Ted A. Kaitchuck

1933 - 2018

BORN

1933

DIED

2018

About

Lane Tech High School Northwestern University Roosevelt University

Ted Kaitchuck Obituary

Ted Allen Kaitchuck was born in Chicago on November 25, 1933 as the twin son of William and Lillian Kaitchuck. His mother loved the violin and decided to name them "Theodore" and "Thomas" after Theodore Thomas, who was the originator of what is now The Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He chose the viola at an early age, and while attending Lane Tech High School played in the Chicago Civic Orchestra. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Music from Roosevelt University while a student of Milton Preves, the Principal Violist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He received a Master's Degree in Music from Northwestern University shortly thereafter. He was drafted into the US Army in Sept. 1956 and soon became a member of the 7th Army Symphony based in Stuttgart, Germany. Raising to the level of Sergeant 1st Class the orchestra under his leadership as Personal Manager toured throughout Europe for three years. Upon his return, he accepted a teaching position in Adrian, Michigan as High School Orchestra Director. There he met and fell in love with his devoted wife, Donna, who after 57 years survives. They settled in the Skokie/Evanston area where Ted taught music for 30 years, in both elementary District 69 and Dist. 219 as Director of the Niles Township High School Orchestra. He traveled with his students to many cities while serving as District Chairman for many state contests.He was a member of the Grant Park Orchestra for 37 years, many years as Personnel Manager. He served as Personnel Manager and player with the Chicago Philharmonic for many years. He also played Principal viola for many years with the Lake Forest Symphony. He succumbed from complications of Parkinson's Disease on April 10th, 2018. He is survived by a son, Kevin, and a daughter, Linda Estes and son-in-law, James Estes, grandchildren Katharine and Alexander. Also surviving is a sister, Laurel Delin and twin brother Tom, and several nieces and nephews. Services will be private with a Memorial Service in May, to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Parkinson's Foundation, Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra, or the Music Institute of Chicago.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Apr. 15, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Ted Kaitchuck

12 Entries

Bob Freud

April 9, 2020

On the 2nd anniversary of his passing, I just wanted to reiterate my strong affection for Mr. Kaitchuck as a teacher and a human being. God bless his soul.

April 30, 2018

Jean and I are so sorry to hear of Ted's passing. He and I were both high school orchestra directors, violists, and long-time members of the Grant Park Orchestra. We'll remember with special fondness the smelt dinners he and Donna, Jean and I shared annually at Greek Islands. His was a generous spirit, kind and assuming the very best about the hundreds of musicians he worked with as colleague and personnel manager in Chicago.

Lary Grossman '71 Niles West

April 23, 2018

Ted, Frank, Charles and Lincoln Hall Harry were main reasons that I have been in music all my life. With condolences to his loved ones and gratitude for all he touched through his dedication and generosity. Thank you.

Donna Kaitchuck

April 22, 2018

He was a wonderful husband and father. We shared 57 years of wedded bliss. He was a gentleman with a remarkable memory of everyone he met and was especially proud of all of his students. He will be forever missed by his loving wife, Donna and family.

Jeanne Templin-Alter

April 20, 2018

While I never had Mr Kaitchuck for any classes while I was at Niles West, he was a friendly face in the music department that i grew fond of seeing.

I spent many happy hours helping Mr Winkler and grew familiar with other members in the department I particularly remember Mr Kaitchuck's warm smile and helpful answers about music...

I loved the violin and singing, but couldn't read a note of music... it was very frustrating and he was kind and understanding.

All my prayers go out to his family... He was truly a wonderful man.

Al Sherbin

April 17, 2018

I hope his family realizes how many of his students were touched in such a positive, significant manner by Mr. Kaitchuck's caring guidance. He will certainly be missed!

Paul Igasaki

April 17, 2018

When I was in 3rd grade at Morton Grove's Edison School, Mr. Kaitchuck guided me to choose the clarinet to express my interest in music. Through a decade of music activity, he was my junior high and high school orchestra director and though I spent more time with band, he worked with me and outside teachers to refine my tone. Through it all, he made musical study fun and beautiful. A passionate and a good man.

Bob Freud

April 16, 2018

Mr. Kaitchuck was my orchestra director at Niles West. He was a warm and dedicated mentor with an infectious love for music. I admired him and will miss him.

Natalie Mendelsohn

April 15, 2018

Starting as a 4th grader at Kenton Elementary School and through Niles East High School in Skokie, I had the good fortune to be taught violin by Mr. Kaitchuk. I still have my old sheet music filled with his markings. He was a patient, kind, and dignified person who I remember fondly. My condolences to his family and to all those who shared in his music-making through the years.

Yvette Gatilao Murphy

April 15, 2018

Thanks for bringing out the best in us, Mr. Kaitchuck. You always knew how to make us shine in concerts, competitions, and life. May you Rest In Peace.

PATRICK SAVAGE

April 15, 2018

I was very sorry to learn that Ted had passed away. I taught with him at Niles West High School for many years. He was well known for being a great teacher and an even kinder person. Ted did so much for Niles West and for his students. Ted had an infectious smile and I can still see him with that smile on his face entering the faculty café at West. He went out of his way to make the music program at West popular, exciting, and entertaining. Ted was one of those teachers who gave more than he received. I am sure Ted will always live on in our fond memories of him. May he rest in peace.

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