Paul Robert Bartsch

Paul Robert Bartsch was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts in 1944. He is survived by his son, Andrew-Justin, his daughter, Sara-Melissa Boord (Jason), two grandsons, several great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music education, and his Master of Music degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA. He did post-graduate work at Boston University, the University of Rhode Island, and Rhode Island College. He completed the residence requirement for his Doctor of Philosophy Degree in education (music) at the University of Connecticut, but did not complete the dissertation requirement. He moved to this area in 1974, working as a civilian for the Department of the Army at Fort Lee for twenty-three years. He worked as a composer, conductor, arranger, and pianist for most of his life throughout the east coast, and led the PAUL ROBERTS ORCHESTRA for dances and parties. His composing credits include the music for eleven book musicals. He served as organist/choir director at Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Chester. He was a lifetime member of the American Federation of Musicians. He was a member of the Lambs Club, and the Dramatist Guild. Also, the National Association for Music Education and the American Guild of Organists. He was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Petersburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Church of the Sacred Heart, 9300 Community Ln, Prince George, VA 23805. The family will receive friends one hour prior. Interment will be private. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .