james brewer
I met Rich when he was 25, had just left school to take position with the Norfolk Symphony. We became roommates soon after meeting and continued until I left for Savannah. He soon moved to Hawaii and we never saw each other again. I have thought of him often over the 33 years and hoped someday to see him in NYC in a performance. I last saw him performing with the Opera orchestra in Norfolk. Though I had been an oboeist in college, I eventually chose painting and architecture as career choice. Rich and I discuss his music constantly and I spoke from a visual artist point of. View and he would provide a slight different edge from his musical point of view. I think we were both in full agreement but he was the authority. I think today our discussions would be a bit different. We were both young then. Miss you Rich.
Miriam Nelson
Today, June 5, I received my June 2018 issue of Local 802 Allegro magazine. Arriving at page 34/Requiem-Obituaries, I am staring at the top left corner in complete disbelief. Richie and I met playing together in New Jersey Region II Orchestra, in New Jersey All-State Orchestra, Central Jersey Wind Symphony, Opera Festival Orchestra, and numerous others; he from Immaculata High School in Somerville, New Jersey and I from Franklin High School, Somerset, New Jersey. Both with grand dreams of becoming successful professional musicians. Following high school graduation, he used to return to Immaculata where he coached the music students and telephoned every time he was in the area. I used to meet him frequently in New York on the way to Juilliard, or leaving, sharing stories and experiences together. As Artistic Director of the Heritage Chamber Music Society, I invited him to play a solo recital. The performance was beautiful. His mother and sister attended. He told me he had just returned from Hawaii, playing in the Honolulu Symphony, and was happy to return back to the NYC area. That was the last time I saw him. But I always knew he was playing in the NYC Ballet Orchestra and teaching in New York. Richie, your glorious oboe tone will be heard forever in heaven. To anyone who reads this, please, I would like to know what happened. May he rest in peace.
Miriam Lynn Nelson
Somerset, New Jersey
HeritageCMS@aol.com
Miriam Lynn Nelson
Somerset, New Jersey
HeritageCMS@aol.com
Sue Laib
Rich and I met in HS, in Central Jersey Region II Orchestra, where we played together for 2 years in a row. I loved playing with him and looked up to him. He went on to NEC and I to Eastman a year later. Many years later I would occasionally hear tidbits of his career path but we never actually bumped into each other again. But I still remember what a great guy he was and how much fun we had playing together. He was a great colleague when we were only teenagers; from what I've read, he remained a great colleague to all he ever played with. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
John Lunsford
Rich and I met our first week as freshmen at NEC and instantly began a lifelong friendship. I have always had the utmost admiration for Rich's musicianship and wonderful oboe playing. But my admiration for Rich as a person and a friend was even greater. The world has truly lost a bright shining light. Rest in peace dear friend.
Valerie Port
We will forever be grateful to you Rich, for inspiring Andrew to follow in your footsteps and begin his journey of becoming a professional oboe player. Without you giving him that first chance, his path would have been quite different. For a parent, knowing that your child is pursuing his passion is the greatest gift you can receive, and you gave that to us. No words can truly express, but I hope you knew, the impact you had and will continue to have on our lives and the gratitude we feel. You will continue to live on in all those young musicians who were lucky enough to have had your instruction. God must have needed an amazing oboe player. You will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace. Valerie & Steve Port