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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

Gordon and Connie Gillette
Mrs. KEMPER and family, Connie and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. KEMPER. He was truly a great man, teacher, and friend. We both have many wonderful memories. Please know that we are thinking and praying for you during this most difficult time. Mr. KEMPER may you Rest In Peace.
Carol Foster
Mrs. Kemper, my sincere sympathy to you, with my prayer that God will comfort you with wonderful memories. I was a French horn major at Mansfield, and it was playing in the woodwind quintet with Mr. Kemper, Jim Dale, Tom Gallup (?), and Judy (?) that taught me the most about performance—and gave the most joy in playing. He was a remarkable teacher and wonderful man.
Ken Leffler
Just found out the passing of this most wonderful human being. How sad. I immediately started to and will continue to reflect on the wonderful memories of him I had at Mansfield during my 4.5 years as a music major. We were about the same height and build and he loaned me his personal tuxedo to wear for a Wind Ensemble concert because I did not have the $ to rent or buy one. God bless you Mr. Kemper. Wish I had stayed in touch with you. Ken Leffler
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