Leonard Riccinto, who taught music at Eastern Michigan
University for 21 years and founded Measure-to-Measure,
a men's choral society, died Dec. 11. He was 65.
Before his retirement from EMU in August 2006, Riccinto
directed the University and Chamber Choirs, supervised
student teachers, and taught choral conducting and secondary
school vocal methods. He also performed three times at
Carnegie Hall.
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Riccinto |
"Leonard Riccinto was a man passionate about his art who
gave selflessly of his time and energies in the name of
music education at Eastern Michigan University and beyond,"
said Kristy Meretta, coordinator of EMU music and dance
events. "He believed deeply in the power of music and the
enrichment of human lives through choral music activities.
His dynamic personality, knowledge, musicianship and kind
manner touched thousands of lives. His many friends and
colleagues in the department of music and dance will miss
him very much."
Riccinto received his bachelor's degree and master's degree
in music, both from the University of Michigan School of
Music. He received a doctorate of musical arts from Michigan
State University in 1985. Riccinto also is a veteran of
20 years of public school teaching at the secondary level,
in the Grosse Pointe and Battle Creek school systems in
Michigan.
Riccinto was a past president of the American Choral Directors
Association-Michigan and a member of the Michigan School
Vocal Music Association. He
directed Measure for Measure from its founding in 1988.
He also was the director of the Plymouth Oratorio Society,
and served as a guest clinician and adjudicator.
He is survived by his wife, Jan; a son, Adam Riccinto,
who is conductor of the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra; a
daughter, Janalen Samson; and three grandsons.
A public memorial service is scheduled Saturday, Jan.
13, with visitation at 11 a.m., followed by a memorial
service at 1 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor,
1432 Washtenaw Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family requests
that donations be made to the EMU Foundation, with "Riccinto
Scholarship" in the memo line. Donations should be sent
to the Department of Music and Dance, EMU, N. 101 Alexander
St., Ypsilanti, MI 48197.
"Len, his family and I had several conversations about
his wishes in this matter before his passing, and I cannot
think of a better way to honor his incredible legacy here
at EMU," said David Woike, head of EMU's Music Department.
William Bryan
William Bryan, a professor of military science at EMU
from 1954-1958 and later an accounting professor in EMU's
College of Business from 1961-1974, died Jan. 1. He was
87.
Bryan graduated from Oklahoma State University in June
1940, before he was called to active duty as a Second Lieutenant
in the Army and assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division.
He served in the Pacific Theatre in the Philippines during
World War II. His Army awards included a Silver Star, Bronze
Star Oak Leaf Cluster, and three Purple Hearts.
In 1947-48, he studied in the graduate school at Harvard
University. In September 1954, he was assigned professor
of military science at EMU, where he remained until 1958.
From 1958-1960, he attended and then taught at the Army
Command and General Staff College. Bryan retired from the
Army in 1961 and returned to EMU, where he was a professor
in the College of Business until he retired in 1974.
"Bill taught virtually at all levels of finance," said
Gerry Kruse, a retired professor of accounting who was
in the department for 30 years. "He was dedicated
to his teaching, brought a dry sense of humor to the classroom
and had very high expectations of and standards for students.
He was always interested in job placement of students after
graduation, as well."
Bryan was a member of the Philippine P.O.W. Survivors,
Ypsilanti Lions Club, Twenty Club emeritus, Adrian Soaring
Club and Morning Coffee Club.
Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth; two daughters,
Barbara Bryan of Denver, Colo., and Elizabeth Mulkey of
Missoula, Montana; a sister, Jeanne Rush of Jasper, Arkansas;
one grandson and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service took place Jan. 8 at the First Presbyterian
Church of Ypsilanti. Interment will take place in Arlington
National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one's
favorite charity.
