NORWICH – Frank L. Biletzky, 97, former resident of Norwich, and NHS Orchestra teacher, died Sept. 21, 2012, in Sun City Center, Fla.
Born in Newark, N.J., he was raised in Brooklyn, where he became interested in music at an early age. He graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School in 1935, where he was a violinist in the school orchestra, and performed as pianist with some of the big bands of the era. He received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the Juilliard School of Music in 1942, and his Master of Arts at Columbia University in 1950.
Frank was a lifelong arts and music educator, not only in public schools, but teaching countless adults and children private music lessons as well as classes in ceramics, watercolor and oil painting. At the ripe age of 95, he was holding Music Appreciation classes at his assisted living residence in Florida.
He was married for 69 years to Margaret Lillian Hoare, who predeceased him in 2009. While living in Norwich, both were involved in the community especially at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, where Frank served as Choir Director. Peg, a nurse, worked at Chenango Memorial Hospital, and at the Norwich Pharmaceutical Company. They are survived by their three children, three grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
In honor of his love of music and learning, the family has established the Frank L Biletzky Scholarship at the Juilliard School. Contributions can be made at www.juilliard.edu/giving or by calling the school.