio instrument at YSU during my long tenure there and at the Dana
School of Music, Youngstown State University. Don´s exemplary and widely varied career brought him into close contact with many organists and churches during his tenure with the Schlicker firm and as an organ recitalist and church musician. Well done, good and faithful servant!
Coburg-Peter Gerdine
January 10, 2025
My condolences.to Gene & Don's friends & loved ones
Susie Bauckus
January 8, 2025
Don was a dear friend of my parents, Donald and Ann Bauckus - they became friends at St. Paul´s Cathedral in Buffalo. As a young kid I remember Don´s small apartment on a Buffalo city street and especially the narrow galley kitchen crammed with people, often including our mother, all cooking, talking, and laughing - they formed a party-animal group. He had a gift for generosity and for celebration in his work as a musician and choir director, as a host and friend, and in his relationship with God. He loved fun but was also deeply serious. I´ll never stop missing him and am immensely grateful for his and Gene´s friendship.
Susie Bauckus
January 7, 2025
if you would like to contribute to the Donald Ingram Endowed Scholarship on line, Syracuse University has kindly provided a direct link: Givetosu.syr.edu/DonIngram It may be possibly more satisfying than thinking "as soon as I find my checkbook ..." and then "... get to the post office ..." etc.
Lisa Cherry
January 4, 2025
I have only the pleasure of having known Don Ingram for a very short time. But in that time, I certainly got a great sense of this man. Learned, talented, kind-hearted, funny, thoroughly delightful are good words to describe him. I got to know him through church & music, the best way! I will remember him fondly, always.
David Allen
January 4, 2025
I have many memories of singing with Don and Gene, starting many years ago with first of many productions of Handel's Messiah at St. Peter's, Albany, I remember many projects that I did at his home in Latham, always known as "Buildings and Grounds". It was always a pleasure to sing with his direction, learning and enjoying much. My thoughts are with Gene at this time.
Malcolm Moran
January 3, 2025
My grandmother was friends with Don and towards the end of her life struggled with mobility and leaving the house. One of the last times she left the house was for Don´s organ recital at her parish St George´s Episcopal in Schenectady. That was the first time I met Mr Ingram and I was very impressed by his abilities at the organ, especially by his performance of Tu es Petra by Henri Mulet. Upon my grandmother´s passing
Don conducted the Faure requiem for her funeral and I sang in the choir. No one told me that I was to sing the Liberame and in rehearsal I had to sight read it, which was terrifying; but Don was encouraging and very nice to me anyway. I am saddened to hear of his passing and wish I could have spent more time singing under the leadership of such a fine musician, and kind soul.
Ben Merchant
January 3, 2025
Don was an excellent mentor, church musician, friend, and host. He and Gene were always willing to put me up at a moments notice. Don and I worked together on several pipe organ installations, and he always gave me good advice and support. I will miss his humor, his encouragement, his generosity, and his encyclopedic knowledge. Rest in Peace my friend!
Peter Mahigian
January 2, 2025
Don was always a dear friend. We worked together in Troy, singing and playing services over the years. Much love, Gene, and families.
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