Sidney Russell Case

CASE-Sidney Russell, born April 19, 1939 in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts to Russell C. Case and Gladys M. Case, left this world to join his Lord on November 28 after a valiant struggle with cancer. A musician and music educator, Sidney devoted his life to his immediate and extended family, his students and serving God with his life and music. As a young man, Sidney mastered the violin and played with the Springfield (MA) Youth Orchestra. He studied sacred music and music education at King's College in Briar Cliff Manor, New York graduating in 1960. He earned his Master's degree at the University of Nebraska in 1967 and continued into the doctoral fellowship program at the Boston University School of Fine Arts. Sidney served God in everything he did and particularly in his music ministries at churches in Nebraska and the northeast. He served as organist and music director at St. Martin's Episcopal Church and Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska; Tabernacle Congregational Church in Salem, Mass., St. John's Episcopal Church in Beverly Farms, MA; St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Ridgefield, CT; St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Ridgefield; Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Pleasantville, NY and presently at South Salem Presbyterian Church in South Salem, NY. His professional life was devoted to introducing young people to the joys of music performance. He taught music in public schools beginning in 1960 at J.S. 123 in the Bronx. Horace Mann Junior High and North High School in Omaha, Nebraska. Next he became director of Music and Art for the Swampscott, Massachusetts Public Schools. Since 1984, he has been Coordinator of Performing Arts for the Scarsdale, New York Union Free School District. An accomplished musician, Sidney performed organ concerts in the Midwest as well as the Northeast. He played the organ to accompany professional artists in concert. He also directed musical theatre productions on both the semi professional and amateur level. In addition, he was the director of several community choruses, which performed major sacred works in concert. Sidney leaves behind his wife of forty-one years, Donna (Garnaas) Case, son Christopher and daughters Elizabeth and Emily, all of Ridgefield, CT. He leaves them with memories of his love, devotion and his passion for life. His strong faith, positive outlook and gracious manner endeared Sid to all he encountered. His wife and children were the joy of his life but his family extended beyond his five brothers and two sisters to their entire families. Sidney will be greatly missed but his legacy will live on in the lives of his children, students, former students and colleagues.
Friends are invited to join the family during visitation at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 6 Ivy Hill Road, Ridgefield on Thursday, December 1st from 4PM to 8PM. Services in celebration of his life will take place on Friday, December 2nd at 11AM at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Ridgefield.
Interment will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ridgefield. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 6 Ivy Hill Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877. Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield is in charge of arrangements.