In Memoriam

Dr. Charles C. Burnsworth, 91

June 27, 1931 - July 8, 2022

ONEONTA - Dr.  Charles C. Burnsworth, Professor Emeritus of Music at SUNY Oneonta passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on July 8, 2022.  

Born on June 27, 1931, he was the son of Carl and Priscilla (Skerritt) Burnsworth of Niagara Falls. He married the former Carole Scranton of Schoharie on December 27, 1959.  Together, they were fortunate to be blessed with fifty-seven years of a wonderful marriage.  She died on July 2, 2016.

Dr. Burnsworth was a graduate of SUNY Fredonia, the University of Illinois and Boston University.  He also earned diplomas from San Diego State College and Westminster Choir College.  While serving in the Army, he was specially selected to attend the Navy School of Music in Washington, D.C., from which he also earned a diploma.  While there, he was a paid member of the National Presbyterian Church Choir where President Eisenhower was a regular attendee.  While at Boston University, Dr. Burnsworth studied conducting with Richard Burgin, concert-master of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and he was also a student and performer under the famous choral conductor Robert Shaw, at both San Diego and at Westminster Choir College.