Richard L. Csomay

Richard L. Csomay of Kanawha and Tarzana, California, passed away later Saturday afternoon, November 19, the day after his 78th birthday, in the Kanawha Community Home.

He was born in Hartford, Connecticut to John and Elizabeth (Mandl) Csomay, both of whom were Hungarian immigrants.  Dick, as he was known to his friends, always took great pride in his pure Hungarian heritage.

Dick got his early education in the Catholic parochial schools, but his introduction to the clarinet while in junior high shaped his life of music.  He soon added the saxophone to his accomplishments and while finishing his senior year at Hartford High he was invited to join Blue Baron's big band, which toured much of the eastern half of the country.

After several years he turned to serious music education at Hartt Conservatory where he earned his bachelor and master's degrees.  During this time he played first oboe in the Hartford Symphony while continuing casuals and private teaching.

An audition for a flute/piccolo chair in the United States Marine Band stationed in Washington D.C. earned him membership in this select unit known as "The President's Own", the band appearing at all White House functions and national tours.

Earning a doctorate at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia preceded his teaching position at Baldwin Wallace College, Berea, Ohio, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Rankin, who was teaching near by.  They married in Pasadena in 1968 for by this time Dick was playing in the Hollywood studios.

Farming in Iowa was a new fascination for him and working together with Barb was what he liked.  The travel back and forth from California gave him the call to learn to fly, get a license, and get a plane and this he did.

As much as Dick enjoyed his busy life, the travel he and Barb did, and the friends that he cherished, what he loved was just being at home with Barb.  This last year when he wasn't able to be at home was very hard for him, but now he is Home.

Dick is survived by Barb, his beloved wife of thirty-seven years, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; three sisters and their spouses; and Barbara's brother.