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Adapted from the Dover Post
Dover, DE
Friends of the late Donald L. Banschbach, 86, of Dover, may call on the family at their home between 1:00 and 4:00 pm on Sunday, October 11, 2009 with visitation at 10:00 am on Monday, October 12, 2009 at the Church of the Holy Cross, 631 S. State Street, Dover, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am.
Mr. Banschbach died on Wednesday, October 7, 2009.
Born on May 17, 1923 in Harrison, Ohio, he was the son of the late Louis and Kathryn Banschbach.
Mr. Banschbach attended Ohio State University, then served in the 751st Army Air Corps Bank during World War II. Following the war, he continued his studies at the American Conservatory of Music where he received degrees in trombone performance and music theory. He received the Coat of Arms for his studies of Thomistic Philosophy and continued his doctoral studies at the University of Maryland.
Music was a central theme throughout his life. He was an accomplished trombone player holding positions in the Chicago Civic Orchestra, the Delaware Symphony, and numerous ensembles. He also served as the Direct of the Illinois National Guard's 44th Infantry Bank.
Mr. Banschbach was a lifelong music educator. Before moving to Delaware in 1960, he held positions at Springfield College, Delmar College, University of South Carolina, and the University of Charleston. Aftre moving to Delaware, he continued his research on music education techniques for elementary school schildre and through teaching positions in the Caesar Rodney and Lake Forest School Districts, brought the joy of music to thousands of children throughout Kent County for 30 years.
In addition, he served as the research chairman for the Delaware Music Educators Association, spoke nationally about his teaching curriculum and wrote numerous articles for international music journals.
In 1978, Mr. Banschbach founded the Brass Collegium Musicum and in 1988, the Capitol Brass, a brass quintet that has performed throughout the region for the past 20 years.
His strong faith was evident throughout his life. He was an active member of the Church of the Holy Cross in Dover and served as an Eucharistic Minister for the Parish community for approximately 25 years.
Mr. Banschbach is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Joyce; his sister, Marianna Banschbach of Dover; three sons and their wives, Gregory and Jackie Banschbach of East Meadow, NY, Mark and Sheri Banschbach of Tampa, FL, and Chris and Janet Banschbach of Middletown, DE; and four grandchildren, Lauren, Alexis, Jessica and Matthew.
Interment will be at Sharon Hills Memorial Park in West Dover, DE.
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