This column salutes the lives and careers of recently departed colleagues. It is the way NJMEA and NJRMEA can express appreciation for the work that they have done and the lives that they have touched. We mourn their passing and salute their contributions, which are the basis for music education in the state of New Jersey.


Robert H. Albert Ronald H. Albert, age 74, of Mahwah,


NJ, formerly of Westwood, NJ, passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday evening, April 29, 2014. Ron was a retired Westwood Regional Schools Music teacher and former Westwood High School Football and Track Coach. During his 25 years coaching, he helped the Cardinal Foot- ball teams to NJ State Championships in Gi- ants Stadium. Earlier in his teaching career, he was the quintessential music director and loved working with his Cliffside Park March- ing Band as well as teaching strings in Ber- genfield. Ron was a fantastic Poppa to grand- kids, Elijah, Leah, Ian and Mia. He reveled in spending special time with each one. He was a never-ending source of support and uncondi- tional love for daughter Michelle, son-in-law Scott, son Barry and daughter-in-law Annie. It was his joy to see each of his children find wonderful spouses and start happy families. As teenagers, Ron and wife Karen met in the Catskills when he was the headwaiter, in the band and Karen was a counselor. They were just shy of celebrating their 50th wedding an- niversary in August. An accomplished home cook, he was writing his own cook book. Ron dreamed up New Year’s Eve, birthday, and holiday menus and everyone enjoyed sam- pling his creations. He always enjoyed play- ing music whether it was in the pit band for the High School musicals or with the Com- munity Band in Westwood. He is survived by his sister Irene and many extended family members that always enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor and ability to enjoy each and every moment of life.


Margaret Brandell Services were held for Margaret Hansen


Brandell, 73, of Marana, Ariz., who died on January 29, 2014. She was a former resi- dent of this community. Raised in Roseland, Brandell lived in Oak Ridge before moving to Marana in 2012. She was a music teacher in middle school. Also, she was the music di- rector of Milton United Methodist Church, Oak Ridge, and then Grace Evangelical Free Church for 17 years. She was a private piano and organ teacher as well. She was involved with the Fair Center for the Arts in Randolph and Sparta, the Jefferson Community Cho- rus, and the Jefferson Arts Committee. She taught children’s musical theater camps in the area and VBS music for many summers. She was a member of the Grace Church Global Outreach Committee, and, she was an accompanist and music professional at the Marana Community Church, Marana.


A. John Calhoun A. John Calhoun, 86, of Manalapan


Township died at his home on Thursday, April 17, 2014 surrounded by his family. Having first practiced church music during his school lunch hours at Asbury Methodist church, Calhoun graduated from Watertown High School in 1946, and from the Crane Department of Music at Potsdam State Teacher’s College in 1951. He earned a Minister of Music degree from Westminster Choir College, Princeton in 1956. He served as a chaplain’s assistant in the army at Camp Gordon, GA from 1951-1953. He married Vilma L. Csipo on June 30, 1956. After re- siding for four years in Royal Oak, MI, the couple lived in Edison for twelve years be- fore moving to Manalapan. Calhoun was a retired music teacher for the Perth Amboy School District. He served as minister of


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music at the First Baptist Church of Royal Oak, MI; then in the same capacity for 15 years at the First Presbyterian Church in Perth Amboy. He also served as organist and choir director for ten years at the Lincroft Presbyterian Church in Lincroft and briefly for the Old Tennent Presbyterian Church, Tennent. Calhoun’s hobbies included his beloved dogs, model railroading, gardening and woodworking. He spent years carving a model church sanctuary as well as miniature pieces of furniture out of balsa wood.


Neil Cerbone, Sr. Neil Cerbone, Sr., born December 28,


1929 died on February 20, 2014. Neil always marched to the beat of a different drum, literally. He was the U.S. National Drum Champion from 1950 - 52. As a result, he was noticed by the West Point marching band and became their principle drummer. He was one of a very short list of people who were actually drummed INTO West Point, rather than out of it. He was sought after to play with the big bands of the time, but chose a different road. He is survived by two adoring children, Neil Jr. and Julie Lyons, his cherished grandson, Jamon Lyons, and two sons in law, Steven Lyons and Thomas Dev- aney, with whom he shared the miracle of his family, the wisdom of his experience, the style and grace of his joyous spirit. Neil spent more than 30 years working in the Jersey City school system; he was officially an 8th grade English and Music teacher, but for the thousands of kids whose lives he touched, he taught them so much more. He taught them that their lives could be their own, that they could call the shots. One hour with Neil and you saw the world differently. After retiring from public school life he transitioned to his second career, Director of Education at a pri- vate school for children with special needs. There was more he had to give and he gave


OCTOBER 2014


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