For more than 50 years, Raymond F. Vacha's West Park home resonated with sour notes, scales and wandering tempos as he gave lessons in playing trumpet, trombone and other brass instruments. In return, his students annually piled onto the family's front porch to show off their new-found skills performing Christmas carols.
Mr. Vacha died Thursday at Fairview General Hospital. He was 81.
After graduating from Lincoln High School, he toured with the Sammy Kaye Orchestra for a year, playing trumpet. He returned to Cleveland and joined the Wurlitzer Co. band as a teacher and band director. He also directed small local bands, including the Cleveland Letter Carriers' Band. He later worked as a personnel manager at Standard Products and then as industrial relations director for Associated Industries of Cleveland.
Mr. Vacha is survived by sons, Raymond of Olmsted Falls, Todd of Denver and Robin of Fairview Park; 15 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother; and a sister.
A service will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the Chambers funeral home, 4420 Rocky River Dr.
For more than 50 years, Raymond F. Vacha's West Park home resonated with sour notes, scales and wandering tempos as he gave lessons in playing trumpet, trombone and other brass instruments. In return, his students annually piled onto the family's front porch to show off their new-found skills performing Christmas carols.
Mr. Vacha died Thursday at Fairview General Hospital. He was 81.
After graduating from Lincoln High School, he toured with the Sammy Kaye Orchestra for a year, playing trumpet. He returned to Cleveland and joined the Wurlitzer Co. band as a teacher and band director. He also directed small local bands, including the Cleveland Letter Carriers' Band. He later worked as a personnel manager at Standard Products and then as industrial relations director for Associated Industries of Cleveland.
Mr. Vacha is survived by sons, Raymond of Olmsted Falls, Todd of Denver and Robin of Fairview Park; 15 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother; and a sister.
A service will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the Chambers funeral home, 4420 Rocky River Dr.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
