Leon Carapetyan

Leon F. Carapetyan

July 28,1930-August 20,2025

Well known by concertgoers throughout Central NY, Leon Carapetyan, with his shock of white hair, was an easily recognized professor at SUNY Oswego, where he was an ensemble conductor, singer and voice teacher and avid concert attendee.

His parents, Edna and Caro Carapetyan, were musicians living in Elmhurst, NY, where he and his brother were known as "the Elmhurst Wrecking Crew". His teen years followed the location of his father's work: Houghton, NY, Kent, OH, and finally in Dallas, TX. His higher education followed the same geography. He earned a BFA from Kent State, an MA in musicology from the U of North Texas, and continued with doctoral work from Union Seminary, School of Sacred Music, NYC. While in New York, he sang in opera choruses, was a section leader(baritone) at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and sang as a soloist in many ensembles. This wide range of exposure allowed him to embrace diversity, a key aspect of his ability to befriend so many, and made him beloved in many circles throughout his life.

In 1963, Leon started his journey as a full professor in the music department of SUNY Oswego, where he taught many aspiring singers, several college ensembles, and helped launch the college-community Festival Chorus. In a time before it was standard practice, he built a series of interactive cultural lectures presented in tandem with colleagues in the German department, introducing 19th-century lieder to those students. He performed recitals, sang roles in the Oswego Opera and Syracuse Opera, debuted new music at Carnegie Hall, and often served as soloist in large oratorios. Along with other musical friends, he founded and directed the Bach Choir of Oswego and helped establish the Ontario Singers. He performed with the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble. Also, he played violin in the College Orchestra and served as guest conductor for many kinds of performances. His amiable encouragement, rigorous performance standards, and genuine love for humanity made performers strive to offer their best efforts.

He was often seen at the Church of the Resurrection where he served as choir director several times, multiple terms on the Vestry, represented the church in Diocesan conventions, and was an energetic organizer for special events. He encouraged exploring and trying new ideas in worship, all the while maintaining his faithful attendance.

In his retirement after forty years of teaching, Leon spent much of his time enjoying and appreciating his grandchildren, nurturing musical abilities of others, and sharing the tales and history of his beloved Armenian heritage. He loved traveling, especially with a group of friends, who named themselves "The Canal 6/7" as they traveled westward on the Erie Canal, living on a canal boat, the first of many extensive trips. He became a birder, using area sanctuaries of Derby Hill, Rice Creek, and Sterling Nature Center, with binoculars in hand, to locate both the temporary migrating as well as locally established resident birds. Learning their songs became a focal point for him, and often he would be outside holding a conversation with a variety of birds. He also adopted a feisty kitten, named Mischief, who grew into his constant companion as they would sit and voraciously consume books together, expanding knowledge of diverse subjects. They were never without a book, or three or four. Always a cup of tea stood nearby, and maybe a special treat, too. Leon truly was a lifelong learner.

Leon is survived by his wife, Shelly Banner, two sons, Christopher and Gregory, and four grandchildren, Tyler, Heather, Zachary, and Corey, as well as several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on September 6, 2025, at the Church of the Resurrection, with calling hours at 10:30 am and the service at 11 am. As Leon loved to eat in the company of others, all are invited to attend a luncheon which will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, at Leon's request, please offer gifts to any of the following: The Church of the Resurrection, The Carapetyan Vocal Scholarship at SUNY Oswego, or The Human Concerns Center (Oswego).

Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.