Edward S. Lisk

Edward S. Lisk, 91, of Oswego, passed away with his loving family at his side on October 14, 2025. Born in Oswego, he was the son of the late Edward A. and Jennie (Segal) Lisk. Ed was a graduate of Oswego High School. He was a graduate of Syracuse University School of Music with graduate studies at Ithaca School of Music, Eastman School of Music, Syracuse University, and Oswego State University. He began his teaching career at Red Creek School District as an instrumental music teacher before starting his long tenure and accomplished career at the Oswego City School District from 1970 - 1990. He was instrumental in the design and building of the Faust Theater in Oswego High School, the Oswego High School Wind Ensemble as well as building a district-wide comprehensive music education program. Mr. Lisk's service to the profession included having served as vice president (Emeritus) of the Midwest Clinic board of directors and as a past president and CEO of the John Philip Sousa Foundation. He was also past-president of the National Band Association and served NBA as executive secretary/treasurer from 1997-2002. Additionally, Mr. Lisk was one of the original founders of the New York State Band Directors Association. Mr. Lisk was an inducted member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and in the year 2000, served as the 63rd president of this distinguished organization founded by Edwin Franko Goldman. Ed was invited to speak and conduct throughout the United States and abroad. His active guest-conducting schedule included all-state bands, honor bands, university, and professional bands. Since 1985, Mr. Lisk served as an adjunct professor, appeared as a clinician/lecturer, adjudicator, and guest conductor throughout 85 universities in forty-six states, five Canadian Provinces and Australia. He served as guest conductor for the U.S. Air Force Band, Australian Wind Symphony, U.S. Interservice Band, U.S. Army Field Band and the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." His many contributions to music education include authoring, The Creative Director series published by Meredith Music Publications, and co-authoring the highly acclaimed 11-volume publication by GIA, Teaching Music Through Performance in Band. He is also the editor for the Edwin Franko Goldman March Series for Carl Fischer Music Publications, which include, On The Mall March, The ABA March, Bugles and Drums March, Onward-Upward March and On Parade March. Mr. Lisk's many honors include the 2009 Midwest Medal of Honor, the 2012 Phi Beta Mu International Outstanding Contributor to Bands Award, the Sudler Order of Merit from the John Philip Sousa Foundation, the New York State Band Directors Association "Outstanding Band Director Award", the "Key to the City of Oswego", the Oswego School District "Administrator of the Year", the Phi Delta Kappa "Area Educator of Year", the Oswego Classroom "Teacher of the Year", the A. R McAllister "Distinguished Bandmaster of America", the Greater Oswego Chamber of Commerce "Civic Award", the 2009 Syracuse Symphony Outstanding Music Educator Award, the 2015 NBA Academy of Winds and Percussion Award (AWAPA), and distinguished member of the National Band Association Hall of Fame for Distinguished Conductors. Lisk was a military veteran in the US Army as a reservist ('52-'56) and active duty military serving the 101 Airborne Division Fort Campbell ('56-'60). Ed and Dorie enjoyed golf together and spent many years at the Oswego Country Club - a place to gather, for respite and great challenge with his father, uncles and cousins. Ed is survived by his adoring wife, Doris "Dorie" Lisk, having enjoyed 69 years of marriage; daughters, Carol (Bill) Crist and their children Emily and William; Jean (Dave) Buske and their children David, Brian (Alex), and Jonathan (Kendra); his granddaughter Lindsay (Brian) of predeceased daughter Janice; 11 great- grandchildren, as well as his sister Mary Jane Buske. Donations in Ed's name may be made to Trinity Catholic School in Oswego and the Oswego County Autism Task Force. In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his daughter Janice T. Lisk in 1982. Following Ed's final wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.