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Harry Fackelman Obituary
Oct 17, 2024
After a very courageous battle with cancer - Loving son of the late John and Herta Fackelman. Beloved brother of Angela (Mark) Perryman and Rita (Angelo) Puccio. Uncle of Giovanni Puccio. Also survived by many devoted friends. The family will receive friends at the C. Mertz and Son Funeral Home, Inc., 911 Englewood Ave. on Monday, October 21st from 4-8 PM. Where a Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 22nd at 10:00 AM. Harry was a founding member of the world-renowned Amherst Saxophone Quartet and has performed throughout the United States, Japan, Bermuda and the British Virgin Islands. Concert highlights include appearances in Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and broadcasts on National Public Radio's All Things Considered, NBC-TV's Tonight Show and CBS Sunday Morning. He has performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Symphony Orchestra in both pops and orchestral settings. Harry has performed and recorded with diverse groups and was part of the woodwind section of many theater and concert touring productions. He has performed with Sarah Vaughn, Aretha Franklin, Frankie Avalon, Johnny Mathis, Marie Osmond, The Spinners, The Temptations, among others. Harry was a member of Hit Man Horns, JJ Swing and many others. He taught saxophone at the University at Buffalo, Buffalo State and Nardin Academy, in addition to woodwind techniques. He also taught many private students. He received his Masters Degree from SUNY at Buffalo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harry's memory to Hospice Foundation of WNY, Inc. Please share condolences at www.mertzfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harry Fackelman
Joan McAllister
October 28, 2024
I was saddened to hear of Harry´s passing. When our son was in high school, he had the pleasure of taking lessons from him. We feel so fortunate that he was able to work with such a kind, compassionate, and extremely talented musician. Sincere condolences to family and friends.
The Guenther's
October 23, 2024
Mollie Nichols
October 23, 2024
My deepest sympathies are with Harry´s family and friends. Harry was a best friend from high school band and orchestra and we managed to remain in touch through the years. I attended a concert he played at the Morgan Library, played together for our friend Tom´s service, and collaborated on the musical portion of a video during covid. Harry was a wonderful musician, a loved friend, and person of great integrity who will be so very missed.
Kathy Herman
October 22, 2024
God's peace and comfort to Harry's family at this sad time of loss. I played 1st Clarinet 2nd chair and shared a stand with Harry in high school, SPHS class of 1974. I have been sharing that story for 50 years! He was that cute, quiet guy with a sense of fun who was nice and kind to everyone. He was so very talented and skilled even back then, even so he was one of us. Peace.
Carl Skompinski
October 22, 2024
I met Mr. Fackelman for just a moment. A band he was in was playing at a craft show at the Kenan Center in Lockport. As they finished a set, I went up to him and spoke to him about my taking up clarinet at the age of 54 - never playing before or understanding how to read music. I told him that it was Supertramp's "Even in the Quietest Moments" song about 45 seconds into it that moved me to take lessons. I told him I wished I had that part to learn. He took my email, found and translated the movement, and emailed it to me.
Thank you Sir for your kindness and for helping me on my musical journey. Here's the song to help you with yours. May you rest in peace.
Carl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfgu31KtKZE
Danny Hull
October 21, 2024
It is a given that Harry was the consummate musician. Sound, doubles, reads anything, play any bag... But it is character that defines a man. Musicianship aside, we could argue that Harry's greatest contribution was as a teacher of men. He led by example. He was kind, he was gentle. His easy smile put you at ease. It told you that yes, there's a master musician in the sax section, but that you were going to be treated gently. With patience. With respect. You were accepted, and you'd be forgiven for your musical failings. Harry treated the lesser of us as equals. We have lost an enduring soul who represented the best among us. Thank you, Harry, for that gentle smile & that nod of approval after every gig and rehearsal. You are missed, and I will think of you often.
Janice Alfson
October 21, 2024
I was so very sad to hear about Harry´s passing. My sincere condolences to his family and close community.
I met Harry at Baird Hall at UB. We sat side by side in all our classes and became good friends. He was extremely shy at first but quickly realized to trust our friendship and let his true kind and humorous side shine. I was the only female saxophonist amongst 15 very talented guys but Harry made me feel at home. After college, I would meet Harry in my home town where he and the Amherst Sax Quartet would play beautiful music on the streets of NYC. He was a true gentleman and a very talented musician. Peace Harry.
Dr. Roger Mroz
October 21, 2024
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Harry Fackelman. As a fellow musician and saxophone player, Harry and I often crossed paths in the music world. He was greatly respected as a performer and teacher. I am saddened to hear of his passing. May he R.I.P.
Al Hury
October 21, 2024
What started as fellow Students in All City Band and continued with All High Band, would later evolve Professionally with JoyRyde & The Hitmen Horns. It was always Special when Harry was on the gig! Rest In Peace
Musically Yours
Al Hury
Jimmy "JP" Nichols
October 21, 2024
My condolences to the family. I met Harry in junior high band, as a 7th grader Harry was in 9th grade. What great guy. We had a 1st year band director Mr. Fried, as I remember Harry was asked to play alto, tenor & baritone sax that year, as needed to fill in areas that were light.
Heaven has beautiful Sax music now.
The Carr Family
October 21, 2024
Harry was not only a friend of the family he was one of our brothers. He went to South Park with Tom 1975 graduate. He had a great carrier as a musician. I will never forget when he was on the tonight show what a thrill that was. He played at church with me trumpet and sax and played at Toms funeral. Harry there is so much more we can say that you were a true friend and family member we will cherish the good memories of you, and we will miss you greatly. Mike, Jim, Late Tom. Bill Carr
dm
October 20, 2024
Na zdrowie
Guy Whalen
October 20, 2024
I took lessons from Harry for about 15 years and will be forever grateful for his patience, encouragement, wisdom and inspiration. He had such a beautiful sound and style that I would often just pause to listen to him warm up before my lesson. I will always think of him when I pick up my sax. I can´t imagine the loss to his family but my heart goes out to you as well as my thoughts and prayers..
John Werick
October 20, 2024
I'm saddened to hear that Harry has left us. My condolences to his family. I had the good fortune to know Harry as a friend and to share the bandstand with him on many occasions. He was a marvelous musician and a kind and gentle soul. May he rest in peace.
Donald Fabiano Naples, Florida
October 20, 2024
A giant is now silent. RIP
Joseph Coats
October 19, 2024
I knew Harry and at one time took lessons on tenor sax from him. I will miss his kindness as a teacher and his great musical talents and accomplishments. We would see each other only on rare occassions but he always exchanged Christmas cards with us. He will be missed.
Mike and Brenda Wisz
October 19, 2024
So sorry to hear of your loss, and that of the music community. How blessed Harry was to have such devotion and care giving from his family.
Allen Murphy
October 19, 2024
Condolences to the family,Fond memories from the Class of 1974 at South Park high School. R I P Harry.
Sharon Priest
October 19, 2024
I´m so sorry for your loss Rita. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Chuck Gorino
October 18, 2024
A true gentleman, consummate musician and dear friend. The world was a better place with you in it, Harry.
Mike SantaMaria
October 18, 2024
Our very deepest and sincere condolences to Harry's family. A tremendous musician, educator and good friend. Thank you for
all the great times, he will never be forgotten . RIP my dear friend .
Love,
Michael & Dani
SantaMaria
Michael Ihde
October 18, 2024
I will always remember Harry as a good friend and teacher. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. He was a wonderful person.
Kathy Carr
October 18, 2024
Deepest condolences to Harry's family and friends. I loved working with Harry and considered him a great friend. He was kind, humble, incredibly talented and funny. Many laughs were had on the bandstand! I cherished singing with him....he was so tasteful and I loved how our instruments blended. Harry....I will miss you.
John Anderson
October 18, 2024
Thank you for all the music and friendship, Harry. It was an honor to have known you.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
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Memorial Events
for Harry Fackelman
Oct
21
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
C. Mertz & Son Funeral Home, Inc. - Buffalo911 Englewood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14223
Oct
22
Funeral service
10:00 a.m.
C. Mertz & Son Funeral Home, Inc. - Buffalo911 Englewood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14223
Funeral services provided by:
C. Mertz & Son Funeral Home, Inc. - Buffalo911 Englewood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14223
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