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Irving Wassermann Obituary
1914 - 2013
Irving Wassermann passed away on Nov, 2013, at the age of 99. He lived a long, rich, accomplished life. Most importantly to him, he cherished the opportunity to be a teacher to so many.
He was born on Sept. 23, 1914, to Laura and Adolph Wassermann. He was the eldest child of three. He came from a long line of rabbis, judges, and lawyers, and received a law degree from the University of Krakow. But his love was music, and he was studying piano performance and composition from some of the most prominent artists in Europe while achieving his degree.
Caught up in the turmoil of pre-war Europe, Irving was able to make it to New York in 1938. Most of his family perished in the Holocaust. Because of debilitating pain in his hands, he moved to the dry climate of Logan, Utah at the suggestion of a friend from Poland. He arrived on a bus knowing no one else. More than seventy years later, his legacy endures. He began his Logan experience by teaching private students, playing on radio shows, and doing whatever he could to support himself. He met, and married, a Logan native, Mary Peterson, in 1942. Soon after their marriage, he entered the Army.
When he returned from service, he continued teaching private students. In 1955 he was appointed to the position of Professor of Piano at Utah State University, the first person to hold that post. That was the start of a decades-long career during which he performed, taught, and thoroughly and energetically loved the University, his colleagues, and most importantly, his students. He had reason to be proud of many of his initiatives. He was particularly proud of creating one of the first programs for music therapy in the country, with the support of the University administration. And his name will live on through the Wassermann Music Festival, which has brought in world-class musicians to pass on their knowledge to hundreds, if not thousands, of participants. Our family is so appreciative of the music faculty and USU, whose work continues to honor our father through this event.
He was the father of three children: Dr. Paul I. Wassermann (wife Irene), Ellen Wassermann (husband William Wohlmacher), and Ann (Rooney) Wassermann (partner Diane Redden). He loved and was so proud of his two grandchildren, Michael Paul Wassermann and Kathryn Wassermann.
He was a man of so many accomplishments, a person who couldn't fathom spending a day without learning something new, a loving spouse who spent many years caring for his wife, a friend to so many, a man so grateful for the welcoming embrace of a small town, and a person who always acknowledged his good fortune in landing in the community he came to love.
He is survived by his children and grandchildren, his beloved sister Viska, his nephews Steven, Phil, and Doug, and their children.
There will be no formal service at this time. With the support of Utah State University, there will be a concert in the spring to honor his life and legacy.
The family would like to acknowledge the remarkable care and support of the staff of Canyon Creek Senior Center and Inspiration Hospice, as well as the care of both our parents given by Dr. Michael Stones and his staff in Logan. And of course to his friends and students, there are not words sufficient to express our gratitude for all the many things you did for our mother and dad throughout their lifetimes.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Irving Wassermann
Paul
June 22, 2025
I had known of the amazing Mr. Wasserman for many years while I lived in Logan... he was respected and loved by so many people...
Such a wonderful, very special man who led a fulfilling life.
May he Rest in Peace in the Eternal Presence of the Lord.
Stephanie Russell Persson
November 11, 2021
I often think of sweet Dr Wassermann when I am practicing a Chopin piece and also when I see his handwriting on my music. I cherish the time I had with him as my instructor. He will never be forgotten!
Col. Tom Wood
December 3, 2013
To Paul, Ellen, Rooney and family;
May I express my deepest sympathies with the passing of your dear father, grandfather, brother, uncle, beloved teacher and friend, Irving Wassermann. I well remember when I first auditioned for him to become a student. I was not quite 13 years old, a farm-boy from Amalga, Utah and had been taking piano lessons from a local teacher. I think it was when my teacher gave me a new piece to play called “Falling Waters” that my mother, herself a fine piano player and accompanist, said “that is enough, we need a new teacher to study the classical composers and Wasserman is the best”.
After I became one his students a whole new world of music opened up to me. I looked forward to walking down to 22 Marindale Avenue from my grandmother's house there in Logan and so enjoyed looked forward to each lesson full of music and interesting conversation in a homey atmosphere. I remember each of you. When Ellen would listen in the next room and would know the name of each student by what they were practicing and playing. How distressed Irving was when Rooney burned herself on the Mangle ironing machine. That Paul was a very polite young man who always smiled said “Hi” when I passed him on the sidewalk on my way down to the music studio. Your mom, Mary, was always so nice and would always invite my wife and I to come over for a visit each time we visited Cache Valley through the years.
Irving encouraged me on through my college years with students of my own (one, Jay Mauchley, became a noted concert pianist and master teacher) and to continue playing even after I started a long military career in the US Air Force. Early on I told him I wanted to get a grand piano but that being in the military required so much moving that it made it very difficult. He told me “if you want a grand, don't wait, do all you can to get it now and play it for the rest of your life. I followed his advice took my Yamaha G3 with me all over the globe including tours of duty in Virginia, New Jersey, Utah, New Zealand, Hawaii and San Antonio. I have been a church organist and piano accompanist for 60 years and Irving Wassermann was my guiding light to keyboard music. I will miss him.
November 23, 2013
Dear Wassermann Family,
It was with sadness that I learned of the passing of my dear piano teacher. I was happy, however, to hear that he had a wonderful going away celebration complete with Polish dancing!
I am your long lost relative, daughter of your mother's cousin Metta Hale, daughter of Mary Ann Peterson. Mother passed away in September after falling and breaking her hip. She would have been 93 in October. My sweet mother drove me 120 miles each way from Afton, Wyoming,so that I could have the privilege to study with your wonderful father. Sometimes the roads were icy, or a blizzard was raging. Once we slid off the road. But my faithful mother made sure that I made it to lessons. We would stay overnight with relatives, and drive home in time for school in the morning.
Your father was a wonderful teacher. I loved sharing music with him. He had such passion, especially for the music of Chopin, and my musical diet was a bit unbalanced, like eating dessert for most meals. I loved it!
We spent a lot of time in your home. I remember your dog Czerny. I remember Ellen playing upstairs during my lessons, and feeling quite unaccomplished. I remember your mother, ever the perfect hostess, preparing wonderful luncheons for us. I remember your beautifully decorated living room. The last time I visited your dad, I was very happy to see that the colors were still the same. I remember your dad's brick oven in the back yard, where we sometimes ate on the patio. What a treasure of memories!
Probably my favorite experience was having your parents stay in our home when I gave my senior piano recital. He accompanied me on Liszt's Hungarian Fantasy. It was one of the highlights of my life!
Please accept my love and sympathy. I hope you will let me know when the memorial concert will be held. I would love to be there!
Your Cousin,
Susan Cheney
Shaun Howell
November 21, 2013
Dear Ellen and Rooney
As you know I was one of the lucky ones. Irving was a part of my life even before I was born. When he arrived in Logan, apparently he had nothing. He supported himself teaching piano lessons. My Grandparents lived across the street and insisted that he teach their two daughters. Unfortunately, they had absolutely no aptitude for music. He tried and tried but they were hopeless. They would never be piano players. Irving's integrity was such that he approached my Grandfather and told him that he was wasting his money. Even at a time when he had to choose between eating and teaching students, Irving would never take advantage of anyone. Grandpa insisted and the lessons continued. These girls were my mother and my aunt and Irving's early assessment was 100% accurate.
Irving and Mary would always come by our house at Christmas time. They would always bring some bread that Irving had made. I was very young and he was always so exciting. Mary had this incredible thick black hair. I remember thinking that Mary had stolen all of Irving's.
I recall Irving performing in the big music auditorium at USU. It was thrilling. It was THE special event and all of Logan's elite would come with all their furs and jewels. Sometimes he would perform with his daughter, Ellen. He would always say that she was much better, but he, with emphasis, had taught her everything she knew. It was the teaching that he loved the most. Irving was the head of the Music Department at U.S.U. I remember when I had miscalculated the number of credits I needed to graduate with a bachelors in Music. I was one credit short. I am sure that I was having a major break down in his office as without that credit, I would be unable to graduate. He had me conduct a “3/4” and a “4/4” time signature which I did. He then awarded me that last remaining credit in “conducting”.
Irving was the kindest person I've ever known. The minute he saw you, you would get a little kiss on both cheeks and he would always tell you how wonderful you were. He did this everywhere he went. He would walk down to the local nursing home to visit with the patients. They all loved him and he loved them. He would so sincerely tell them how beautiful and wonderful they were. He made so many people so happy. He took the time to know and remember the names of about everyone that lived in Cache County. He made everyone feel so special.
Irving would never make a derogatory remark about anything or anyone. While he had performed and studied with some of the greatest musicians of his time, Irving would rarely mention it and would downplay it if he did.
Irving read the news from at least three different countries. He was always reading something. He preferred reading books in the language in which they were originally written. He was very fluent in numerous languages enabling him to speak with students he had taught from all over the world. Irving's spirit was dampened only when he spoke of “man's inhumanity to man”. I believe that he lived his life loving and giving with a desire to bring peace to everyone he came in contact with. Because of Irving, the world is a much better place to be. We have been incredibly blessed to have had him so long.
Even though thousands will feel this great loss, Irving would never allow anyone to be sad.
Janice Lamb McAllister
November 21, 2013
Dear Wasserman Family,
I have so many fond memories of your father, beginning with your family's summer trips to Cedar City where he taught us in piano ensembles. Years later I have been able to live in Logan so was privileged to see him occasionally - always a kind and caring gentleman, such an optimist and always the consummate teacher and musician. He leaves behind an amazing legacy; you, his outstanding children and grandchildren as well as scores of pianists of renown as well as so many other students, friends and colleagues whose lives were forever impacted by this giant of a man. We have all been blessed by his life as well as that of your beautiful mother. We can only imagine their joyous reunion. May you all find comfort as you celebrate their lives.
Stephanie Russell Persson
November 21, 2013
I had the wonderful privilege of having Dr. Wassermann as my private piano teacher when I attended USU as a freshman 37 years ago. How I loved him! We both loved music composed by Chopin, and Dr. Wassermann helped me improve my piano skills so incredibly much. I was invited to their home and met his lovely wife. I cherish the wedding gift they gave me several years later. Your father was a unique man, gifted in so many ways; in music and with his fun loving personality, and I'm so grateful that I knew him. He made everyone feel as though you were his best friend!! Bless your family at this time. Your father was deeply loved, and his influence will live on. I look forward to greet him again someday, on the other side. I love you, Irving Wassermann!
November 21, 2013
Irving mentally adopted many, including our two daughters - Sheila and Ida, when they attended school at USU. Irving fondly referred to them as his grandkids. I had the chance to travel to Logan just to meet this great man. Francis Chabari, Kenya
Nikki Hodges
November 19, 2013
I grew up on the same street as the Wassermann's. I absolutely loved going to their house and listening to their stories and eating some cookies. I will never forget the life lessons that they taught me. Irvin was such a sweet and gentle man. I am so happy to have known him! I am so sorry for your loss.
Bettie Larkin
November 18, 2013
Irving. Irving. My friend, Anne Hickey and I were fortunate to meet Irving and had many a spirited conversation with him at Budge Clinic's Cardiac Rehab where we all exercised for several years. By that time Irving was lamenting over his Mary. He invited us to his home where we visited with them both. Irving sent us off with freshly made loaves of bread. Always on his mind was his life partner, Mary, but notwithstanding, he showed his curiosity and zest for ongoing life and his interest in other people. What an honor my friend and I felt to have known this wonderful gentleman whom we remembered leaving us always with smiles on our faces. That, his legacy of music and friendships with students and virtual strangers will be long remembered by one who made a difference in this world. Condolences to family and all who will miss him. Love, Anne H. & Bettie L.
Ivan Keller
November 18, 2013
Irving Wassermann was a great friend, a great musician, and cultural light to the Cache Valley community and beyond. He was also my teacher, as was his sister Anna Slawvinsky. I visited him at home about two years ago, after being away for some forty years, and was immediately recognized and warmly greeted as we engaged in conversation as old friends. He leaves a lasting legacy of excellence and caring for so many of us who were privileged to come under his influence.
Edward Mecham
November 18, 2013
Prof Wasserman used to teach a piano ensemble class, two grand pianos facing each other, in the upper tower of Old Main. Such therapy to tune out other academics and just focus on his effort that you 'make music/not just play notes.'
....a cherished memory!
Reid Kowallis
November 18, 2013
Dear Rooney and Diane,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Prof. Wasserman's death. He was very kind to me during my years at USU and would stop his little Ford Pinto to give me a ride whenever he saw me hitchhiking on 4th North. I have never studied as hard as I did for his Music History classes at USU. This was not because I liked the subject so much but rather because I liked him so much and didn't want to disappoint him.
Sincerely,
Reid Kowallis
Debra Gibbons
November 18, 2013
Dear Wassermann Family: I was one of your father's students and a kinder, more patient man I never knew. It is almost 50 years later now and I still play much of the music he taught me and each time I think of your father. Whenever we would meet, he would always remember me and give me a hug. He was a true example of love and a real role model for me. I have many fond memories and am grateful for his life. He truly was a treasure. My love to you all. Debra Blackham Gibbons
November 18, 2013
During my time as a student at USU, I never got to study privately with Professor Wasserman, but I enjoyed so much learning from him in the classroom. He was always fascinating, and he also talked with me and encouraged me in my private piano study. I still pass on to my students things I learned from him. I will always be greatful fo my association with him.
Luie Washburn
November 17, 2013
As I teach my students, I think of and thank Professor Wassermann every day for his gifts to me. What a marvelous legacy to so many from a generous, extremely talented pianist and teacher!
Lisa Hawkes-Hatch
November 17, 2013
How grateful I am that Professor Wassermann chose music over law, and made his way to Cache Valley! As his student, I learned to not only "play" music, but to "feel" it . .and then play so that other's felt it, too. Bravo, Professor Wasserman, for a life well-lived!
Kate aka Kathy Ransom aka Gailey
November 17, 2013
I agree with the person who called Irvin a national treasure, and count myself fortunate indeed to have been associated with him. I loved that man and his Mary!
Lund Sparks
November 17, 2013
It has been decades since I studied with Irving, but I have thought about him often since---and those thoughts have always brought a smile to my face. He was a joy, a character with a wry sense of humor who loved his work. Kudos to a wonderful teacher and human being.
Dave Milne Wendy Faber
November 17, 2013
Irving was a true national treasure, as all of us who had the luck and joy of knowing him can attest. At age 97 he decided to teach himself Spanish to add to his fluency in six or seven other languages. His curiosity knew no boundaries. He was simply one of a kind. Our condolences to the Wassermann family. Irving will be missed, but he has left a treasure trove of memories.
November 17, 2013
Irving Wassermann was my piano teacher (after having studied with his student, Mary Jean Sorensen, and his Sister, Mrs. Slawvinsky). He was a major influence in my musical education before going on to earn a Ph.D. in organ and in composition. He was a special friend as well as teacher, and that friendship continued through the years. I spoke with him briefly about two weeks ago on the phone. I am not sure how much he heard or understood, but he recignized my name and repeated it, "DARWIN!" When I asked him how he was, he said, "Great!" I will miss my beloved friend and teacher.
Darwin Wolford
4 North Mill Hollow Road
Rexburg, ID 83440
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