John Philip Anthony

1942 - 2024

New London - John Philip Anthony, Professor Emeritus of Music at Connecticut College and organist extraordinaire, died peacefully at his home Aug. 9, 2024, at the age of 81. John was born an identical twin in Springfield, Mass., Sept. 17, 1942, the older of the two boys by five minutes. He was the son of John Keehlin Anthony Jr. and Lucille Muse Anthony and grew up in Arkansas. He graduated from Fort Smith High School in 1960 and attended the University of Arkansas, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1964 with majors in organ and French. After the University of Arkansas, he received a prestigious Woodrow Wilson Fellowship and pursued graduate studies at Yale University, subsequently earning a Ph.D. in Music History. While still a graduate student, he taught briefly at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine and at Wheaton College in Norton, Mass.

In 1971, he came to Connecticut College in New London, where he served as Professor of Music and College Organist for 53 years. Over the years, he taught courses in music history and theory, as well as organ and keyboard performance. He played the organ for weekly services in Harkness Chapel and was a regular accompanist for countless choral, faculty and student concerts and recitals. Every October, he entertained the College community performing a spooky Halloween night organ concert, and in December he was a feature in the annual production of Make We Joy. He also served in various administrative capacities, including chair of the music department, associate dean of the faculty, and was a fixture on numerous College committees. Most meaningfully, he was a Host Family faculty mentor to international students from China and other Asian countries. In 2021, John officially retired from Connecticut College as Professor Emeritus; however, he joyfully continued to work, teaching another three years on an adjunct basis, eventually finishing out the most recent academic year.

In addition to his faculty role at Connecticut College, John served as Organist and Choirmaster at St. John's Episcopal Church in Niantic, for over 40 years until his recent health challenges. His decades at the church were filled with joy and dedication as he worked with scores of choir members, priests, and deacons, all the while sharing his gift of music and receiving in turn respect and gratitude from the many members of the parish. His position as organist for both the church and the College meant that he played for untold numbers of weddings and funerals over the years, and his annual calendars were full of dates for both the joyful occasions as well as the solemn ones. He also regularly performed in recitals and concerts throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. On top of his many responsibilities as college professor and church organist, John supported and served as board member for many arts organizations in his community including the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, the Thames Valley Music School, and the Connecticut Early Music Society for which he was the current Board President. He was also a member and past dean of the New London County Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

John had an infectious and jolly laugh that will be remembered by everyone who knew him. He loved a good party and being around people. He had a big heart and was always selflessly giving to others. He was a regular blood donor for the American Red Cross and volunteer at the New London Community Meal Center. He was the first to lend a helping hand when something was needed. Perhaps his favorite extracurricular activity in recent years was chauffeuring his local grandniece and nephews to and from school, music lessons, or sports practices, and he tried very hard not to miss any of their soccer or baseball games, concerts, or school programs. John was a very special family member, not only to his immediate family, but also to far-flung cousins and other extended family members about whom he cared so deeply. He was blessed to have had so many cherished friends who profoundly enriched his life. He was a Godparent to several of his closest friends' children and affectionately known as "Uncle Johnny" to an astounding number of people. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on with those who will never forget his generous and loving spirit.

He is survived by his twin brother James Muse Anthony of Baltimore, Md.; and his sister Susan Anthony Wilson and husband Warren of Lexington, Mass. He was also the beloved uncle of Warren "Skip" Wilson and wife Candice of Quaker Hill, Mark Keelin Wilson of Redondo Beach, Calif., and David Anthony Wilson and wife Sachiko of Somerville, Mass.; and the great-uncle of Luke, Lydia, Levi, Lance, Davienne, Keelan, Ray, and Kaya Wilson, who gave him so much joy.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at St. John's Episcopal Church and at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, at Connecticut College's Harkness Chapel. Donations in John's memory may be made to the Connecticut College Music Department (270 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT 06320), St. John's Episcopal Church (400 Main Street, Niantic, CT 06357), or to one of the many organizations he generously supported during his lifetime.