Stephen A. Gothold

1941 - 2018

December 16, 1941 - December 5, 2018 Stephen A. Gothold of Whittier, CA, passed away in peace December 5th, 2018 at the age of 76. He is survived by his brother Stuart, sister Christine, half-brother Rod, children Paul, Mark, Julia, Christopher, Sarah and Peter, grandchildren Johann, Londyn, Peter Jr., Jude, Johana, Tobias, Nora and Juniper and many nieces and nephews. Steve was born in Los Angeles, CA, to Eugene and Adelaide Gothold. He graduated from Whittier College in 1963, received his MA from Occidental College, and a Doctorate in Musical Arts from USC. He began his teaching career at Whittier High School in 1966 (where he also coached football) and served as Professor of Music at Whittier College from 1977 until 2003. From 2003 to 2018, he taught choral music and conducting at many local universities, including USC, University of La Verne, and Claremont Graduate School. He also served as Musical Director (and sometimes performer) for many musical theater productions, including those at La Mirada Civic Theater and Occidental College Summer Theater. He sat on the boards of many local and national choral boards and served as Director of Music in many local churches, most recently Westwood United Methodist Church. Stephen's pride and joy was founding and directing Chorale Bel Canto in 1981, stepping down in the fall of 2018 due to health concerns. He continued to sing and conduct up until his final months. His other loves included traveling, playing golf, cheering on the Dodgers, being outdoors with his family. A small family service will be held at the Whittier College Chapel and a Musical Celebration of his life will be held in January. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ChoraleBelCanto.org or the Stephen Gothold '63 Scholarship Fund at Whittier College.