Pat Pace

VIEW VIDEO TRIBUTE Our beautiful brilliant and beloved Pat was called home on January 6 2006. Pat blessed this world with his virtuosity and passion both at the piano and in his compositions. He leaves with us a lifetime of music making that will be remembered and cherished forever. Greatest among his talents perhaps was his desire to nurture young musicians. He was a master teacher mentor and inspiration to all who had the privilege of studying with him. His gentle yet exacting style and steadfast encouragement allowed many of his pupils to reach beyond their potential. The value of his guidance to so many is beyond measure. Pat was born in Akron on February 19 1930. At the age of 5 he appeared on the Major Bowes Original Amateur Hour radio show already acknowledged as a child prodigy. On the advice of his accordion instructor Pat's mother arranged for piano lessons where he received a solid foundation. Pace attended Akron Buchtel High School while studying with Clarence Lightfritz who accompanied the 16 year old Pace to his audition at The Julliard School of Music in New York. Pat was awarded a scholarship and while at Julliard studied composition with Vincent Persichetti. Pace was equally adept at classical and jazz music in both his playing and composing. Music lovers will remember his many performances in local establishments. His orchestral works were performed by the Akron Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland Philharmonic and his chamber works have been played at numerous venues throughout the US. Pace also performed as piano soloist with the Akron Symphony Orchestra with Louis Lane conducting. In the late 1960's world famous music educator Nadia Boulanger heard his Sonata for Piano (1957) at a composition workshop held at The Cleveland Institute of Music. Boulanger was very enthusiastic and complimentary about Pat's Sonata acknowledging his skills as a performer and composer. In the 1980's while maintaining an active teaching studio at home Pat also taught jazz piano at The University of Akron School of Music. Pat was preceded in death by his father Vincenzo Pace and his brother James Pace. Left to cherish his memory are his loving mother Josephine Pace devoted wife Lisa Pace son Adam Pace (Colleen) granddaughter Kerri Rose Pace brother Anthony Pace uncle Anthony Pace aunts Anna Casalinuovo and Mary Agliola sister-in-law Pam Pace niece Stephanie Pace and grandniece Isabella Rose Pace and dearest friends Libby Jacobs Diane Bean Didi Breen Roland Paolucci as well as countless friends pupils parents & colleagues. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday January 10 2006 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Sebastian Catholic Church 476 Mull Ave. The family will receive friends on Monday from 3:00 to 8:00 P.M. at St. Sebastian Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers donations in Pat's name may be made to The University of Akron School of Music Scholarship Fund Akron OH 44325-2603 or St. Sebastian Parish Foundation 476 Mull Ave Akron OH 44320.