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.
Neil G. Austin
Neil G. Austin, 84, of Trenton passed away Thursday, March
3, at Compassionate Care Hospice at RWJUH, Hamilton. Neil
was born in Hazelton, PA. He received his bachelor of music degree from Mansfield State Teachers College and his master of arts
in music and music education from Teachers College, Columbia
University. As a music teacher in numerous public school districts,
including Fair Lawn (NJ), Ramsey (NJ), and DeKalb (IL), Neil
was particularly well-known for his choral conducting, direction
of numerous musicals, and preparation of New Jersey All-State
Choruses. After retiring from teaching, he established Heir of Richard, Inc. and became an outstanding cabinet maker designing and
building heirloom quality custom furniture throughout the New
Jersey/Pennsylvania area. Neil’s favorite leisure activities included
collecting Stanley hand tools (he became quite an expert) and fly
fishing (including tying his own flies).
Bruce A. Baver
Bruce A. Baver, 83 of Boonton Twp. passed away on August
12, 2016. Born in New York City, Bruce was a longtime Boonton Twp. resident. He was a music teacher in the Mountain Lakes
School System for many years. Working with the hard of hearing
throughout his career, he was also the middle school’s Band director. Baver loved all things in classical music, and was a church
musician and choir director at the Community Church of Mountain Lakes. He was also an avid golfer, traveler and opera fan who
enjoyed spending time at his condo in Fort Myers, Fla.
Cynthia E. Barrow
Schools. She was an active member of Grace Presbyterian Church,
teaching Vacation Bible School, as well as a music volunteer. She
was also an avid traveler, visiting such places as Australia, Nova
Scotia and Paris.
Ronald Bobiak
Ronald Bobiak, age 66, passed away peacefully on Tuesday,
June 21, 2016, at his residence. He was born in Ashland, Pennsylvania, to the late Joseph and Anna (Burack) Bobiak. Prior to entering college, Ron had served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam
Era, as the principal clarinetist in the 76 Army Band Tascon. He
then went to Montclair University, where he met his future wife of
more than 41 years, Judith Irene Bobiak. They started their adult
life living and teaching in Australia and then moved to Parsippany,
before finally landing in Sussex County in 1978. From there, he
became a m