Book of Memories for Harold "Ron" Magee

Condolence From Patrick Ryan

Wed, 26 Aug 2015 12:46:56 EDT

It was a very sad day upon receiving the news of the passing of Mr.Magee. I was a student of his and trust me there were none better !! Nobody will ever compare with his PASSION and DEDICATION for his teaching of music or to his students ! I was a 1st chair trumpet player in Mr. Magees concert and stage bands and performed with him in the pit of a couple school musicals as well ! My biggest thrill was to be the 3rd trumpet in the pit orchestra for a show at Rahway High School's rendition of By By Birdie with Mr.Magee and Warren Vache .( Another trumpet player taught by Mr.Magee.) there will never be another ! Anybody who was fortunate enough to learn from him will echo that fact !!! Im glad my dad and I were able to pay our respects yesterday to Mr. Magee and his beloved family . My mom could not attend , however sent her condolences with us . She worked in the Rahway school system and knew Mr.Magee 45+ years. And imagine , God will now play the trumpet too ! God bless you Mr. Magee and God bless your family !!!!

Condolence From John Loughlin

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 19:51:57 EDT

My sincere condolences to the Magee family. As the bass trombone player for Brass Unlimited, I was naturally saddened, when my sister, Susan, told me of the passing of Mr. Magee. Since I’m currently located in California (albeit several hundred miles north of MacArthur Park), I’ll need to let Susan represent the family this week. I first met Mr. Magee when I was a 4th grader attending Rahway Summer Band school, where he taught me how to make a sound through a trombone mouthpiece, that came out of the trombone bell sounding more-or-less like a musical note. Over the next 10 years, I played in various concert bands and stage bands that he directed. One of the highlights of each year was always the spring musical. He directed Finnian’s Rainbow, when I was in 9th grade, and joined us in the RHS pit band for Bye-Bye Birdy, The Music Man, and Mame. The final show that I saw him direct the music for was Shenandoah at the Union County Center, by which time my sister was his lead French Horn player. But of course the pinnacle for many of us was always Brass Unlimited. I continued playing, as the oldest member of this group (except for him, of course), until I was a junior in college. Aside from the competitive performances, we toured the local area and took a couple of road trips to his native areas in Pennsylvania. On reflecting on Mr. Magee’s influence on me, I realize now that the real take-home message that he taught me was to commit to goals that you are passionate about, and to share that passion with others. My sister’s career has remained in music, while mine has diverged into science. But in his own way, Mr. Magee taught us that it’s what you do for others that counts. Many of Mr. Magee’s greatest achievements were the things that he did to add music and spirit to everyone’s life, not because it was his job, but simply because he could. When our father, James Loughlin (band booster emeritus, and WWII vet) passed away several years ago, he declined to have Taps played at his grave-side service. We respected his wishes, of course. But I realize now that he was waiting for a much more upbeat trumpet medley in heaven.

Condolence From John Loughlin

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 19:49:09 EDT

Condolence From Lynda Brandner- McLennan

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 17:39:24 EDT

RIP Mr Magee!! he was my absolute favorite teacher!!! he taught me how to play bass and I still play and think of him often. he impacted my life in an amazing way at a very self conscious time in my life and gave me the confidence to play. concert band was great. I had so much fun! Henmade it so much fun! I just want his family to know that he made a huge difference in my life. My prayers are with you all!

Condolence From Rachel Devaney

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 15:27:13 EDT

Rest Well Mr. Magee.

Condolence From Susan Loughlin

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 11:34:02 EDT

My deepest sympathies to the Magee family. I have so many wonderful memories of Mr. Magee, starting from growing up watching Brass Unlimited, of which my brother John was a proud member. I eagerly looked forward to having Mr. Magee as a teacher myself, and loved playing in concert band, stage band, and in many pit bands with him. His hands on approach to teaching and passion for music allowed him to share the joy of music with generations of students. As a music teacher now myself, I can only hope to begin to make that kind of difference in kids' lives. Rest in peace Mr. Magee. Gabriel now has some real competition as you continue to play your trumpet in the great beyond.

Condolence From Whelan Family

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 11:07:07 EDT

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He is now in the arms of the angels, may he rest easy.

Condolence From Jim Caulfield

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 10:18:46 EDT

Mr. Magee was absolutely AWESOME! I am a proud member of "Brass Unlimited" under Mr. Magee's direction. Many would say that music was his greatest passion. And although we all know his love for music, his true passion were his students! His legacy will live on for all time because of the lives he has touched. Mr. Magee was one of my biggest inspirations in dedicating my life to teaching music. I pray that his love of us and of music lives on in me so that I may pass it on to my students. Thank you, Mr. Magee for all that you have done. I know you will be keeping it going in heaven. My sincere love and prayers to you, Mrs. Magee and your whole family.

Condolence From Deborah Gray

Sun, 23 Aug 2015 15:16:37 EDT

Mr. Magee was the most positive musical influence for my daughter, Caitlin many years ago. To his tribute, she makes her career in music. Kristen was motivated by her desire to have a better music teacher going forward, and there was Harold..always open to new instruments or finding the talent in the student and showcasing small groups. We will miss you. It was always special and cool to be in the band under the direction of Harold Magee. Harold built the music program from the beginning and provided a great base for the high school...you could play, learn and laugh in his class.. Thank you Mr. Magee for your untiring ability to keep kids focused , tuned and motivated to go on to become wonderful and talented adults.. Rest and keep them in tune in Heaven. Deborah

Story shared: Wedding

Sun, 23 Aug 2015 12:47:05 EDT

I will always remember Mr. Magee for his love and passion of music. When I was getting married, I asked him to play his trumpet at my wedding. He was honored and proud to play...Every time I play my video of my wedding and hear his trumpet, I will definitely think of him.

I also remember after every concert, all of us would be to the Galaxy Diner and we would joke and laugh about everything. It would be my Mom, Mr and Mrs. Magee, Mr. Manfredi, and myself. Those were the great times. He would never eat before a concert. Because he was so nervous before it, but every concert got even better and better each time. I even came back to his concerts after I graduated from school to hear him play.

Mrs. Magee would always sit in the same seat every concert and she would never miss one unless she was sick. Now that is dedication to her husband.

I will miss him terribly...RIP Mr. Magee and say hello to my Dad when you are up there. <3

Condolence From Cory Gray

Sun, 23 Aug 2015 12:36:02 EDT

Mr. Magee was a fine man and an influential teacher, who put his students first and cared deeply about them. I know he was a major influence on my daughters. In short, his was a life well lived. My condolences to the Magee family, his friends and all his students who on Friday lost someone whose lessons live on in their lives.

Photo shared: 20150822_180635.jpg

Sun, 23 Aug 2015 09:27:28 EDT

Condolence From Annie Rushton

Sun, 23 Aug 2015 01:41:54 EDT

RIP Mr MaGee. My condolences and prayers to your family and friends. He was a Wonderful and Fun teacher.

Condolence From Dianna Carey

Sun, 23 Aug 2015 01:39:12 EDT

I am so sorry for your loss. I Will Always remember band classes, concerts and the trips to Hershey Park with Mr. Magee. His sound proofing of his office with Dunkin Donut cups. I loved his enthusiasm for his art and his teaching. The passion he had when he played with us was always put a smile on out faces and made all of our tempos quicken.

Condolence From Dawn McCall Orlando

Sat, 22 Aug 2015 22:20:24 EDT

My condolences to you and your family. Mr. Magee was a great talented teacher who I enjoyed having in Jr. High. He was loved by all students that passed through the hallways and classroom. He will be missed.

Condolence From

Sat, 22 Aug 2015 18:54:28 EDT