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It was with a deep sense of shock and loss that we learned of the death of Richard Pretzer on Wednesday, December 18th, of a heart attack during a skiing holiday, at the age of forty-seven. |
 Richie - as he was known to many of his friends-was director of choral activities at St. John's University, director of music at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs church in Forest Hills and founding director of the Sacred Music Society of Forest Hills. He held Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the Juillard School of Music, where he studied keyboard and conducting. He appeared internationally as conductor and producer as well as on television, both cable and network. For nine years he was director of Community Concerts at St. Patrick's Cathedral. On a tour to Italy, he had the honor of performing twice for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. Recently, he completed an international tour as music director, conductor and arranger for the show "These Three Tenors". Their performances took him through-out this country, with shows in such places as the PNC Bank Arts Center in New Jersey, Westchester Broadway Theatre, Westbury Music Fair, concert halls in Boston, Palm Beach and the famous Milwaukee Festivals. He produced three recordings, "These Three Tenors-Live in Concert","Exsultate" and "These Three Tenors-The Lighter Side". |
| At St. John's University, Richie's artistry and dynamic leadership molded the Mixed Chorus into a outstanding and harmonious group that could rival any choir out there, be it professional or not. Richie achieved this not only through his brilliant musical talent but also because of his unique ability to inspire and foster loyalty and dedicated service among our members.It was through his talent and skill that contributed greatly to the success of the Annual Christmas Concerts at St. John's and Queen of Martyrs, and to the Spring Performing Arts Concerts. |
Personal Comments |
I have worked with Richard - Mr. Pretzer - since early 1998. Almost 5 years of seeing him in front of me when I sang "Magnificat," "The Lord Bless You and Keep You," Beethoven's "Hallelujah," and countless others. It took me until now to realize the strength of the emotions that pieces like these can evoke from the human heart. Especially when it is in need of healing. I can only guess as to how they affected Mr. Pretzer. I'll never be able to sing "his" songs again without seeing the enthusiastic, loving grin on his face and his arms waving around like the newly-hoisted flag of a ship floating on the unending sea, bouncing on waves with a glorious beat of its own. The Lord bless you and keep you, Mr. Pretzer. I'm sure God needed you for the choir of angels by his side. We'll miss you always.
-Don Gormanly - Tenor I-
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I have known Mr. Pretzer since May of 1996 when I auditioned to be a part of the chorus. I didn't know it then but that fateful meeting with Mr. Pretzer changed my life. Chorus has been such a huge part of my life. I have met so many great people there. I thank God everyday that I joined. Seven years later and I am still attending. Just to pop in and say hi. Just to remember all the good times I shared there. Just to check in. I always knew that I considered my chorus buds "like my 2nd family." But, it was truly crystallized when Mr. Pretzer passed away. I was shocked and deeply saddened. This is a hurt that won't go away.
I remember so many good times and a few bad ones. But when it all comes down to it, I had very strong feelings for him: As my director; As the head of "our family," As a musician, As a person who I looked up to.
I never would have thought that I would be writing this. It pains me to even think that he won't be there to guide the chorus in song. It pains me to think that Marillac Auditorium wont be filled with his voice and his unique style. I will miss him but cherish all of the memories I have in my heart and mind.
The day of the funeral was so difficult. I never thought that we would be singing songs for him instead of with him conducting us. I pictured him there and that gave me the strength to carry on with the high notes as I cried.
But, I will go on. The chorus will go on and we will sing for him. We thank him for his laughter, his humor, his guidance. We thank him for making this family whole. We feel deep sadness that there is a hole in the chorus. We feel deep sadness that there is a hole in Marillac Auditorium. We feel deep sadness that there is a hole in our heart. But, we will fill that hole with song. God bless you and your song, Mr. Pretzer. We will make you proud. Always and forever. I will never forget!
Love Always, Christine M. Curcio.
SJU Mixed Chorus Alumnus, 1996-2000 and beyond...
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Thank you for your music and your memories - you were taken too soon, we'll miss you.
-Jessica Marketta -
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Always be 
Never be 
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