Sergey M. Geniush

Sergey M. Geniush, 85, of Westfield, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, in Newark.
Born in Orsk, Russia, Sergey was the son of Mikhail and Ludmila Geniush. Growing up, he fell in love with music and singing. He followed his passion to become a lifelong musician and devoted educator. He served as a music teacher at Saratov College and a professor of music at the University of Saratov in Russia, where he inspired generations of students during his 40-year teaching career. An accomplished button accordionist, his passion for music shaped both his professional life and his personal joy.
Sergey moved to the United States later in life, bringing with him a deep cultural legacy and an unwavering love for family and tradition.
He will be remembered for being a leading button accordion professor at Saratov University. He led an ethnic musical instruments orchestra and was elected as the music faculty assistant dean – a position that he held for 25 years.
He was recognized twice for his achievements in culture and education within the region. He also participated in many music competitions, performed at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow, the Grand Hall of Moscow Conservatory, and the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music. Additionally, he received over 25 awards during his 40-year tenure at Saratov College. Sergey published over 25 academic works on music and performance, and taught the subjects of music performance, playing technique, and ethnic instruments, delivering many lectures on these topics.
Sergey was always known for his hard work and perseverance – even as a Conservatory student, he was mentoring future University students for their upcoming auditions.
Sergey is predeceased by his parents, Mikhail and Ludmila Geniush. He is survived by his beloved wife, Alla Geniush, and his three daughters, Luba, Yulia, Nadya, and his grandchildren, Masha, Sergey, Egor, Martha, Katya, Polina, Sonya.
He was a loving Father, a devoted Husband, and the best Grandfather anyone could ask for.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025 from 4-8pm at Dooley Colonial Funeral Home, 556 Westfield Ave, Westfield, NJ 07090.