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Richard Kemper

  • On January 3, 2019
  • 33 Comments

Richard Kemper, age 88 of Mt. Lebanon, PA formerly of Mansfield, PA passed away on January 2, 2019. Beloved husband for 65 years to Marjorie, loving father of Rebecca (Blase) Scarnati of Flagstaff, AZ and Barbara (Jim) Hois of Mt. Lebanon, PA, proud grandfather of Elizabeth Scarnati, and Jeremy, Jason and Kelly Hois.

Born in Evansville, IN, he graduated from University of Evansville, served in the Army as bassoonist with the US Army Band and 7th Army Symphony and taught instrumental music in Dubois County, IN. He was the oboe and bassoon professor at Mansfield State College (University) for 24 years while performing with the Corning, Elmira, and Williamsport Orchestras. He is beloved as a mentor to many students. As a homeowner at Chautauqua Institution, it was his summer home. family/friends gathering place, and chamber music venue for 3 decades.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 1 PM at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 799 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228. Arrangements have been entrusted to Pittsburgh Cremation and Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, (724) 260-5546.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Richard Kemper/Kurt Hider Double Reed Scholarship at Mansfield Foundation, 71 S. Main, Mansfield, PA 16933, give.mansfieldfoundation.org.

Please view and sign the family’s online guestbook at www.pittsburghcremation.com.

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33 Comments

Penny Nagy
Dear Barb and family, Sorry to hear of your father's passing. May the lives he touched and the legacy he leaves comfort you at this time. Penny McCarty Nagy
Dr. Galen Leitzel
Marjorie, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. I was saddened to hear of Richards passing. I owe a great deal to this kind man, who was willing to accept me as a saxophone major at Mansfield in 1971 and launched my career in Music. He also served as my Supervisor during my student teaching semester. He was always very kind, but always insistent on great musicianship. I regret I did not stay in touch. Gods blessings to you and your family.
Jerry Bachman
Though he was not my major teacher, I always thought so much of his personality and sensed of humor. His influence in my life started WAY back, when I was a band camp geek and he gave me theory lessons apart from what he taught in his regular theory class. Way above and beyond the call of duty.
Kurt Hider
Great man.
Kurt Hider
Great man.
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