Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
STEVEN STUCKY Obituary
The Directors of the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc. acknowledge with deep sorrow the passing of our distinguished board member, Steven Stucky. He was a composer of great stature who gave unstintingly of his time to the Fund and to a wide variety of other music organizations, most notably The American Music Center where he played a key role in forming its successor, New Music USA. He was a devoted and beloved teacher and a person of rare warmth and generosity of spirit. His passing leaves a profound void in the music world and in the hearts of his friends and colleagues. We offer our deepest condolences to his family. The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc. Christopher Rouse, President James M. Kendrick, Executive Vice President & Secretary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for STEVEN STUCKY
Dona Stallworth
February 8, 2021
The world has continued to spin without my public school orchestra classmate for 5 years now. The world is much diminished by Steven's passing, but we are blessed because we can always return to his music for comfort.
James Gibson
March 2, 2016
It has been tough to imagine a musical world without Steve. I saw him daily for three years at Cornell in our graduate school years; I have never known a friend to be so kind, humble, entertaining and devoted. His music has inspired me many times over, and he will be commemorated in the ongoing series of recordings of music by living composers which I have the great privilege of overseeing through World Oceans Arts. I can still hear the sound of his gentle laughter, and the warmth of his friendly banter with everyone who knew him. My prayers for comfort and peace are with all his family and colleagues.
Carolyn Gray Anderson
February 28, 2016
Sending my condolences with the deepest sympathy. I wish you peace as you grieve.
Jared Emerson-Johnson
February 19, 2016
No teacher influenced the trajectory of my musical life more than Dr. Stucky. I am so grateful to have had him to look up to. He was one of the most generous, warm, intelligent mentors I've knownalways eager to share with those around him.
My condolences and love to his family.
Lpc
February 18, 2016
My deepest condolences to the Stucy family,
It is no doubt that your loved one has touched many with his music, and so did Paul...as he sang he praises in songs to Our Heavenly Father. Acts 16:25.
Joe Walker
February 18, 2016
A great composer, a generous contributor to other artists, and a truly fine person.
Kim Grossman
February 18, 2016
Of all the fine compositions Mr. Stucky has offered the world, "The Classical Style" will be long remember as clever, entertaining, and immediately accessible. It will be no surprise when we find it entering the regular opera repertoire to be performed with the likes of Gianni Schicchi and Pagliacci. Thank you, Steven Stucky, for your worthy gifts to the world.
James
February 17, 2016
Professor Stucky: I still have your score of Ad Parnassum next to me. I was hoping you could tell me what you wrote on page 24. You wrote it in red, but I find it harder to read than other annotations you made with blunt pencil. My dearest mentor, thank you for your patience with me even during my period of silence. I hope you rest well.
February 17, 2016
I'm sorry to hear Mr Stucky has passed away. May you find comfort in the words of family, friends and the "God of All Comfort" 2Cor1:3
Harold Meltzer
February 17, 2016
One of my favorite memories of Steve is this: One night after dinner, six or seven years ago, we went to the DiMenna Center to hear a premiere of a work by our friend and his former student, Steven Burke. When we arrived, he was greeted by Magnus Lindberg and Ed Yim, who were delighted to see him because in another hall at the DiMenna Center, there was a larger concert featuring a US premiere by Steve Stucky himself. He didn't know. But he said, "Sorry, gentlemen, I'm already committed for the evening," and walked into the smaller hall to hear instead his former student's concert. I asked him if he was sure he should miss his own performance to hear something else, and he responded simply, "I already know how my piece goes." I don't think I'd ever met another person who would or could be that generous, and at the same time avoid displaying it. Thoughts and prayers.
Carl Schimmel
February 16, 2016
Steve was a wonderful person and a truly great composer. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to know him, and the many tributes to him in recent days demonstrate how deeply his loss is felt by all. My thoughts are with his family.
Kevin Ernste
February 16, 2016
Steve was a supremely warm person, always fun to be around, profoundly smart, and genuine in his interest in what others were doing. He was an endlessly generous and resolute mentor, support, and role model for his students, collaborators, and colleagues. Most of all, he was a dear friend and I already miss him--the laughs, the stiff cocktails, his poise and humility, his always-thoughtful proddings, his wit and humor, and his genuine, caring demeanor. My inboxes over the last couple of days are testament to that fact that I am far from alone. To feel the scope of that shared love from so many sources is to understand what is meant by "a life well-lived".
Ruth Berry
February 16, 2016
Steve Stucky was a beacon for me during my years at Cornell, and along with Ed Murray (also recently deceased) and Roger Parker (alive and well in the UK) patiently challenged, guided and ultimately made possible the completion of my graduate degree in Musicology from Cornell. My final paper/ thesis was an analysis of John Harbison compositions; over 30 years ago Steve brought John to Cornell for a short residency and made me sit down in his office with John to interview/ask questions/get clues about the pieces I was trying to analyze. Steve led me there but left me on my own; that terrified me but forced me to stand up and speak directly with John about my work on his compositions; It was a profoundly formative experience. Hell of a teacher.
Gloria Cheng
February 16, 2016
To the Family of Steve: he was so universally beloved, respected, admired, and one and all we grieve along with you. You are and will be in our thoughts just as Steve will be, as you brought such joy and pride to Steve's life.
Michael Gandolfi
February 16, 2016
I am reeling from this sudden and tragic news. I have known Steve for decades and I greatly admired his work, teaching, and collegiality. I was eagerly looking forward to working with him this summer at Tanglewood, where he was to lead the Festival of Contemporary Music. My thoughts and prayers are with Steve's family at this most difficult time.
Cindi Johnston Turner
February 16, 2016
Some people, because of their great generosity, talent, humor, spirit, and grace, deserve to live a long, long life. He was taken far too soon and we are all the lesser for it. He was a great friend and the best kind of colleague.
George Trautwein
February 16, 2016
Sorry hear the very sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.
Ron Hilliard
February 15, 2016
I remember Steve from our days at Cooper High. We played in the orchestra together and had a running battle for first chair viola. My senior year we played a composition he wrote for our prepared piece at UIL and received a Level 1. I knew then he was exceptional and would do great things in music. We were not disappointed. He will be missed by many.
Shirlene Ward
February 15, 2016
The world has lost a wonderful and talented man. My sincere condolences for your--and our--great loss.
Phyllis Schneider Baum
February 15, 2016
Steve and I were in orchestra class together at Cooper High School. We all knew he was amazing. He composed music, played the viola, and even directed the orchestra when the conductor was out. He will be greatly missed. My sympathies to his family.
Chris Gendall
February 15, 2016
Steve Stucky was a great friend, wonderful musician, excellent thinker, and perennial gentleman. He was easygoing, magnanimous, and equipped with an innate ability to engage everyone in the room: even geeks and introverts (like me). He was a true role model. I am devastated, and so grateful that we will always have his music.
Ruth Groff
February 15, 2016
So, so sorry for your unfathomable loss. He was truly a wonderful, tender soul.
Ralph N. Jackson
February 15, 2016
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to Steve's family for this tragic loss. For over three decades I had the great privilege to know and work with him. He was a brilliant composer and writer, a true gentlemen, and a phenomenal teacher and mentor to a generation of American composers. The word that best describes him is GIVER. He quietly and tirelessly and selflessly gave of himself to others and to American music. Each of us has a limited time here on Earth and Steve's time seems way too brief but he left us a miraculous gift of music that will live on. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I wish you peace.
Kathlene Moore Gilpin and Jerry Gilpin
February 15, 2016
Steven was my step brother -Jerry and I are so sorry for your loss Kristen. The world has lost a great man
Richard Scruggs
February 15, 2016
My deepest sympathies for your loss. steve and I first met in 1987 at Florida State University. Wonderful fellow, brilliant talent, inestimable loss for us all.
Dona Hutcheson Stallworth
February 15, 2016
What a void he has left in the world! Please know that even as a very young man, he was recognized and held in high esteem.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Kristin Kuster
February 15, 2016
To Steve's beloved family & friends: we are thinking of you & wishing you ease & rest as you mourn this enormous loss. Please know that your Steve touched uncountable lives with his inimitable presence in our artistic culture at large. He was exceptional in his generosity, intelligence, talent, quick wit, & kindness. I will forever hold Steve as THE model of the mentor & pedagogue I strive to become for our young composers. We are forever grateful to have known him.
Susan Leigh Babcock
February 15, 2016
Dear Kristen, I am so sad we never met. Over the years I knew him, I saw Steve go up and down, but the only up that lasted was his relationship with and marriage to you. Having been widowed quite young myself, I still only have the remotest idea what it must mean to lose a husband like Steve. Many will miss him, but none as much as or quite like you will. I send you many blessings, love, and my deepest sympathy.
Flaminia Cervesi and Lex Chutintaranond
February 15, 2016
Words fail me, this loss is so great. I am grateful life allowed for our paths to cross. It was an honor knowing you. Lex and I will always a drink named after you as long as we will have a restaurant, where people can come and celebrate you and your legacy. Godspeed, Steve.
February 15, 2016
It is sad to hear of Steven's passing. He was a musical genius. I remember taking Latin with him in high school. He would keep one hand raised to answer any Latin question the teacher asked and one hand was on his desk composing music. A few years ago I contacted him because he had composed a piece "Ad Parnassum" inspired by Paul Klee's painting. As an art historian, I was interested in and responded positively to the piece. The next thing I knew I received his latest CD in my mail. He will be missed. My condolences go to his family.
Brad Volland
February 15, 2016
Thank you for your amazing gift of music. Rest in peace.
Francesco Antonioni
February 15, 2016
I heard your Second Concerto one night from overseas, and I immediately felt I had to connect with you. Months later, I took a car and drove to Ithaca to meet you. I discovered a generous man, a dear friend, a supporting teacher and a mentor. Ciao Steve, ciao fratello!
Andrew Waggoner
February 15, 2016
I'll always love and miss Steve, my teacher, mentor, and dear old pal. Please know how beloved he was and remains to all those he touched with his music and his friendship.
Kenneth Bozeman
February 15, 2016
Steven and I were classmates at Baylor University in the early 70's and faculty colleagues here at Lawrence University in the early 80's. I remember well singing an early choral composition of his with the Baylor Chamber Singers and loving it. And then enjoyed renewing our friendship while he was here at Lawrence. He is gone way too soon! My condolences and prayers are with his friends and family.
Lawrence Doebler
February 15, 2016
Steve was such a talented composer and gentle soul. There is a tremendous void in our world of the arts and humanity. I will miss you. My sincere condolences to family and friends and colleagues.
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
Make a Donation
in STEVEN STUCKY's name
Memorial Events
for STEVEN STUCKY
How to support STEVEN's loved ones
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.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor STEVEN STUCKY's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
