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LISA GRAD Obituary

GRAD--Lisa (Szilagyi), an accomplished pianist and teacher who inspired generations by sharing her passion for music, died peacefully at her home on Manhattan's Upper West Side on February 27, 2023 at the age of 95. Born in Vienna, she and her family escaped Nazi Austria in 1939 and immigrated to the United States. She was the daughter of Morris and Nellie (Ehrlich) Szilagyi, and the younger sister of the late Inge Kessler. In 1946, Lisa married Frank Grad, a lawyer and professor at the Columbia University School of Law, who predeceased her as did their son David Grad. She is survived by her daughter Catharine Grad (Ward Oliver) and two grandsons, Sam Grad Oliver and James Grad Oliver. A service will be held at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 180 West 76th Street, in Manhattan, at 11am on March 2, 2023.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Mar. 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for LISA GRAD

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mel bernstine

October 23, 2024

Just read this. All my condolences to family. I was at University with David and took piano lessons from Lisa. I remember everytime I left my piano lesson, I kicked my feet in happiness. The two hours were always stimulating, interesting fun. Lisa taught me how to listen to music.

Karen Kramer

September 5, 2024

We are very sorry and saddened to learn of Lisa's passing. May her memory be a blessing.
Sincerely,
Alumni and Friends of LaGuardia High School

Single Memorial Tree

Rufina Clery

Planted Trees

Dat Huynh

January 3, 2024

It is only recently that I learned about Mrs. Grad's passing (Jan 2024). Mrs. Grad was an inspiration to my brother and me throughout our high school years. My piano lessons with her were never just about playing the piano. It was a lesson in how to incorporate the arts, science and everyday life into making music. I still like to improvise music 30+ years later all due to her theory classes. She truly made an impact.

Jaap Simons

December 12, 2023

it's only now (December2023) that I learned of the death of my beloved
teacher Lisa. I got to know Lisa and her husband Frank in the seventies
through a mutual friend Trudi. I owe a lot to the Grads.
Sadly enough communicating with Lisa the past few years became harder and harder.
My belated condolences to Cathy and her family and the David's children

Bryan Pasian

August 30, 2023

She was a great music teacher, and an amazing human being. She always put a tremendous amount of care into her lessons, and her students. I will never forget all she has taught me. My condolences to the rest of her surviving family. May she rest in peace.

Deborah McWilliams

April 29, 2023

My condolences to Catharine and family. R.I.P. Ms Grad, I will always remember your words of wisdom and conversations about Piano lessons for my son.

Michal Prywes

March 2, 2023

Mrs. Grad changed the trajectory of my life. I would not be a musician, songwriter or teacher today without her. She was a mentor, a holistic teacher who incorporated so many disciplines into her teaching philosophy, and a true artist. I´ll never forget her.

Alex Peh

March 1, 2023

Mrs. Grad is the musician and person I am today. She inspired me to make shapes, to feel my alignment, to explore sound and body. The greatest teacher ever I´ve ever had.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

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Memorial Events
for LISA GRAD

Mar

2

Service

11:00 a.m.

Riverside Memorial Chapel

180 West 76th Street, Manhattan

Funeral services provided by:

Riverside Memorial Chapel - New York

180 West 76th Street, New York City, NY 10023

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