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Comment by Michele Bensen on May 21, 2022 at 10:20pm

Like a comet soaring across the sky, Pat Pangikas entered this world on August 16, 1952, and with an even bigger flash, she trailed away to her next journey on May 13, 2022. A long-term resident of Pittsburgh, Pat followed her heart wherever it led, even as far as sneaking to Woodstock at age 17 to see Jimi Hendrix. Pat's heart and unchained spirit eventually led her to meet her husband, Chris, a jazz musician who frequented the Harley Hotel, and they traveled the country together before finally returning to Pittsburgh to start a family. With an unapologetically selfless personality, Pat loved her family fiercely, stood by her friends, and donated her time to her church and others in need. After working for many years with children in various roles from care provider to teacher's aide, Pat retired to a quiet home life where she enjoyed the simple things like gardening, adorning her backyard with wind chimes, gazing at her pond, and scratching off lotto tickets. She spent the winter of her life caring for her sick husband, Chris, never faltering in her commitment no matter what she faced. She loved the color purple, anything that sparkled, cooking for her kids, crime dramas, good books, Motown, and her three precious dogs. She cherished her family, her grandchildren most of all. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; her sister, Kathy; and her husband of nearly 40 years, Chris. She is survived by her daughters Cathy (Steve) Masters; Athena (Michael) Pangikas-Miller; Damaris Pangikas; and Mary (Levi) Goehring and grandchildren, Niko, Eli, and Owen Masters; Ares, Persephone, and Ajax Pangikas-Miller; Brando and Cambria Krist; and Russell and Theodore Goehring. Life in her wake feels like a silent black sky, but we keep the starlight of her memory ablaze in us all. Be kind to one another, be selfless, and always put family first, just like Pat did. At her behest, there will be no viewing or funeral; instead, a celebration of life will be held next month. Her family thanks you for your condolences and prayers. If you'd like to do something in her honor, do a kind deed for someone else, donate to charity, support cancer research, or simply tell someone that you love them. Be present in your life and the lives of others. Be the extraordinary light in this world that Pat was for us. Arrangements by WILLIAM F. GROSS FUNERAL HOME, LTD.
Published on May 20, 2022

Comment by Rev. Dr. Bobby Fulton, Ph.D. on April 12, 2018 at 8:47am

My condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Nathan Davis. We pray you will be comforted and strengthened as you go through your bereavement and recover from your personal loss but Heaven’s gain. I was blessed to have been a student of Dr. Davis and to serve as an Assistant Coordinator, Gospel Segment Performer, Workshop Presenter and Panel Host for the 1975 Annual Pitt Jazz Seminar. Dr. Davis also was a tremendous help to our Music of Pittsburgh record label. He performed and contributed great horn and string arrangements on our Bobby and Bobbie Fulton “Til I Fly Away” Gospel Album featuring the single “Massa’s Grandboy” b/w “How Great Thou Art” released on our Bobby Fulton Enterprises, Inc. label and is still requested by collectors from around the world. Dr. Davis' music and his legacy will live on and not only keep Jazz alive through students and lovers of Jazz but it will inspire, touch and uplift the spirits of all who listen to it and who love great music. Our Thanks to Dr. Davis and Family!!!

Comment by Bob Garvin on January 8, 2018 at 5:20pm

When Mozart was my age, he had been dead for 51 years. I'm glad that I'm merely a rabid jazz fan, not a musician, so no one will be reading my obituary here.

Comment by Melissa Jones on August 26, 2016 at 2:08am

We, sadly, lost renowned audio engineer, Rudy Van Gelder, today, 8/25/2016

Comment by Dr. Nelson Harrison on April 7, 2016 at 4:37am

Comment by Dan Wasson on March 31, 2016 at 11:47pm

https://youtu.be/fz8XRrG-G28

Comment by Dr. Nelson Harrison on January 28, 2016 at 11:47pm

Wow, I just saw Frank Greenlee's fb post about drummer Joe Harris passing this morning.    So very sad.   I am so glad that we kept in touch all these years.  Joe treated me like a son and would often come to see my group perform at various art festivals in Pittsburgh. See attached pic of Joe and I performing at the Mellon Jazz Festival.  I spoke to Joe a few months ago and one of the stories he shared with me was about his trip to Cuba with Dizzy Gillespie back in the day.  Joe said they were suppose to have a drum kit setup for him, however, when he got to Cuba, they only had congas, etc., set up for him.  My wife and I send our condolences to Joe's family.

Comment by Don Cerminara on October 28, 2015 at 11:53pm

What a loss!!  I've been in contact with Mark Murphy for the last year or so.  He's been living at the Actors Studio (Home for Show Biz) in New Jersey.  As time went on, one could see that Mark was failing.  Just a couple days ago,  on a call to the actors Home, I was advised Mark had passed away....He wont be easy to replace...there was only one!  The people at the Home couldn't give me any details but, Im in contact with the family and expect to hear from them in due course.

  I met Mark right here in Pgh at Hyholde House...where he was working.   I'd heard and seen him the previous year...but not so "up close".  I made it my business to meet him personally..and have him to my residence.  What a guy...what a vocalist.  Just a gorgeous vibrato and a great resonance...and his handling of a lyric...just so distinct and fraught with emotion (when called for).  I've never heard anyone...interpret a tune like Mark.  He took chances I'd never heard before...and...it seemed so natural...no struggle whatsoever!

  Subsequently, I heard him in person in New York and Syracuse (he came from Malone..a suburb of Syracuse). 

    Truly..I've never heard his equal.  Not commercially successful..but that's the life of most..who are intimately identified with jazz.  A great loss.  I'll report further, as I hear from the family

         Don Cerminara

Comment by Melissa Jones on September 30, 2015 at 2:00am

9/29/2015: We lost Phil Woods today.

Comment by Dr. Nelson Harrison on September 14, 2015 at 9:59pm

Shawn,

Those were precious times and your memories are golden.  I'm sure there are many members who are reveling in them as am I.  Thank you.

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