WILLIAM ALLEN LUTHER JR.

William Allen Luther Jr. Music Educator Died on November 27, 2005. He was born July 31, 1919 to William Allen and Hewig Marie Luther.

He graduated from Crane Dept. of Music, Potsdam State T.C. Class of 1940, and earned a Masters Degree in Music Ed. from Teachers College, Columbia. While working in Western New York he founded and conducted the Genesee Valley Symphony Orchestra.

Al served in WWII as a Marine Officer in North Carolina, Hawaii and in the Japanese occupation; was a Captain in the U.S.M.C. Reserves. He came to Mamaroneck School System in 1950 and at various times taught and conducted bands in the H.S., Chatsworth, Murray, Ave., Mamaroneck Ave. and Central Schools. Retired in 1974.

He was associate conductor and accompanist for the Larchmont Community Chorus (Musicommuters) for many years. Mr. Luther was an Elder in the Larchmont Avenue Church, a member of NY State School Music Assoc., Music Educators National Conference, and Local 38, American Fed. of Musicians. For many years since retirement in 1974 he performed with the Westchester Band, Mamaroneck Community Band, and other concert bands in the area.

He was married to Katherine Powell Luther, who died in 1980. A daughter, Nancy Luther Jara lives in Wellington, New Zealand, where she is a member of the N.Z. Symphony. Two grandchildren also live in N.Z. He is also survived by his sister, Doris E. Love of Urbana, IL and by his wife, Norma Manno Luther whom he married in 1982, and by her children, Christopher E. Manno and Marilyn Manno Kawie.

A Memorial Service will be held at The Larchmont Avenue Church, Monday, December 5, 2005 at 11:00 am.