NORTHAMPTON - George T. Menousek, 88, of 10 Bancroft Road, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, Nov. 5, 2013, at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital after a brief illness.
George was born on Feb. 3, 1925 in New Britain, Conn. He was the third of four children born to Edward and Mary (Smith) Menousek
Raised and educated in that community, he enlisted in the U.S. Army upon graduating from Catholic high school, proudly serving his country with the 63rd Battalion in Northern France and the Rhineland.
He received the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign ribbon, the Army of Occupation Medal of Germany and the Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged and returned home in 1946.
George was passionate about music education and, upon returning home from the war, he attended Boston University, receiving his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music education.
After graduating, he worked in Maryland but remained rooted in New Britain where he met and married Genevieve Perzanowski in 1954.
Soon after, George became a music educator in the Northampton School System and George and Gen settled in Northampton to live, work and begin their family.
George's career with the Northampton School system was long and successful, during which time he taught music to generations of Northampton families, including his own children who went on to have careers as professional musicians. He retired in 1987 as Head of the Fine Arts Department of the Northampton School system after 33 years of service and dedication to his career. He was a past member of the Kiwanis and a communicant of the former St. Mary's Church in Northampton.
His beloved wife of 55 years, Genevieve (Perzanowski) Menousek passed away in 2009. He leaves his children; George Menousek Jr. of Northampton and Andrea Santana and her husband Guillermo of Sparta, New Jersey, and his three grandchildren; James Menousek and Cecily and Alexander Santana, as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 11 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday Nov. 14, 2013 at the Czelusniak Funeral home, 173 North St., Northampton, MA.
A Rite of Christian Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home for George and Genevieve. Interment of George and Genevieve's ashes will immediately follow at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam with Military honors for George being offered by the U.S. Army. Donations in George's memory may be made to the George T. Menousek Sr. Music Award, 380 Elm Street, Northampton, Mass. 01060.
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Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Nov. 11, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for George Menousek

16 Entries

Lexi Landry

November 5, 2022

Remembering Uncle George's musical talent, kindness, and friendliness. Cherish the memories.

John Graham

July 6, 2022

So sorry for your loss. I met George and Gen during an exchange concert with my Junior High school Band . Wonderful performance and wonderful people. Sorry to hear that they both passed away,

Ed Orzechowski

January 2, 2014

Mr. Menousek was one of the most important teachers I had at Hamp High. I have many fond memories of him, from first being introduced to song flutes at Florence Grammar School, then trumpet lessons at Hawley Junior High, and, of course, the NHS marching and concert bands. Mr. Menousek gave me the honor of naming me student director my senior year, and I still have the John Philip Sousa trophy he presented me at graduation. His patience and talent in showing me the magic of music were a tremendous influence on my life. God bless.
Ed Orzechowski, Class of '63

Lexi Landry

December 20, 2013

Uncle George was always a calm, friendly, positive, and patient gentleman. As a young girl he and Aunt Gen welcomed me for a week stay for several summers; it was a real treat with fond memories! His musical talent and legacy live with George and Andrea.

Mark Stambovsky

December 14, 2013

Calm, Generous, Thoughtful and True. George was like a 2nd father. I will miss him...and a better neighbor never lived.

Play on, George, play on in that heavenly orchestra of re-known.

Barry McBriar

November 26, 2013

Rest in Peace George...your memory and music live on with your students and your daughter Andrea; you were her Maestro.

A Sparta Friend

Paul Bouchard

November 23, 2013

Mr. Menousek was my alltime favorite high school teacher. He once called me into his office and told me he wanted me to teach him how to play drums. I felt like God just asked me to teach him how to pray. I was very flattered even though nothing ever came of it.

Carol Hodgdon Goodfriend

November 20, 2013

Mr. Menousek was a very positive influence in my career as a musician and teacher. I graduated in the class of `59, while he was still a young man, newly married and a special presence in our lives. I went on to have a musical career, working for Columbia Records (back in the day), married a musician/composer/critic, and all the while remembered my days with the band, especially as its student conductor in my senior year. In fact, last night, at Lincoln Center Chamber Music, special clarinet performances of marvelous classical pieces brought back so many memories of Mr. Menousek's encouragement for me to play both the Bb and the Eb clarinet. I hope the Menousek family will understand what a very special man he was.

sylvia

November 15, 2013

dear George,
Anyone who knows you knows that you were a loving and devoted son, a good son, to your father. I hope that knowing this will bring you some measure of comfort and peace at this time.

William Koczocik

November 14, 2013

May God Bless the family in this difficult time. Mr Menousek was a teacher when I went to NHS and I knew his son George. May he rest in peace....

Heather McLaughlin

November 14, 2013

George was an incomparable leader of our music department in Northampton. He was careful and considerate with his advice, encouraging all of us to continue our growth in music. I appreciated his ongoing interest in my family and my children. He will be missed.

Maureen Goddard

November 13, 2013

I only saw your father once a year to prepare his tax return but always looked forward to his visit. It never was just a time to prepare his return but a time to talk about our families and all their accomplishments. If you need anything from me please let me know I will be more then happy to help. God bless.

Susan Adelson

November 12, 2013

I wish there were a way Mr. Menousek's family could see all the wonderful memories and tributes his former students are sharing on our facebook pages. We all agree that he was an exceptional teacher and person. He left a positive mark on the Northampton School System and on each of us individually.

Cynthia Simison

November 11, 2013

Though I never played an instrument, Mr. Menousek was among those educators who helped a lot of us appreciate music. Condolences from a member of the NHS Class of 1973.

Luci Adams

November 11, 2013

May the love of family and friends help you through this time of sorrow.

Class of '59.

Mark Sienkiewicz

November 11, 2013

I have nothing but nice memories of Mr Menousek.

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