Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Robert Priez Obituary
Robert George "Bob" Priez, age 80, died on Sunday, December 19, 2021.
He was a long-time resident of Hammond, LA and was born at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, son of the late Albert J. Priez, Sr. and Ellen B. (Sculthorp) Priez.
He grew up in Algiers where he attended Belleville and Schwartz Elementary schools, and was a 1958 graduate of Behrman High School.
He retired from a 33-year teaching career at Southeastern Louisiana University as Professor Emeritus of Music, having also taught and served as band director at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Missouri. He was former music director and choir director at St. Andrew Methodist Church (DeSoto, MO) and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hammond.
He earned the Bachelor of Music degree from Southeastern and Master of Music degree from Indiana University, with additional course work completed at Louisiana State University.
Bob was a Life Member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 174-496 (New Orleans), and began his professional career as a trombonist at age 16. He was also a former member of Local 538 (Baton Rouge), Local 777 (Mississippi Gulf Coast) and Local 2-197 (St. Louis).
He had a life-long interest in electronics and radio and held Life Memberships in the Southeast LA Amateur Radio Club and the ARRL National Association for Amateur Radio, operating with the Amateur Extra class license, WB5FBS. Bob also served in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) as Emergency Coordinator (EC), Assistant District EC and District EC of Louisiana Region 9.
He was President of Elec-Comm, Inc. held the FCC Commercial 1st Class Radio Telephone Operator License with Radar Endorsement, and in 1973 assisted the Department of Speech and Communications to select and install transmitting equipment to establish Southeastern's radio station KSLU-FM. He continued to serve as Technical Director for its first decade.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Albert Joseph Priez Jr. of Boca Raton, FL, his sister Mary Ellen (Priez) O'Quin and brother-in-law James O'Quin of Tylertown, MS.
Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Ellen Marie (Dantin) Priez; daughters Kira Marie Gilmore of Hammond, LA, Lisa Ann Jackson (Basil) of Austin, TX, Amy Lynn Linn (Mike) of Ponchatoula, LA; grandchildren, Ashley Ponsaa (Brad), Alan James Wozniak Jr. (Jenny), Allison Tilley (Ryan), Reagan Gilmore, Jeremy Jackson, Jordan Jackson, Mallory Linn and Matthew Linn; and great-grandchildren, Ella Rose Ponsaa, Everett Allen Ponsaa, Olivia Maxine Tilley, Emery Ryan Tilley, Annie Brook Tilley, Parker James Wozniak and Patton Robert Wozniak. He is also survived by sisters Doris Ann Buckner (Dennis) of San Antonio, TX and Carol Jean Wilburn (Richard) of Gretna, LA; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
The family wishes memorial contributions to be made to the Robert George "Bob" Priez Memorial Scholarship in Music by sending a check made payable to Southeastern Foundation, SLU 10703, Hammond, LA 70402 or on-line at www.southeastern.edu/give
If donating with a check, please designate the Robert George "Bob" Priez Memorial Scholarship in Music on the memo line of the check.
Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home – Hammond, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Thursday, December 23, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
A Funeral Service will be held at Funeral Home Chapel – Hammond, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd., Hammond, Louisiana on Thursday at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Eddie Robinson officiating.
Interment will follow at Rose Memorial Cemetery.
An on-line guest book is available at www.harry mckneely.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Priez
Sponsored by Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes & Crematory - Hammond.
Bob Ussery
October 1, 2024
I had the good fortune to meet Bobby at the Wednesday dances at the Jefferson Orleans North where he played to trombone in Jay Zainey's Band. We had many great conversations about growing up in Algiers. We did not know each other at that time, but we had many memories in common. It would be hard to find a more likable person or a person of his quality. My most sincere if belated condolences to the family.
Jean
February 10, 2022
¬¬¬In the early 70s, I studied music theory from Mr. Priez at SLU. I had to lie to the dept head to get into the class; I had no musical background, nor had I plans to major in voice. I wanted to know about music, though, so I told the dept head that I was on my way to change majors but hated to come all the way back for my card...so I was permitted to enroll.
Once in the class, I really enjoyed it. I did well in the work and plugged away in the piano lab. There, I learned that for some reason, reading music didn't 'click' for me, so I had to name each note one by one before finding it on the keyboard. I told no one about my problem, feeling rather foolish about it.
All went well till the final, after which we had to play two pieces on the piano, one prepared, the other to be sight-read. I went to his office and sat at the piano. He congratulated me on my excellent classwork and gave me the cue to play. I played "Go Tell Aunt Rhody" for him. He listened and chuckled, saying what a fine joke that was, and I suppose my face betrayed my embarrassment.
"Was that your actual selection?" he asked.
"I added chords!" I said in my defense.
He nodded and then handed me the sight piece, saying, "Let's try this one then."
I leaned forward muttering, "Every Good Boy..." then searched the keyboard for a B. After a few notes, he stopped me, asking, "Can you not read music?"
I confessed that I could not. He asked my major, which was English Ed, and asked what I was doing in a class for music majors only. I explained that I had lied to the dept. head because I wanted to know something about music. He was surprised, but he looked over my grades.
"I am in a quandary. You have an A average, but I cannot in conscience give an A in theory to a student who cannot read music." I assured him that I understood. He decided to give me a B, which I was delighted to accept, and he shook my hand as I left.
How kind he was to handle the matter so compassionately!
Throughout my teaching career (English, gr. 7-12), his example guided me whenever students hesitantly approached my desk with poor work and excuses. I learned so much more than music from him.
My deepest sympathies to his loved ones.
Charles F. Smith, Jr. (Smitty)
January 10, 2022
In August,1958, after four years involved in Navy music, I was discharged and headed home to Covington and admission to the Music Education program at Southeastern Louisiana College. Of all the Freshmen members of that beginning class, several of us became fast friends as we joined Grier Williams band, Piano with Ron Stetzel, and Music Theory with Drs. Galasso and eventually Dr. James Wilcox, and Dr. Ralph Pottle for me as a percussion major. For Theory II, five of us decided to get to class early and sit on the front row, a habit for the rest of our time at SLC. That group, myself, Barry Mahady, Jim Franklin, Joe Riemer and Bob became fast friends and finished together four years later moving on to additional education or joining the music educator ranks. I commuted from Covington that first year, then married a girl from Maryland, brought her back to Hammond for my sophomore year and lived in the new campus apartments. We all remained friends after graduation and my wife and I were fortunate to visit Bob and Ellen several times in the ensuing years when traveling from our home in Salisbury, MD., the last time about five years ago. I can honestly say that he and his high school buddy Joe Riemer remained my closest friends for the last 63 years. My extreme condolences to Ellen and his extended family.
Steve Dagro
January 3, 2022
My condolences to the entire Priez family. Bob was a longtime friend of mine as well as my sisters whom he taught at SLU. There was never a c.b. radio or scanner of mine that he couldn't fix. I remember hauling my junk into his little shop on Hwy 51 in the Tycer Bldg. Always enjoyed our conversations we had. Prayers for strength and faith to Ellen and the girls. He will be greatly missed my many.
Cindy Heitman-Fletcher
January 1, 2022
I liked and respected Bob very much, and knew him at Southeastern before I started at WFPR.
He was our engineer at KSLU, and was always phenomenally efficient and kind.
He walked me through the extreme details of writing a bid request for a lot of brand-new equipment for KSLU when I was station manager.
I saw Bob often when I was working at WFPR.
One Saturday, I received a big electrical shock while adjusting the studio mic. He responded right away by coming out to check the equipment.
Bob was a stickler for accuracy and things being done exactly the right way.
He was also the very first person I ever knew who had a car phone.
I know he volunteered many hours after hurricanes relaying vital information through his ham radio.
All this as well as being a musician and music professor.
What an intelligent, accomplished, witty man.
My sympathies to his wife, daughters and other family members.
David McCormick
January 1, 2022
While Ellen, Kira, Lisa, Amy, grand- and great-grandchildren are grieving over the deepest loss, words are inadequate to express my deepest condolence. You go forward with memories of a uniquely wonderful man, husband, father, professor and musician. Bob Priez' intelligence and natural music ability stood him above most other people, and he was an inspiring role model for many generations of students.
Rita Bush and Family
December 31, 2021
We were so sorry to hear about Bob. Milton enjoyed having him in his New Orleans Trombone Choir and in the jobs they played together. He was one of Cheryl's favorite professors while at Southeastern. We all admired Bob and thought highly of him. He was a life-long friend and one of Milton's favorite people.
Jerry Semerad
December 28, 2021
Dear Ellen and family,
How fortunate I was to have played in the New Orleans Trombone Choir with Bob, not just a brilliant player but a very personable, good man and my friend. We kept in touch after I moved to Ocala and will remember the joy in playing many exciting concerts together.
Bob's memories of excellent music will be with us forever.
With deepest sympathy,
Jerry Semerad
Ocala, FL
Kathryn Martin
December 20, 2021
What a tremendous loss in the world of music, around the world in Ham Radio and throughout the community in the joy he brought as he touched so many lives in such uplifting and helpful ways.
Thanks to his family for sharing him. Our prayers surround you.
Kathryn N4USW
Gordon and Eloise Anderson
December 20, 2021
Oh so sorry for your loss and the loss of our dear long time friend. Good memories. Our prayers are with you.
Alisa Knight
December 20, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort in this time
Tren Alford
December 20, 2021
To Ms. Ellen and girls,
What can I say? Bob Priez was one of the most influential people of my entire life. I have looked up to him for 50 years. I have emailed him to ask for advice, as recently as this past year. I have emailed him with music questions, with HAM radio questions, with news from up here in the Appalachian Mts. I enjoyed playing every hot July outside Tickfaw gig with him for many years. He performed as lead player for my parents' band after my father passed away in the 90's. At SLU, he taught me music theory, solfeggio, form & analysis, and counterpoint. When I taught music theory at LSU as a grad. asst., I used my notebook from HIS theory class, DAILY. So in essence, he taught those freshmen and sophomore theory students at LSU too! I remember all the parties we had as undergraduates at SLU that he attended. He MADE our parties. It wasn't a party "till Priez showed up"! We absolutely LOVED having him there. Later in life, when I lived 2 blocks away, over on Elm next to Dr. Stetzel (and later Schrock), he came over and repaired the plumbing in my house one day! Bob Priez was one of the greats, a person who rises above the rest of humanity to shine through without even trying to. No ego, no pride, no braggadocio to him and yet he had every right to be so. A true service-to-others person that will be missed by the thousands of people whose lives he touched. I will miss Bob Priez for the rest of my life.
Love to you all,
Tren
Darlin Brady-Caro
December 20, 2021
I am so saddened at the passing of the SLU Music departments beloved Mr. Priez. I first met Mr. Priez at registration in the fall of 1974 when we had to go around to tables and pick up computer punch cards to schedule classes. He always had that full head of grey hair, so little did I realize that he was 33 when I was a freshman at 18. He taught me Theory and Solfeggio. He challenged me then and we had many discussions about that since.
I remember meeting Mrs. Priez and daughters when DO (Delta Omicron) and Phi Mu Alpha would Christmas Carol each year. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Retired Band Director/Instrumental Music teacher
Darlin Brady-Caro
John & Judy Guthans
December 20, 2021
It is with great sadness that Judy and I learned of Mr. Priez's passing, We started as students at SLU in 1970's. Judy and I had taken music classes under Mr. Priez. Further, we kept in contact with each other as we were also in the SELARC Amateur Radio Club and we would exchange emails all the time about the hobby or music. Mr. Priez was a wonderful teacher and friend and will be greatly missed.
Donald WA5W Olson
December 20, 2021
Loved working with Bob at MS Tour, don't think I can do it without him.
Walter Sarrat (N5RYI)
December 26, 2021
Just heard today (12/26) of Bob´s passing.. a truely great guy and loved being around and talking to him.. see you on the "other side" my friend.. terrific guy!
Jim Perrin
December 24, 2021
Ellen and family,
Our hearts are with you all during this difficult time. Seventeen years as neighbors, and after we left the neighborhood, Bob continued to be a true friend in the many years thereafter. God bless you all.
Jim and Louise Perrin
John and Judy Guthans
December 23, 2021
Judy and I were students of Bob Priez back in the early 1970's. Mr. Priez was a wonderful teacher and person. We kept in contact with Mr. Priez after graduation as we both Judy and I were involved with Amateur Radio and we were members of the same radio club. Mr. Priez was a caring person and always gave great advice whether it was about amateur radio or music. He really knew music. We will miss Mr. Priez. We were planning to meet at the up coming hamfest in January.
To the family, we are so sorry for your lost.
Todd Haygood
December 23, 2021
We love you all and are thinking of your family. We enjoyed visiting with Mr Bob at SLU homecoming with his grandchildren.
Manny Miyares / WD5BJR
December 23, 2021
I met Bob as I reentered ham radio back in 2011 and joined SELARC. I knew Bob only through radio, but the conversations, meetings and lunch groups were always memorable as Bob being a very kind, patient, and such a pleasure to speak with. He will be incredibly missed.
Dominic Mitchum
December 23, 2021
Bob was a great friend. A caring, gentle, and very helpful friend, especially to his fellow hams. He will be sorely missed. May God Bless his family. I am too thankful for having known "Mr. Bob" .
Robert Coz
December 23, 2021
Prayers, Lisa and Family may the memories help bring healings in this time of your Loss and Gods Blessings be upon the entire family members . #84'
Bill & Lisa Dorman
December 22, 2021
Bill & Lisa Dorman
December 22, 2021
Bill & Lisa Dorman
December 22, 2021
Bill & Lisa Dorman
December 22, 2021
Bill & Lisa Dorman
December 22, 2021
Bill & Lisa Dorman
December 22, 2021
Bill & Lisa Dorman
December 22, 2021
Smiles for you.
Bill & Lisa Dorman
December 22, 2021
There was no better friend than Bob. He was kind, generous, sharing, loving, fun, caring, and an amazing human being. He always made us feel welcomed at family events, and gladly shared his joy, peace and wisdom with us. His smile was sunshine. Are hearts are breaking for you all. We are praying for you all every day. We miss you Bob.
Ron Riviere
December 22, 2021
Ellen and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Bob. We knew each other from college days and also were friends from ham radio. All of you will be in our prayers during the hard days ahead.
Ron wb5cxj and Sharon ka5dow
Shawn Manguno
December 22, 2021
Ellen, Sorry for your loss of a great professor, musical buddy, baseball enthusiast, and one of my mentors. It was my honor that he took the time to be my very good friend. I will so miss our talks. Lol, Shawn M.
Barbara McCormick
December 22, 2021
Mrs. Priez, Kira, Lisa and Amy: So sorry to hear this terrible news. Amazed to realize from the obituary that I am a great-grand-babysitter! Thinking of you. Barbara
Tren Alford
December 22, 2021
To Ms. Ellen and girls,
What can I say? Bob Priez was one of the most influential people of my entire life. I have looked up to him for 50 years. I have emailed him to ask for advice, as recently as this past year. I have emailed him with music questions, with HAM radio questions, and with news from up here in the Appalachian Mountains. I enjoyed playing every hot July outside Tickfaw gig with him for many years. He performed as lead player for my parents' band after my father passed away in the 90's. He taught me music theory, solfeggio, form & analysis, and counterpoint. When I taught music theory at LSU as a grad. asst., I used my notebook from HIS theory class, DAILY. So in essence, he taught those freshmen and sophomore theory students at LSU too! I remember all the parties we had as undergraduates at SLU that he attended. It just wasn't a party "till Priez showed up"! We absolutely loved having him there. Later in life, when I lived 2 blocks away, on Elm next to Dr. Stetzel (and later Schrock), he came over and repaired the plumbing in my house one day! Bob Priez was one of the greats, a person who rises above the rest of humanity to shine through without even trying to. No ego, no pride, no braggadocio, though he had every right to. A true service-to-others man who will be missed by the thousands whose lives he touched. I will miss Bob Priez for the rest of my life. As he told me when my mother passed in 2009, "We are spiritual beings having a human experience." No one knows that better than he.
Love to you all and 88's to Bob,
Tren
Ron Nethercutt
December 21, 2021
Many lost a friend, loved one, close relatve, father, grandfather, great grandfather, teacher, fellow musician, organizer, volunteer, and radio operator. I am sure that Bob's memories and work will be carried forward by many as a tribute to all he has done for others.
Ron Nethercutt, KB5QVI
Close friend and fraterity brother in the Philippines
Gordon and Eloise Anderson
December 21, 2021
So sorry for your loss and the loss of a dear long time friend. Many good Memories. Our prayers are with you.
John Bulligan
December 21, 2021
Ellen, So sorry to hear about Bob. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. We will not be able to attend the services, but we will be thinking about you all. Cousin Johnny and Beverly
Joe Locascio
December 21, 2021
I go WAY back with Bob; from both our College & Amateur Radio Days.. On my several visits from CA to my hometown of Hammond, We often would meet at the 'local watering hole' - Crescent Bar; for our fill of Beer & the 'local gossip'; Ralph 'Bill' Shaw (K5CAV) would usually 'join' us.. While I was in Hawaii (still in the USAF), i heard Bob on 20M one day & engaged him in a 'QSO' (Contact/Talk in Amateur Radio). We have also contacted each other (while I was operating from So CA (my current home for the last 43+ years> Bob was also very instrumental in my being elected as an Honorary (Life) Member of the local Amateur Radio Club, which was started after I left the area with the USAF. I will certainly MISS Bob, in more ways than one too...I'm SURE that HE WILL BE MISSED!!! RIP, Bob, ole buddy!!! Joe, K5KT
Myrell Hendricks Bergeron
December 21, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Teresa Orgeron LeBlanc
December 20, 2021
Ellen and family, so sorry for your loss. He will be forever in your hearts.
Jean Miley
December 20, 2021
I knew him from SLU when I was a student out there. He was a very gracious person and I know he will be missed by all who knew him. His family will be in my prayers. May Jesus comfort you at this time.
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Priez's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Priez
Dec
23
Visitation
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes & Crematory - Hammond2000 N Morrison Blvd, Hammond, LA 70401
Dec
23
Funeral service
1:00 p.m.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes & Crematory - Hammond2000 N Morrison Blvd, Hammond, LA 70401
Funeral services provided by:
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes & Crematory - Hammond2000 N Morrison Blvd, Hammond, LA 70401
How to support Robert's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Priez's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
