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Keith D. SHAWGO Jr.

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Drake University

FUNERAL HOME

Carlson Funeral Home

45 Franklin Square

New Britain, Connecticut

Keith SHAWGO Obituary

SHAWGO, Keith D. Jr. Keith D. Shawgo Jr., 70, of Meriden, Minister of Music for the Kensington Congregational Church for the past three years, passed away Friday (August 27, 2010) at Hartford Hospital. He previously served as Minister of Music at the First Church of Christ, Congregational in Redding, CT for 15 years and was a music teacher at Darien High School for 32 years. He is survived by a sister, Sharon Caton of Belle Vista, AR; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Carol Pitts. A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday 11 AM at Kensington Congregational Church, 312 Percival Avenue, Kensington. There are no calling hours. Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain is assisting with arrangements.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Aug. 29, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Keith SHAWGO

25 Entries

Jeff Robertson

July 29, 2018

Mr. Shawgo was my choral director. He once told me he had been offered a conducting position at the University of Hawaii. I asked him if he was going to take it. He said no, and when I asked why, he said "because I love it here". He truly did love teaching us, and I will always remember his example as one of the most generous people I have ever known. I can't here a choir without seeing him smiling in front of it.

December 21, 2010

Keith was my friend in college, at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He was on a Masters degree in organ performance and church music while I was majoring in piano. I can easily picture him swinging his sportcoat away from the organ keyboard as he readied to play. He was very musical, and a warm human being. Both qualities I valued in him. After we each finished our degrees at Drake I never saw him again; I wish I had known him better. I'm glad to find out what he did with his gifts in life, and I'm thankful to know that he is now with God.
Diane Goodner Rivera, Bloomington, Indiana

Jeff Green

December 16, 2010

For some reason, out of the blue, I was thinking of a song we played in the Middlesex Jr. High School Stage Band. That prompted me to look you up and find this sad news. I'm sorry I missed you.

Bruce Irving

September 30, 2010

I love music so much, but I've only now stopped to realize where much of that love was instilled--in Mr. Shawgo's class. Though I know he had a love for the classier stuff, shall we say, his accepting and serious approach to pop and rock opened my eyes and ears to their joys and legitimacy. Thank you, Keith, and rock on.

Lauren Wales-Chanler

September 14, 2010

Keith Shawgo was a fiercely devoted teacher and mentor. He introduced me to the greatness of classical choir music and how to share with others. I'll never forget the day he hugged me to tell me I made it into the all-state choir. He was as thrilled as I was. My love and thoughts go out to his family. Keith, you will be missed.

Chris Westhoff

September 5, 2010

As a teacher, Mr.Shawgo inspired us towards music. He suggested that there was something behind its construction, something deeper than its intellectual nuts and bolts. Something that we could feel before we would understand. By example, he encouraged us to explore these feelings. As a friend, Keith treated me with respect and honesty. I am forever grateful for the time we spent together.

Jeffrey Kunkel

September 3, 2010

My sympathy to the family and friends of Keith. I'll remember him as a strong advocate for his students, and for the important place of music in the school curriculum and in our lives. He was always kind to me during my brief stay as a colleague at Darien, always willing to offer advice and a kind word. May he rest in peace.

Nicholas Cotellessa

September 3, 2010

Keith´s influence as my high school chorus teacher helped set the course of my musical life and it´s hard to imagine being a working musician today without his support and encouragement. Rest in peace, Mr. Shawgo, and thank you.

Courtney Smith

September 1, 2010

I feel deeply blessed to have been his student, to have been inspired by his passion, and to have learned from his wisdom and commitment to others.

Graham Wheeler

August 31, 2010

Dr. Shawgo was a great man. He served as a teacher and mentor to me during my tenure at Darien High School, helping me to learn about more than just music, but life, assisting me in becoming a better person along the way. He will be dearly missed. My most sincere condolenses go out to his family.

Laura Gleason

August 31, 2010

I remember with great fondness my years spent with Mr. Shawgo as a Tudor Singer at DHS. Our singing tour of Italy remains one of my greatest high school experiences, and everything Mr. Shawgo taught me about singing and music remains with me to this day. He was a truly wonderful teacher. I pray he will rest in peace.

A.W. Carlson Funeral Home

August 31, 2010

Our sincere sympathies for your loss.

August 30, 2010

I had the privilege of teaching with Keith at both Middlesex and Darien High. His love of music inspired thousands of students who respected and adored him. Somewhere in Heaven Keith is conducting a choir of angels. Nancy Clifford

Cricket VW Holland

August 30, 2010

Mr./Uncle/Dr. Shawgo was so influential in my formative years! I am thankful for the beautiful music at DHS with countless hours of dedication. Years of "Messiah" added to the holiday season for many people. We can only hope that our children find teachers and friends with such a love of music, faith and people.

August 30, 2010

Dear Lord...Thank You for the gift of sharing Keith with us...he and I were colleagues for more than 30 years. He touched so many people's lives, here...please bless him, and bring him Home.
Thomas S. Griffin, Jr.

Christine Sockol

August 30, 2010

Sending love and to serenity to Mr. Shawgo's family... My high school memories of him are quite fond.

August 30, 2010

It's hard to believe he's gone. He was such a vital force at DHS for so many years. His legacy will live on. Pat Galvin

Laura Albero Reid

August 30, 2010

Mr. Shawgo was a warm and inspiring teacher. I had the honor of not only being a student of his through Darien Summer Theater and the DHS music program, but also being part of the group "Refuge" performing Christian musical theater throughout New England. He touched my life in many ways. I will always remember his welcoming smile. My prayers are with all who loved him.
Laura Albero Reid

Michael Agresta

August 30, 2010

Rest in peace, Mr. Shawgo, and thank you for the music.

Richard Sadlon

August 30, 2010

Keith touched the lives of many students in the Darien Schools with his music and will be missed. Our condolences to his friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.

August 30, 2010

I knew Keith well while he was at DHS; I sang "The Messiah" with his choir every Christmas for many years--he was an inspiring conductor. I recently ran into Keith at a performance at Staples High School in Westport--we chatted for awhile--I commented that he looked great, and he said, "That's what retirement will do for you." My thoughts and prayers are with his family--I know that he touched so many of us with his love of music.
Carol Hanks

John Knag

August 30, 2010

Mr. Shawgo was a great teacher. Few put his level of passion into their work, and I will always be grateful for how I grew as a singer under him. He will be missed.

Kathy Kenny

August 30, 2010

While I didn't get to meet Keith here at DHS, I know he was loved by his students and is still missed today. My condolences to his family.

Debra Currier

August 30, 2010

Mr Shawgo will be greatly missed. I was a student at DHS and remember him well. Great teacher. My condolences to the family.

Nancy Herman

August 30, 2010

I worked with Keith for many years at DHS and was surprised and saddened to hear of his passing. My sincere sympathies to his family.

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