Welcome to the memorial page for
David G. Bournazian
November 10, 1928 ~ January 8, 2015 (age 86) 86 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Mike Miller
December 9, 2019 10:11 PM
Still think of you to this day and always, B. You are simply the best; the best teacher I ever had and your memory will be with us always.
Michael and Diana ‘94
Michael and Diana ‘94
Message from Paul & Barbara Davis
January 17, 2015 9:41 PM
Our heartfelt sympathies to Dave's sons, George & Jake and grandchildren. Dave will live on in our heart's memories going back to the times of Worcester's Chandler Street and the gang of great guys who chummed around together.
Message from Kathy Ray
January 15, 2015 9:23 PM
I will miss Mr. B. very much. He was a sweetheart of a human being. I knew him and Nadine and they both brought lightness and good humor to my day. My condolences go out to your whole family to lose so much in such a short time.
A candle was lit by Kathy Ray
on January 15, 2015 9:18 PM
Message from John Cimino
January 13, 2015 9:55 PM
My deepest condolences to your entire family for the loss of Mr. B and Nadine. I played trumpet beginning in the 4th grade through to my senior year, 1970, at Mohonasen. When I had to drop an activity, unfortunately, music had to go. I remember Mr. B and Mr. Cuda, another music teacher, who passed away some time ago, both came to my house to "encourage" me to keep playing with the jazz and other bands (to put it lightly!). Unfortunately, my hard head prevailed and I dropped the trumpet. Shortly thereafter, because of the love of music he instilled, I began playing guitar professionally for a brief time. What Mr. B taught all of us transcended the instrument itself. As we can all agree, Mr. B was the most giving, loving, non-judgmental teacher out there. We will always remember him for that and may he rest in peace!
A candle was lit by John "Jake" Cimino
on January 13, 2015 9:45 PM
Message from The Garabedian family in England
January 13, 2015 11:50 AM
We haven't seen David for many years, since he last visited England with his wife, Dorothy. Nevertheless he has remained in our thoughts and we were so sorry to hear of his demise. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to his family. It must be a great consolation to know that so many people held him in high esteem and that his was a life well lived. God bless.
Message from Mary Haessing Merone
January 12, 2015 2:28 PM
I consider myself so lucky to have spent four wonderful years as part of the Mohonasen Color Guard, under the direction of Mr. B. There was no better place to be than 'hanging out' in the band room. Truly an accomplished man, who gave so much to so many.
"Thanks for the memories B!"
Fondly,
Mary Haessig Merone
Class of 1977
"Thanks for the memories B!"
Fondly,
Mary Haessig Merone
Class of 1977
A candle was lit by Kerry C Bryan (bus driver from yankee trails) bus #1
on January 12, 2015 1:07 PM
A candle was lit by Martin Hollister (NYSFBC)
on January 12, 2015 11:57 AM
A candle was lit by The Dumas Family. Long Island, NY
on January 12, 2015 10:28 AM
Message from Beverly Edwards(Murtagh)
January 12, 2015 9:09 AM
George and Jake,
I am a Mohonasen graduate from 1967. I was in band with your Dad for 4 years. What an awesome man. He was a great educator and mentor. He gave me a broad love of all music which I have passed on to my daughter. The band hall was the place to be back then. we came to eat lunch,talk and GROW. He always had time for all the kids. My daughter got a chance to meet him in 2005,right around the time of his retirement. We talked, listened to music and shared some of the memories from the old days. He said that "we" were the pioneers of what the band program had become.My daughter was in band at that time. We gave him a blanket from the James Madison HS Booster CLub. BAck in the 60's there were not Booster clubs. He was so happy that day. He recognized me when I walked in the office door. A great man has left us. However, His next journey has only just begun. I wish I was able to attend services but am too far away in San Antonio, TX. I will always remember him.
I am a Mohonasen graduate from 1967. I was in band with your Dad for 4 years. What an awesome man. He was a great educator and mentor. He gave me a broad love of all music which I have passed on to my daughter. The band hall was the place to be back then. we came to eat lunch,talk and GROW. He always had time for all the kids. My daughter got a chance to meet him in 2005,right around the time of his retirement. We talked, listened to music and shared some of the memories from the old days. He said that "we" were the pioneers of what the band program had become.My daughter was in band at that time. We gave him a blanket from the James Madison HS Booster CLub. BAck in the 60's there were not Booster clubs. He was so happy that day. He recognized me when I walked in the office door. A great man has left us. However, His next journey has only just begun. I wish I was able to attend services but am too far away in San Antonio, TX. I will always remember him.
A candle was lit by Kendall, Dayna, Ken and Martha Lashin
on January 11, 2015 9:39 PM
A candle was lit by Kristin Kralovic
on January 11, 2015 9:00 PM
Message from The McArdle Family
January 11, 2015 8:11 PM
While I was never a member of the band organization at Mohonasen, I spent a lot of time in the music department for the school orchestra. During that time, I got to see Mr B in action. He was always so enthusiastic and always so aware of us all. He'd greet us in the hall or wherever he'd see us. It always made us feel that there really was someone who cared. One time, I remember a student just didn't want to go to english class that day so Mr B gave him a pass and the student got to practice his music instead. We were always so grateful for his friendship and will keep that memory forever.
A candle was lit by Jim McArdle
on January 11, 2015 7:54 PM
Message from Todd A
January 11, 2015 5:39 PM
B was my first experience with a true leader. What made him so rare is that he didn't act like a leader, in the purest sense of the word. Today, no teacher could get away with the "colorful" language and smoking in front of the students that became two of his many trademarks. I was the second in my family to have him as teacher, and I already knew he liked my Brother and vice versa. I liked him immediately, although I remember being intimidated at times. He demanded nothing but our best - playing the horn, and otherwise. It wasn't the way he said it ("Attitude is the key to success") - it's the way he lived it every single day. Not only did he teach us the finer nuances of classical music, jazz, and everything in between - he taught us how to be good people. Indispensable lessons indeed.
Message from Eric Shapiro and Family
January 11, 2015 5:10 PM
Dear George and Jake,
Our deepest condolences to you on your loss.
B was an incredible teacher, a wonderful motivator, and a once-in-a-lifetime tour de force. What he was able to do with the music program from a relatively small high school was nothing short of spectacular...but the impact he was able to have on the kids in the music program was what truly made him unique. There are thousands of adults out there now who are better people because of how he leveraged his time on a daily basis with the music program to help mold kids at a highly impressionable age. I still repeat his sayings all the time, most often including "Attitude is the key to Success" and "The only way to coast...is down."
My most vivid memories of high school largely involve Mr. B and the countless number of music events that he led us to and through with tremendous success...tons of hard work...and a heck of a lot of fun along the way.
I know that you and your family must have had to sacrifice time with your Dad for him to so often be at the school or at a competition or parade somewhere, often running from early in the morning until late at night, but to achieve true greatness always involves sacrifice, and your father was as great at they come.
He lived his life to the fullest...but will still be sorely missed!!!!
Eric Shapiro
Class of "82
Our deepest condolences to you on your loss.
B was an incredible teacher, a wonderful motivator, and a once-in-a-lifetime tour de force. What he was able to do with the music program from a relatively small high school was nothing short of spectacular...but the impact he was able to have on the kids in the music program was what truly made him unique. There are thousands of adults out there now who are better people because of how he leveraged his time on a daily basis with the music program to help mold kids at a highly impressionable age. I still repeat his sayings all the time, most often including "Attitude is the key to Success" and "The only way to coast...is down."
My most vivid memories of high school largely involve Mr. B and the countless number of music events that he led us to and through with tremendous success...tons of hard work...and a heck of a lot of fun along the way.
I know that you and your family must have had to sacrifice time with your Dad for him to so often be at the school or at a competition or parade somewhere, often running from early in the morning until late at night, but to achieve true greatness always involves sacrifice, and your father was as great at they come.
He lived his life to the fullest...but will still be sorely missed!!!!
Eric Shapiro
Class of "82
A candle was lit by jonkralovic
on January 11, 2015 3:32 PM
A candle was lit by Doug Doughertry
on January 11, 2015 1:56 PM
Message from Lisa and Victoria Dunston
January 11, 2015 11:21 AM
The Man In The Glass
Peter Dale Wimbrow Sr.
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
He’s the fellow to please – never mind all the rest
For he’s with you, clear to the end
And you’ve passed your most difficult, dangerous test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass
Peter Dale Wimbrow Sr.
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
He’s the fellow to please – never mind all the rest
For he’s with you, clear to the end
And you’ve passed your most difficult, dangerous test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass
A candle was lit by Lisa and Victoria Dunston
on January 11, 2015 11:18 AM
A candle was lit by Jim and Cathy Bouck
on January 11, 2015 10:18 AM
Message from GKaren and Gerard Smith
January 10, 2015 11:37 PM
Our prayers are with your family. B was a legend.....not in his own mind, but in the minds of everyone who knew him. Our three children are better for having known him and for reaping the benefit of the music program he created at Mohonasen High School.
A candle was lit by Gerard Smith
on January 10, 2015 11:34 PM
A candle was lit by Robert & Carol Smith
on January 10, 2015 9:40 PM
A candle was lit by Robert & Carol Smith
on January 10, 2015 9:39 PM
A candle was lit by The Angus'
on January 10, 2015 8:29 PM
Message from The Angus family,
January 10, 2015 8:28 PM
A great man. Who taught our boys the gift of music.
A candle was lit by Beverly Edwards(Murtagh)
on January 10, 2015 8:15 PM
Message from Kim Keado Hyland
January 10, 2015 2:48 PM
George and Jake:
Your dad was had a huge influence on my life. I have such special memories of my band and color guard years at Mohonasen. He is the reason I became a teacher, not of music, but science. He is always my "go-to" memory for examples of excellent teaching and how to reach kids. I have in my classroom the large poster "Attitude is the Key to Success", as I am sure many teachers that were influenced by the magic of your father also have in their classrooms. I had the privilege of speaking at his retirement dinner and being a part of that special evening. It was memorable.
Every year I tell my students about what a special man and teacher he was. After 30 years of teaching , and meeting hundreds of other educators and administrators, there has never been one that lived up to Mr. B.
My sympathies to you both, and know that your father has truly passed on his passion for educating children to many of his former students.
Regards,
Kim Keado Hyland
Class of '78
Your dad was had a huge influence on my life. I have such special memories of my band and color guard years at Mohonasen. He is the reason I became a teacher, not of music, but science. He is always my "go-to" memory for examples of excellent teaching and how to reach kids. I have in my classroom the large poster "Attitude is the Key to Success", as I am sure many teachers that were influenced by the magic of your father also have in their classrooms. I had the privilege of speaking at his retirement dinner and being a part of that special evening. It was memorable.
Every year I tell my students about what a special man and teacher he was. After 30 years of teaching , and meeting hundreds of other educators and administrators, there has never been one that lived up to Mr. B.
My sympathies to you both, and know that your father has truly passed on his passion for educating children to many of his former students.
Regards,
Kim Keado Hyland
Class of '78
A candle was lit by Geoff Dunkak
on January 10, 2015 12:36 AM
Message from Gary & Jean Keehfus
January 9, 2015 11:17 PM
George and Jacob,
You probably don't remember us but we were your neighbors on Elliott Avenue when you were young.
We followed your father's career through the years. What a wonderful legacy he leaves.
We are sorry for your loss.j,
You probably don't remember us but we were your neighbors on Elliott Avenue when you were young.
We followed your father's career through the years. What a wonderful legacy he leaves.
We are sorry for your loss.j,
A candle was lit by joan costello and son ernie costello jr
on January 9, 2015 10:08 PM
Message from vicki robare
January 9, 2015 7:22 PM
I knew him as Mr. Bournazian. He was my very close friend's father in Pittsfield,Ma when I was very young. .He was funny,honest, wise, sardonic,caring,gifted as a musician, gifted as a teacher, and a loving father. He made all feel welcome in his home and in his life.I will miss him and his jazzy spirit and wit-Vicki Robare
A candle was lit by John and Patricia Camardello
on January 9, 2015 6:59 PM
A candle was lit by David Luna
on January 9, 2015 3:44 PM
A candle was lit by Glenn and Kathleen ImObersteg
on January 9, 2015 2:39 PM
A candle was lit by Patty Chou
on January 9, 2015 1:54 PM
Message from Patty Chou
January 9, 2015 1:53 PM
Dear Jake,
I’m sorry about your father’s passing. He had a very successful life. His wisdom impacted many people's lives in every way he could. We all feel the loss. If you ever need my help at work, please do not hesitate to let me know.
My condolences go out to your family.
Patty Chou
I’m sorry about your father’s passing. He had a very successful life. His wisdom impacted many people's lives in every way he could. We all feel the loss. If you ever need my help at work, please do not hesitate to let me know.
My condolences go out to your family.
Patty Chou
A candle was lit by Tony Zarrillo
on January 9, 2015 1:47 PM
A candle was lit by Harvey Napier
on January 9, 2015 1:43 PM
A candle was lit by The Shaw Family
on January 9, 2015 1:06 PM
A candle was lit by Greg Faluszczak
on January 9, 2015 11:37 AM
A candle was lit by Garth Miller
on January 9, 2015 10:42 AM
A candle was lit by Charlotte Wemple Webb
on January 9, 2015 10:35 AM
Message from Charlotte Wemple-Webb
January 9, 2015 10:35 AM
My heart is broken as I heard this news. David Bournazian saved my life. He cared and was the most dedicated man I have ever met. The stars are brighter tonight. Old jazz men never die. You live on in my heart forever.
A candle was lit by Ashley Zannitto-White
on January 9, 2015 9:42 AM
Message from Melissa Olsheski (Formichelli)
January 9, 2015 9:26 AM
I wonder how many of us can say thay B was one of the most influential people in our lives. What an amazing blessing to this entire world.... and how lucky are we, whose lives were touched by him. Thank you his family who shared him with us all of these years. My prayers are with you always. Our loss is great, but B's new home in God's kingdom is finally as limitless as his heart was here.
A candle was lit by Melissa Olsheski (Formichelli)
on January 9, 2015 9:17 AM
Message from John and Nancy Angus
January 9, 2015 9:02 AM
We would like to express our sincere sympathy to the Bournazian family. Mr. B gave so much to our kids that has stayed with them for a lifetime. He was a fine teacher and a good friend. He will be sorely missed, but certainly never forgotten.
A candle was lit by Merideth Janke (Alderdice) Mohon Class of 1990
on January 9, 2015 9:01 AM
Message from Alex and Sherry Rotter
January 9, 2015 8:30 AM
Our condolences to the entire family of Mr. B. It was a wonderful thing and an inspiration to know him . Certainly he made a difference in many lives and will be missed. God Bless!
A candle was lit by Diane McIver
on January 9, 2015 8:26 AM
A candle was lit by Alex and Sherry Rotter
on January 9, 2015 8:26 AM
A candle was lit by Don DeAngelo
on January 9, 2015 8:11 AM
Message from Cindy Shapiro
January 9, 2015 7:04 AM
Mr. "B' was one of a kind! He touched my heart and the hearts of all who knew him so deeply. His love for music, his students and all people filled the world. His kindness and passion were infectious. He was able to draw out the best in me and all whom he touched. There is no other Mr. "B". I will always miss him! Much love, Cindy XO
A candle was lit by Joyce (Mayott) Waters
on January 9, 2015 5:53 AM
Message from Barbara White
January 9, 2015 5:45 AM
My condolences to Mr B's sons on the passing of a giant of a man. Mr. B had such an impact on all of his students which filtered to the parents of those students. He not only exposed them to music in a manner that they ended loving it, but also helped them in dealing with decisions of life as they were growing up. He was always there to talk with them. He had such an influence on his students that many times the student wouldn't listen to the parents but when Mr. B would start out with a "Listen man..." & say the same thing the parents were trying to get across to their teenager, the child would think if Mr. B says it, it must be right! On behalf of my daughter, Linda & I, rest in peace Mr. B. You are no longer in the pain that you dealt with for so long. You hold a special place in the hearts & memories of those you have touched throughout the years.
A candle was lit by Barbara White
on January 9, 2015 5:30 AM
A candle was lit by Parks family
on January 9, 2015 2:40 AM
Message from Steve P
January 9, 2015 2:40 AM
My major musical influence in life is Elvis Presley, Mr B embodied the same characteristics its was all about and for the people. whether a 60 yr old listening to his Jazz to 14 year olds he was teaching. It was always about lifes lessons. I had only a few encounters with him, but my fellow classmates the way they talked of this man made me wish I knew more. Thousands of kids this man helped shape their future because of his time n generosity. Always with a Smile. My first encounter is when i was a freshman trying to find the music rooms for the first time, we chatted and had me with in an inch of taking back up an instrument, that bell rang and with that i missed a chance to work and play for a really caring compassionate man. I find it so fitting that he passed on this day, January 8th, the day my idol Elvis was Born. I can guarantee there is some sweet music on the other side. Rest In Peace!!
Message from veronica greene
January 9, 2015 1:13 AM
Mr. "B" was a wonderful influence on all three of my children who attended Mohonasen HS, especially my youngest Ken Greene, who graduated in 1999. Ken played trumpet with the Marching Band and Jazz Band. Ken will tell you that Mr. B changed his life and is forever grateful. Mr. B's influence made Ken the man he is today - (From N.C.) God Bless
A candle was lit by Veronica Greene
on January 9, 2015 1:09 AM
Message from Renee Ransom Williams
January 9, 2015 12:05 AM
Last night a great man, B, as he was known to his kids, passed away. He was a mentor to hundreds of kids each year. He taught us to love music, respect ourselves, answer to the man in the glass for our actions, and even dodge an eraser if our behavior warranted it. He is the reason so many of us followed our dreams and became musicians, teachers, or whatever else we were called to. He always made time for you as evidenced by the full band room each morning, lunchtime, and afternoon. From our high knee marches for punishments, to our band trip memories, B changed and formed our lives. I am thankful to have had B for four years in high school. Thank you for a well played life, may I continue to honor you through my actions in mine. I hope God kicked up some jazz music for you when you entered heaven last night! Rest in peace, B. You are loved.
A candle was lit by Sam McKennoch (Raney)
on January 8, 2015 11:02 PM
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