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Elliott Bean Obituary

BEAN - Elliott Joseph, on January 2, 2010 of Centereach, formerly of Westbury. Music educator at Syosset High School for 32 years. Elliott was the beloved husband of Gail (Bode), loving father of Andrea (John) Swenning, Elliott (Maria), and Christopher. Survived by grandchildrenAmanda, Johnny, Joseph, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Alyssa, Matthew and Faith, his brother George(Barbara), nephews and niece. Also by his beloved dog, Tory. Viewing at Bryant Funeral Home, Old Town Rd, Setauket. Monday at 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral service Tuesday January 5th at 11am at Setauket Methodist Church, Main St., Setauket.

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Published by Newsday on Jan. 3, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Elliott Bean

Not sure what to say?





March 21, 2010

I loved Mr. Bean. How could one man make such a large group feel like a little family? I guess it could be done, if the man was Mr. Bean.

Toni Caferri

March 9, 2010

To The Bean Family,

Elliott Bean was truly the greatest! They broke the mold when they made him, because I have NEVER known another of his caliber! I have so many great stories to tell, and smile every time I reminisce! I was a "musical midget"(someone who can't read music!), but he still strived to teach me to understand it. He used to tease me that I would never sing "off-key" because I "memorized" every note of the songs, so I only knew that one note to sing!--LOL! He also told me I had a natural singing voice with a vibrato. He made me cherish that, calling it "a gift" I should treasure. I even tried out for my college choir, which was very selective, and had already produced albums. I wasn't intimidated to audition because of all the "singing courage" he instilled in me. I never got to tell him I got accepted into this very prestigious choral group! Although I had to quit a month later because it competed with my lab time, it was a real boost just knowing I had accomplished this! It was truly because of him, that I did!


"Mr. Bean" won't just be resting in peace,.....He'll be "resting in beautiful music!" I'm going to miss him immensely, and hope all "our" millions of memories give you solace! I join "The Privileged Class of '77", (since we were the only class who was lucky to have him for 6 years!)in extending our heartfelt wishes. We knew him the longest, and I noticed many of us submitted multiple entries on his memorial pages. We obviously can't say enough about him,....and that speaks volumes!

Laura Rennert Fogarty

February 19, 2010

Dear The Bean Family,
It is always hard to lose someone we love.It is obvious by all the entries that you by now know how inspirational, fun and committed Mr. Bean was throughout his career. He made a big impact for so many of us and really cared about his students and loved what he did. Although sad, he lived a very full life, leaving behind several generations of Beans to carry on his traditions. He will be missed.

norm greenspan

January 18, 2010

Dear Gail and family,
I worked with Elliot for many years and I remember fondly sitting with him in Ron Barry's office chatting about students, the upcoming concerts and the music trips. I have this great memory of his 1970's afro haircut and bell bottom pants and his incredible laugh. My sincere condolences. The amount of former students who wrote is a living testament to his impact as a teacher.

Norm Greenspan

Bean Family

January 14, 2010

From the entire Bean family we would like to say thank you so much for the outpouring of prayers, condolences and memories. It has been a huge comfort to us all to see how much he made a difference in all your lives. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Linda Baldo

January 10, 2010

Dear Gail and family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Elliott will always hold a special place in my heart. As a member of the Setauket UMC choir , I always appreciated that Elliott shared his musical gifts with us. It was a privilege to have someone so talented guiding us . He had an amazing way of finding beautiful music for us to sing. I know that I speak for the whole choir when I say that we will always remember some of his lessons for singing including but definitely not limited to;
“If the notes are on the same line, they should sound the same!”
“Look up once in a while!”
“Watch the ritard!”

Even more importantly, I considered him my friend. He had a great sense of humor and an understanding of the important things life has to offer. God blessed our choir by sending Elliott. May he rest happily in God’s arms. I am sure he is making music in heaven, too.

Love,
Linda Baldo

Sharon Rice

January 10, 2010

Dear Gail and Family,

I wish to express my sincere condolences on Elliot's passing. I relayed the information to dad (Jon Sammis) who was very saddened to hear the news. He often spoke of Elliot with great fondness and of his great musical talent. On behalf of my dad, mom and myself, we are indeed sorry for your loss.

Sharon Sammis Rice

January 10, 2010

My condolences to the family. I taught with Elliot at the high school for many years. He always had a smile and was a great travel companion. I was lucky enough to chaperone several overseas music trips with him-I will always remember crashing a wedding in Windsor, England and seeing him doing the "chicken dance". The number & sincerity of all the comments are a fitting testimonial. Bill Wallis

January 9, 2010

Dear Gail and family,

Though I've been away from Setauket for
years, Elliott has always been one of my favorites--He invited me to join the
chorale traveling group over 20 years ago. What a thrill to be with such a talented group of singers and their leader, Elliott on the trips to Europe.
Those are lasting memories of a re-
markable and talented person.
Peace to you, Bobbie Johnson
N. Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Robert Walter

January 8, 2010

Dear Bean family
I am so sorry for your loss. He was the best teacher at Syosset High. I was in Mr Bean's 7th gr choir in Thompson then for High School and the senior play. He was the rare high school teacher that inspired students while connecting with so many different kids - including those with limited musical talent like me (luckily he always needed male voices and he had liked my older sisters!) My favorite memories are from the Italy trip - he had such a boyish enthusiasm for singing in the cathedrals and living in the moment that I can really appreciate now, some thirty years later. I am sure that all those trips and rehearsals were not easy on family life, so thank you for sharing him with generations of teens!

Rob Walter Syosset '79

Jill Baumgartner-Sackett

January 8, 2010

I graduated in 1977 and will always remember what a great inspiration Mr. Bean was to all of us. I can still see the smile on his face.

My condolences to his family. He will be remembered and missed by all of his students.

Jill Baumgartner-Sackettt

January 7, 2010

Dear Bean Family,
Our family would like to extend our sincere condolences. We came to know Mr. Bean through his work at USDAN. Our sons, Justin and Joshua, attended and worked at USDAN for a number of years and Mr. Bean was one of the best. He was the perfect teacher and a role model to be lived up to.
Sincerely,
The Rockett Family, Stony Brook NY

January 7, 2010

Dear Bean Family,

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Elliot. My brother Jeff and I, both musicians, were students of his in Syosset High School, classes of '71 and my brother 74'. Ironically, I had mentioned to a good friend of mine the other day about my experience in the orchestra for Finian's Rainbow in '70 under the direction of Elliot. The show on broadway is about to close soon.

Elliot was always so supportive of my abilities throughout high school which meant a lot to me and I always admired his astonishing charisma and enthusiasm and his wonderful musicianship. I am sorry I never had the chance to see him since school but will surely think about him and remember him fondly always.

Blessing to you all.

David Siegel

John Micari

January 6, 2010

I would like to extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you. Elliot was, without a doubt, the single most influential teacher I had, and not a month has gone in the intervening years that I have not though back to the time I was privileged to be his student. But more than a teacher, he was a true mentor, a person I could come to and talk to who always took the time to listen, and who always let me know that he cared. A truly exceptional man.

I remember my visit to your home, and how much fun we all had, and how, at the same time I was aware that it was a parting of ways, that we, his students, were all about to move on to a new phase in our lives, but always, I felt, Elliot was there in a way, and I would remember his humor and spirit, no matter if I was in some jungle or some desert or some lonely stretch of highway.

Elliot made a great difference in my life, and that, I think, is the measure of a truely great teacher.

I will always remember him, and will miss him.

January 6, 2010

The funeral was moving and beautiful. I'm sorry I didn't get an opportunity to extend my personal condolences to you. Elliot was truly the major influential person in my life. I owe him such a great debt of gratitude. He will always be loved by me. I will always remember my visit to your house when I was a student at SHS, so many years ago.

With deep affection,

Debra Stein

Billy Manger

January 6, 2010

Dear Bean Family,
I am truly sorry to hear of Elliot's passing and your loss. As you are aware "Mr Bean" had a great influence on ever student that ever had the pleasure of teaching. He brought out incredible talent and vocal skills out of a great many students at SHS. He was a great friend to many of us myself included.
I had the honor of being his student from 1981 through 1983. I traveled to England and Belgium with the Chorale and I participated in two musicals. Now that I look back Elliot was a huge part of my high school experience.
I am grateful to have know him.
My prayers are with you.

Richard Berman

January 5, 2010

This is my second entry. This is what I posted on "Syosset Rules!" website:

Elliott Bean passed away January 2, 2010. He was an integral part of Syosset history. I first met Elliott the week I moved to Syosset in the middle of 10th grade, 1966. He and Mr. Donnelly, the band director, auditioned me on the trumpet to see what I could do. They made me first seat, solo trumpet; unheard of for a 10th grader. That summer SHS did their first summer stock program. I auditioned. Jean Levine said I had 2 left feet (and she may have been correct). Harvey Karp was skeptical, since I had been in his speech class and drove him crazy. Elliott Bean stood up for me and said I could do anything and I ended up with the part of the Jester in "Once Upon A Mattress". That show and part kick-started the best three years of my life. Throughout high school, Elliott was there to encourage and support me. Also to get me out of trouble. The night of my graduation in 1969, Harvey Karp passed away. He was Elliott's big brother, mentor and idol. Elliott called me in the middle of my party. Party after party was interrupted with discovery of Harvey's death. That summer and the next year, during my freshman year in college, Elliott and I put together a group of friends who helped us contact SHS alumni to collect money to start a fund for Harvey's son, Sean's, education. The money provided Sean his education. Together Elliott and I proceeded to do what needed to be done in order to change the name of the Syosset High School Auditorium to the "Harvey P. Karp Auditorium". Elliott told me that I could accomplish whatever I wanted to do and actually gave me a plastic loving cup that read "to the best leader". I treasured it. He had confidence and faith in me that I didn't. When I became the musical director for Syosset's summer stock program while I was in college, '70-'73, I tried to emulate Elliott. He was my model. He convinced me to go to law school, as opposed to teaching, music or the theatre. I have gone on to have a very successful legal career and still write music to this day. We lost touch in the 70's. I can see from what many other ex-students have written that he maintained his specialness. He had a gift. Even though I haven't spoken to Elliott in over 30 years, his influence continues. I honestly believe I would not be where I am today were it not for Elliott Bean. I only wish that my children could have the privilege and opportunity of experiencing a "teacher" like Elliott Bean.

Rich Berman '69

Mitch Davis

January 5, 2010

Dear Bean Family,

I, too, am sorry to hear of Mr. Bean's passing. I was a student of his from '78-'81, and had the honor of being in two shows he musical directed (Fiddler on the Roof and Brigadoon), and have nothing but the fondest of memories of him. He was indeed a great man who touched thousands of hearts in the years he spent with all of us. Thank you for sharing him with us.

My Sincerest Condolences,

Mitch Davis, SHS class of 1981

Stephanie (Georgiou) Cummins

January 5, 2010

I was a student of Mr. Bean's from 1983-86. To this day whenever I hear Vivaldi, I think of Mr. Bean and the great memories of his Chorus class. He instilled a love of music in all of his students, and has truly left a remarkable legacy. My thoughts are with his family.

Claude Elie

January 5, 2010

To the Bean Family,

I was in the class of 1988 and I can't say enough about how special a teacher Mr. Bean was. His passion for teaching music not only brought out the best in people musically but also brought them together. Some of my fondest high school memories come through the Chorale and the bonds that were created there. It is clear that through his influence, he helped make the world a better place.

Thank you Elliot.

Bal Hoeffner

January 5, 2010

Gail -

I am sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bal

January 5, 2010

Ask me who my Math teacher was? I don't know. Ask me who my English teacher was? I can't remember. Ask me who my Chorus teacher was? Well that is one man I will NEVER forget. It was Elliott J. Bean and he was not only my teacher, he was also my friend. I had the honor of being one of his Chorale students as well as one of his Long Island Chorale members the first few years he founded it. My deepest condolences go out to the Bean family as this is a tremendous loss. May your fond memories help you during this sad time. This man was loved by all.
RIP Mr. Bean "Til we meet again",
Kelly (Madden) Samide
SHS class of '89

Meigan Rocco

January 5, 2010

I had the pleasure of being Mr. Bean's student at Syosset High School until my graduation in 1987 and he is the one and only teacher that I still mention almost on a daily basis. We had so much fun and so many laughs with him and he managed to instill in us a sense of loyalty and pride not commonly seen in 16 and 17 year olds. Mr. Bean genuinely cared about each and every one of us and took the time to know each of us...our goals, our dreams and our aspirations. I have been so touched by the life of this man and I am so grateful to have had him in my life for those very important years. When speaking of Mr. Bean after learning of his passing, I tearfully explained to my 15 year old daughter that "he didn't just teach you music, he tattooed it on your heart". And that is what Mr. Elliot Bean has done for so many students...he loved, guided, enjoyed and inspired so many and my deepest sympathies go out to your family...Let the angels sing
Meigan (Madden) Rocco
SHS class of '87

David Shapiro

January 5, 2010

Dear Gail;

Debbie called me yesterday with the news. What can I say? Elliot was such a positive influence on my life as a young man. His friendship meant so much to me and my memories of the time spent working for him at summer camp remain to this day some of the fondest of my life. He will be as affectionately remembered as he will be sorely missed. My condolences to you and your family.

January 4, 2010

I am deeply saddened by the news of Mr. Beans passing, I have great memories of being his student all through High School he was a great teacher and friend and I am truly so sorry for your loss.

Christine (Kanetis) Blake class of 87

January 4, 2010

Dear Bean Family,

It is so lovely and not surprising that there is such an outpouring of love and thanks to the man that was Elliott Bean. I was a student of his from the time that I was 12, in choruses, with an independent study with him as a senior just so I could learn as much as he had to teach me. I was honored to have worked on the famous SHS senior play under his baton. It is because of his early mentoring that I pursued a career in theater. I owe my earliest aspirations of teaching to Elliott.
You have my deepest sympathies for your loss. His memories will clearly reverberate for generations to come.
Liz Caplan, SHS class of 74.

penny moskowitz miller

January 4, 2010

To the Bean Family
My thoughts are with you at this time. I was so lucky to have Elliott as a teacher at SHS throughout my years as a student. He not only taught me to read music and sing, but to live life and enjoy everything. I never forgot him and i never will. He was by far my favorite and MOST influential teacher. Thank you for sharing him with all of us throughout his lifetime.

Teri Feldstein-Gold SHS '81

January 4, 2010

Mr. Bean was that just right mix of the ideal teacher. When you walked into his chorus room, you felt safe and like you belonged. He fostered confidence and demanded high levels of achievement. You knew you were going to work hard, learn something, accomplish much, relax, be a little social, have some fun, for sure smile, and of course sing your heart out. Mr. Bean was admired, and respected. He was one of those few teachers you remember for the rest of your life and say, "I loved that class, he was great, one of the best, and he made a difference in my life." Certainly he has left a great legacy and will live forever through the lives of all those he touched. My children know those chorus songs; they became their lullabies. I would sing them around the house, and in the shower!
Thank you Mr. Bean

Ellen Kravetz Murphy

January 4, 2010

Dear Bean Family,
I remember Elliott from lots of get-togethers up in Vermont. That was a really long time ago. Sometimes it felt like my entire circle of friends was the children of my dad's Syosset High School colleagues. Upon hearing the sad news tonight from my mother Carole, this is what I remember the most. Years ago when I was in elementary school, Elliot gave me my very first clarinet. I was anxious to play and I believe it was his way of encouraging me to participate in music. The instrument had seen better days but I loved it because it was mine. As I got older and all my friends were winning medals in state competitions (and I wasn't), he continued to encourage me by giving me one of his old medals. This was way back in the 1970's--and I continued to play until I graduated from college in 1982. That's a long time. He was a part of that. I will always be grateful.

pamela zabitz

January 4, 2010

i am so saddened to hear about the passing of mr. bean. he was a very special man. working with him on bye, bye birdie was a real highlight of my life.

my deepest condolences.

pam zabitz (rosie 1972)

mary boyle

January 4, 2010

I will always remember Mr. Bean and smile. Great memories. His family can be proud knowing that he left such a wonderful "foot-print" on the world and brought so much happiness to so many people.
God has a new music director with him...let the angels sing.

January 4, 2010

Dear Gail and family,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Elliot will always be remembered for his friendship, passion for music and sense of humor! We have fond memories of him on Christmas Eve with our family, traveling with my parents, and bringing joy to our church service every Sunday morning through his dedicated work with the choir. We will treasure these memories. Peace - Lynda, Peter and Danielle Bambola

January 4, 2010

Dear Bean Family,
I had the sincere pleasure of having Mr. Bean as my Choir Director at Syosset High School. What a truly dedicated and inspirational person! I will never forget our choral tour in Belgium and England...a life changing experience in such amazing ways.

I still share my love of singing as a cantor at my church because Mr. Bean instilled that confidence in me, that passion for music. His effect is long lasting with all the students he taught...without a doubt, the "Mr. Holland" of Long Island.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Cathy (Shigo) Kittle, class of 83

January 4, 2010

HI Eilliot, I am so sorry to hear of your dad, my prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely
Sandra Ramnath

paul mayer m.d.

January 4, 2010

To the entire Bean Family, please accept my condolences for your loss, I can assure you that Elliott left a deep impression on all the students he came in contact with. As a member of the Class of 1967, My personal experiences remain fresh in my 60 year old mind. You can always tell the quality of a tree by the fruits and seeds it leaves behind.

Lorraine Seelinger

January 4, 2010

I went to high school with Elliott. He was one of the nicest and very polite boys of our class. I'm sorry to hear of his passing and I'm sure his memories will stay with you and sustain you through your sorrows. God Bless him and his family.

January 4, 2010

I am so sad to hear about Mr. Beans passing as he was and will always be a huge part of my life and my heart. I 1st met him while he was "scouting" talent at HBT and Miss Bortney told me to sing my solo to the man in the audience and after a few bars of Elvis', "I want you, I need you, I love you" right in his face, we clicked! He took me to Russia and pushed me to be my very best and supported me in all of my performance choices. Now, I'm living in Los Angeles passing his gifts on to my kids and continuing in my career. He will always be my "Mr. Holland" and we're all his Opus...G-d Bless him. A representative from my family in NY will be paying their respects there tonight. Much love, Marnie Alexenburg

January 4, 2010

To Everyone in the Bean Family,
Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of Mr. Elliott Bean. I was his student in Chorale during all of my SHS years and will always remember him. He taught all of us to strive for greatness and that if we work together and work hard, we can create beautiful music. He was a special man and I will continue to sing his songs and smile in his memory.

January 4, 2010

To the Bean Family -
My deepest condolences on your loss. Mr. Bean was the most influential teacher of my high school career. He taught us how to get the job done but to remember to enjoy life in the process. He made us feel like we were special and gave us the confidence to be who we were meant to be. He was such a special man and he will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure and the gift of knowing him. I feel truly blessed that I was one of his students. He started me on a path of music that continues to this day. I will always remember him for that.

Karen (SHS Class of 1988)

January 4, 2010

What can one say about a man that was as passionate and caring as Mr.Bean.He made every student feel special and always had a shoulder for you.He will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to his entire family
Jim Errante class of 1980

Kim Kiamie

January 4, 2010

"Memorial page for Elliott Bean" is an official facebook page should anyone want to add their memories. Mr Bean is the reason I loved to sing so much in High school and the reason I joined the LI Chorale after college---his initiative in giving the 'adults' after college a place to sing and to travel too was priceless. Thank You Mr Bean....you did a lot of good in your life! Kim Kiamie

Robert Mayer

January 4, 2010

Elliott was a teacher we all respected and loved. He devoted himself to special projects like the Senior play.
He will never be forgotten.
my deepest sympathies to his entire family.
Bob Mayer,Class of '69

Nancy Brown

January 4, 2010

Dear Gail,

I'm truly sorry for your loss and hold you and your family in prayer. I cannot thank Elliott enough for his work with Henry. He made Henry a part of the choir at Setauket UMC and helped him recognize his talent for singing. Both are gifts that last a lifetime.

Rick Hodes

January 4, 2010

Mr Bean was my teacher at HBT too many years ago. What a love of music and teaching he had. We were blessed to have him. In comparison, my kids are getting 10% of what we got from Mr. Bean.

My condolences to the Bean family. We remember Elliott with great affection.

Best wishes,

Rick Hodes
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Felicia Eisenstadt

January 4, 2010

To the Bean Family,

I am so sorry for your loss of such a special man. He was both a teacher and a friend to me, I graduated in 1985. He inspired me with music and I later went on to take voice lessons and join several choral groups.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May he rest in peace. His hard work and dedication will never be forgotten.

DRB

January 4, 2010

Elliot Bean was the real thing. His love of beauty was passionate and compelling. The Angelic Choir had best get itself right, and quick.

John Wagner

January 3, 2010

Elliott Bean was one of the finest, most inspirational teachers I have ever known. I had him as a student from Thompson thru Syosset High 1970-1975 (mostly, I played drums for him when he needed a drummer). He was passionate about his job, tough on the ensemble when we didn't know our music (but always treated every student fairly), funny, caring, and emotional when it came time to say goodbye to his seniors. Mr. Bean's teaching style and love of music was infectious and it was probably the reason I went into music education (now in my 30th year as a music teacher). I'll never forget going back to see him at his office in school in the 80's; I'd never seen so many graduation pictures on a bulletin board! They were all his former students who wanted him to have their picture. That says it all. We were all so lucky to have him as a teacher. I extend my sincere condolences to the Bean family.

bruce barnett

January 3, 2010

To The Entire Dean Family, I was very lucky to have Mr. Bean in my life while I was at Harry B Thompson and Syosset HS (graduated 1971). A real sincere, and highly sensitive professional, who cared about the students and thier futures. The Lord is very Lucky to Hsve Mr Bean at his side, Heaven is now a much better place than before, because Mr. Bean brings the love of music and people to life. Fond memories, Bruce Barnett

Evin Rosenbaum Willman

January 3, 2010

I have the fondest memories of Mr. Bean and extend my deepest sympathies to his family. He touched the lives of so many students and lives on through the people they have become. What a wonderful legacy...

Richard Berman

January 3, 2010

To Gail and Family: Elliott had the most profound impact of any teacher I ever had. For many years, he was so much more than my teacher; he was my friend and confidant. He gave me confidence in myself I didn't know I had and insisted that I could accomplish anything I wanted to do. When I look back on my many successes, in my law career and music, I can still hear Elliott's voice. The world is diminshed greatly with his loss. I hope Elliott's grandchildren will be filled with his stories. My deepest condolences.

Rich Berman '69

Debbie Simpson (Moses)

January 3, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss. He was so special to so many people. He was the reason I became a piano teacher, and why I became so involved in musical theatre. I know his memory will forever be alive in the hearts of those who knew him well.

Karen (Schwerdtfeger) Borrelli

January 3, 2010

To the Bean Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I was a student of Mr. Bean's at SHS from 1985-1988. He was the most amazing teacher I have ever had. He truly cared and enjoyed what he did with us and for us. He and the Chorale are my fondest memories of high school. He helped me find "my voice" which enabled me to mature and use that voice even to this day. I am grateful and feel very fortunate to have known him, to have had him as my teacher, and to have him as my friend.

Carolyn (Pagliaro) Coni

January 3, 2010

To the Bean Family,
I was a student at H.B. Thompson and Syosset High School from 1970-76. I have many fond memories of Mr. Bean throughout the years. He was an outstanding educator and always made a visit to the chorus room an enjoyable one. I can still see the energy he displayed standing on the podium in front of the chorus waving his arms in time with the music. As my own children have participated in various choral groups over the years, a smile has always come to my face when I would hear a piece of choral music I remembered from my days with Mr. Bean. I am so sorry for your loss and want you to know I am one student with very fond remembrances of him.

Bill Welker

January 3, 2010

To the Bean Family,
I am very sorry to hear of Elliott's passing. I will always remember his musical direction of the various productions at Syosset High School, where I had the privilege of playing in the pit orchestra for him on several occasions. He was a fine teacher, who had a great and positive impact on so many lives. He will be missed.

Carla Stein- Duby

January 3, 2010

To the Bean Family,
Mr. Bean was my teacher from 1973-1978. He taught us all the meaning of hard work , Commitment and TEAM work. He made us work hard, expected nothing less than perfection.. and taught us all to expect the best from ourselves. Most Sincere condolences to you all..

January 3, 2010

He was hands down my favorite teacher ever! I truly loved him! I was in every singing group and play he had while in High school! He inspired me to be the best I could be - always,with his true passion for music and joy for life! He contributed greatly to making music such an important, rich part of my life...and I passed that on to my daughter and her school's choir! Who knows how many thousands of lives he impacted so meaningfully-what a gift!

Erica Perlow-Syosset High graduating class of 1978, now in Chapel Hill, NC

January 3, 2010

Dear Bean Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of Elliott Bean as my teacher and knew him through my mother who also taught at Thompson.
Sincerely,
Sherry Zaslow

Elliot at Cherry Blossom Festival in DC circa 1968'

Doug Klein

January 3, 2010

I was the drummer in Syosset High's senior plays in '68 and '69. Elliot taught me how to be the driving force in those orchestras. He is part of the reason that I have been writing music for TV (HGTV now) for over 30 years.

Doug Klein

Here's a pic of Elliot when he took us the the Cherry Blossom festival and music competition in DC in '68.

Paula Farbman

January 3, 2010

To the Bean Family,
I first became a student of Elliot's at HB Thompson back in 1963 when I was in the 7th grade. I'd like to share with you the fact that he had a profound effect on my life. I consider him to be the main inspiration for me as I chose to pursue a career in music to become a high school choral director. I just retired from my position as District Music Director and HS Choral Director in Bethpage. It's been 46 years since my first encounter with him - and I will always remember him!
May your memories and the support of friends and family bring you comfort at this most difficult time.
With sincerest condolences,
Paula (Greenbaum) Farbman

January 3, 2010

To The Bean Family,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope that it is some comfort that he touched the lives of so many. I was his student for all three of my years at Syosset High School, and he helped create a life-long love of music for me and many others.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Jeff Eisenberg (Syosset Class of '85)

January 3, 2010

To the Bean Family,
The SHS class of 1969 fondly remember Mr. Bean. You have our sincerest sympathies.

Nancy Linden

January 3, 2010

To the Bean family,
Elliott was my favorite teacher in high school from 1968 to 72.He made music so enjoyable. I have never stopped thinking about him over the years. My heartfelt thoughts and sympathy are with you.

Sharon Mitchell Duberstein

January 3, 2010

To the Bean Family,

Mr. Elliot Bean was a special man. I graduated in 1973 and will always remember him as one of my very favorite teachers as well as a special person. He made you love plays and music even if you weren't very good at them. My deepest condolences to you. I feel very lucky to have known him!!

January 3, 2010

Dear Bean Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather.
I am one of many of Mr. Bean's former students (Syosset '85) and became a Music Educator in part because of my experiences in his choirs. I am grateful for his musical guidance and the time I had with him at Syosset HS.

With sincere condolences,
Christina (Voelker) Pressley

Sydell Herrick

January 3, 2010

To the Members of the Bean Family,
As residents of the Syosset School District since 1960, our family all enjoyed the musical talents and capabilities of Mr. Elliot Bean. All of our children - Jack ('68), Ellen ('69), Laurie ('71), Scott ('73, and Stuart ('76) played in the band and all knew Mr. Elliot Bean, as did my husband, Alfred and myself. He was an upbeat person whose company everyone enjoyed.

Our sincerest sympathy to the entire family from all of the Herrick's - Alfred, Sydell, Jack, Ellen, Laurie, Scott and Stuart

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Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

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Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

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The Five Stages of Grief

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