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East Mecklenburg High School

EARL WENTZ Obituary

WENTZ--Earl, 71, of New York and Charlotte passed away in Charlotte on Sunday, November 15, following an extended illness. He was a noted teacher of vocal performance and technique and performed as both an actor and musician. Earl Wentz was also a composer of both numerous sacred and secular works. He created the American Composer Series, an ongoing cabaret series paying tribute to the greatest composers of popular American music, particularly those associated with Tin Pan Alley, presenting 15 original musical revues from 2000 to 2009. He is survived by his partner of 27 years, William B. Watkins of New York, and an extended family. For more information on the life and career of Earl Wentz, please see the web site at www.earlwentz.com. For currently in print and soon to be released CDs and other works, please see www.sixpenceinc.com. Details of the services scheduled for New York and Charlotte as well as memorial fund information can also be found at www.earlwentz.com.

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Published by New York Times on Nov. 19, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for EARL WENTZ

11 Entries

RONNIE WILLMANN

November 26, 2009

I KNEW EARL FOR OVER 50 YEARS, FROM THE AGE OF TEN IN THE CHARLOTTE BOYS CHOIR, TO HOLY TRINITY, TO SAINT LUKES, TO EARL WENTS' SCHOOL OF THE PERFORMING ARTS AND FROM THE GROUP, " THE WIND CHIMES. I LAST SAW EARL ON NOV 12, 2009. HE WAS STILL THE TEACHER, GIVING ME TIPS ON THE MUSIC I WAS WORKING ON. EARL WAS A GREAT MUSICIAN, TEACHER AND MOST OF ALL A FRIEND.

November 23, 2009

I remember Earl from East Mecklenburg High School. He was such a sweet person and will be greatly missed. Earl provided the music at our wedding in February, 1955 and made that day much more memorable for us. He moved in one direction and we in another. My husband, George, became a pipe organ builder and Earl went on to become a great organist on the mighty pipe organ yet our paths never crossed. Have thought of him many times over the years. Had just had contact with him recently through Classmates.com. Earl will be greatly missed by all his friends and family. He was a very talented person. God bless you all.

Jane England Collins
McMurray, PA

November 21, 2009

Dear Bill, and family and friends of Earl, It is with heavy heart that you bury tomorrow your beloved Earl. I did not know him long, only 10 years, but what I gained from his life is unmeasurable. He was the organist at my church in New York, and then took on the unbelievable task of letting us form a choir. There were about 12 of us that gave it our all...and only Earl could bring out the "all" in us. We had goosebumps every time we sang together, and it was Earl that made us feel that way. He brought love to our lives through music and direction. I honor him today and always. With my deepest respect and sorrow for your loss.

Sincerely,

Sherry Delamarter Holmes
Member of the John Street Choir

Sherry Holmes

November 21, 2009

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Missy Cromer

November 21, 2009

Everybody loved Earl. He was an inspiration to us all. One of the most gifted people and dear friends I have ever known. I loved him greatly.

Margaret Duncan-Brown

November 19, 2009

I took piano lessons from "Mr. Wentz" when I was in grade school living in Charlotte. Although I never turned into the pianist my mom and probably he thought that I would- he was a patient and kind teacher- and one that I knew was so talented in many ways. He allowed me to participate in some of the plays and musicals that he put on in the Mint Museum and I loved those experiences. I owe my piano playing ability to him(although I should have practiced more)- and I am so glad to know of all of his accomplishments throughout the years.
I know that he touched many more lives long after I left him. Thanks for being part of my life " Mr. Wentz"

Donna Hayden-Withrow

November 19, 2009

Dearest Earl, I was writing a special poem to read to you, called Bill to see when would be a good time, and it was at that time you were struggling to live. I know that God gives us the joy that love never dies, it just changes form. I love you forever. I know you heard my heart as I wrote the poem for you.
For Earl Wentz: A Celestial Wind Chime
By Donna Withrow, November 15, 2009

I have a choice.
A choice to climb.
Out of the basement.
The basement of my mind.

I have a mind.
A mind – not yours- but mine.
Up in the attic loft
The attic of unlimited time.

I have a life.
A life of blooming seeds.
Seeds to plant. Gardens to weed.
On the front porch, I choose to stay.

I see my life now.
In the open air and breeze. Trees bending to the earth.
Baby birds flying, taught from birth.
Clearest chimes of joy and mirth.

I chose life.
With all its seasons.
Cold and dry days
Warm and wet nights.
Connecting souls for a reason.

New York to Charlotte.
Miles don’t exist.
Energy continues and memories twist.
Your life and my life.
Joined in the Spring.

I sing! You sing!
Notes on a minor scale.
Locked in our bodies within each cell.
No time or distance captures a soul.
Resonate chords find us and swell.
Into a symphony we know so well.

We create an orchestra,
Percussion in the basement.
Violins in the attic.
Trumpets on the front porch.
Flutes on the bird wing.

I have a pure voice all my own.
A voice destined to duet in warm tones.
Out of the confines of our limited being.
We become,
Celestial harmonies forever rising to the throne.

Sue Phillips Rogers

November 19, 2009

To those who mourn Earl, I send my personal condolences. He was such a gifted musician and had a wonderful personality. I remember him from high school days at E. Meck. when he was our chorus pianist. His musical ability always amazed me so am not surprised that he was so successful in his musical career. He will never be forgotten.

May God Bless his loved ones left behind. Sincerely,

Penelope GLOVER PHILLIPS

November 18, 2009

I always knew that Earl would make his music "sing". At East High many of us always enjoyed hearing and watching him play the piano. May God be with you.

Javon McClure

November 18, 2009

I just want to express my condolences to the family of Earl Wentz. I've never met Mr. Wentz, however I am a friend of Amy's and and she has spoken so highly of him and how his spirit was so blessed and pure. As his niece, Amy is a true reflection. May God ease your hearts during this time.

Jayne Coley

November 18, 2009

Earl was a blessing to us all. We are all so fortunate to have had him in our life. His physical presence will be deeply missed but his spirit will always be with me. I love Earl dearly and so wish I had spent more time with him. I am extremely thankful that he and Bill had each other for a dedicated and full 27 years. I love you Earl.

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