Frederick David Brumbaugh

Frederick Brumbaugh Obituary

Frederick David Brumbaugh, 77, of Davidson, NC, passed away on February 12, 2016. He was born May 9, 1938 to the late Frederick W. Brumbaugh and Ruth M. Showalter. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Teri. Fred is survived by his loving wife, Carol; son, Mark Brumbaugh; daughter, Pamela Brumbaugh; daughter, Jill Coughlin (Bob) and their children, Breanna, Jameson, Braeden, Joliana; brother, D. Clair Brumbaugh (Sharon); and several nieces and nephews. Fred attended the Union Theological Seminary in NYC, where he earned his master's degree in Sacred Music. He served as the organist and choir master at First United Methodist Church in Schenectady. He taught music in the Schenectady City School District in addition to teaching private organ and piano lessons. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at First United Methodist Church in Schenectady, NY. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice.

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Published by The Daily Gazette Co. on Apr. 3, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Brumbaugh

9 Entries

Scott Trexler

April 9, 2016

Fred was a distinguished colleague at 1st Meth. Schenectady; I have been at Zion Lutheran, Schenectady, since 1974 and enjoyed our work together. He had me play several organ recitals at his church over a number of years, and in 1999 we had a joint choir effort with our two churches: the Faure Requiem and two additional anthems, the "Cantique de Jean Racine" of Faure, and "The Lord is My Shepherd" of John Rutter. Fred conducted and I played the organ, as well as accompanying a chamber orchestra, held at 1st Meth. He was a kind and pleasant individual, easy to work with. Lots of fun. Always a smile. I know his many students in the school district were inspired by him. My condolences to the family.

Dan Curran

April 6, 2016

On behalf of the Curran family -- my mother, Nancy Johnsen Curran, and sisters, Connie Curran Trigger and Julia Curran Villarreal -- I send my heartfelt condolences on your loss.

Fred played an important role in the musical life of our family in so many ways.

We remember him as being a patient and inspiring choral director at both the elementary and high school levels.

We recall his leadership of the First UMC choir and his powerful performances on the church's mighty pipe organ.

We thank him for introducing us to the classics of choral performance and such numbers as "Battle Hymn of the Republic" (arranged by Wilhousky); "No Man Is An Island" (arranged by R. Ringwald); "Brothers" by Carl Steubing and Dr. Miles J. Martin; and, "Alleluia" (arranged R. Thompson).

We spent a great deal of rehearsal and performance time with him over an at least 20 year period. We were all members of many choral groups of different sizes and skill levels that he led. He was always able to get the most out of every group under his direction.

By the way, none of us will ever forget his leadership of the American Youth Symphony & Chorus (AYSC) tours of Europe during the 1970s and 1980s.

The 1980 tour had 125 students from five states and two countries. Everyone had been practicing separately but somehow, when we all gathered for the first time, he managed to make everything come together beautifully. Every performance on an AYSC tour was a wonderful experience no matter if we were performing in one of Europe's great cathedrals or a picturesque town square.

My sisters and I have remarked that we seem to remember more about him than almost any of our other teachers.

Teachers often wonder how many lives they have touched. It is safe to say that Fred Brumbaugh touched thousands of lives throughout the world as he shared his God-given musical talents with us all.

Phil Erickson

April 5, 2016

Mr. Brumbaugh was an incomparable musician and friend to countless thousands of students at both the high school and elementary level, and was a steadfast friend of our family. I owe much of my musical education to his gentle and forthright teaching. His laughter and twinkle in the eye are with me always, and my family hopes the memory of Mr. B's smile and his music will carry his spirit forward in all of us.

Barbara Adams

April 4, 2016

My thoughts & prayers to your family. Mr. Brumbaugh was a wonderful part of our experience at Elmer Ave School, both of my children were fortunate enough to have him as their music teacher and the concerts & plays are still part of our great memories of him. He was one of those teachers you always will remember.

Claire Gonyo

April 4, 2016

Mr. Brumbaugh was a great man and an awesome teacher. He inspired a love for music in countless students. Despite the fact that I "graduated" from Elmer Avenue in 1991, I have thought of Mr. Brumbaugh often. From time to time "My Hat, It Has Three Corners" still comes to mind.

I extend my condolences to his family and those who were close to him.

Diane Warner

April 4, 2016

Fred was a wonderful choral director, teacher and a true gentleman. CDYC will always remember him as a true friend because he sent us so many wonderful singers!
Diane Warner

Paul Michel

April 4, 2016

My deepest condolences go out to you Pam on the loss of your beloved father....my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family at this sad time...may your cherished memories sustain you & help you heal...may Fred's memory be for a blessing

Teddy T Wheeler Jr

April 3, 2016

Dear Mark and Family,
My deepest Condolences on the Passing of Your Father. May he Rest in Peace and Enjoy Eternal Life.
Regards,
Teddy T Wheeler Jr
Weeki Wachee Florida

April 3, 2016

May he R.I.P and may God bless and comfort grieving family and friends.

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