Obituary of Robert J. Tyrrell

GREENVILLE - Robert James Tyrrell, 89, passed away peacefully early Sunday, January 3, 2016 at home. Born in Carbondale PA on October 11, 1926 he was the son of the late Edward G. and Helen McNulty Tyrrell. Bob was married to his beloved wife the late Emilylou Doerhoefer Tyrrell for 66 years, and is survived by his three sons Jeff (Debbie), Jim, and Ken (Polly), seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. After graduating from High School in Cranford NJ, Bob served in the military during WWII as a staff sergeant in the Army finance department. He then went on to earn both a BS and MS in Music Education at Ithaca College, and completed graduate studies in Guidance and Administration at SUNY Albany. Bob was hired by Greenville Central School in 1949, where he served as instrumental and vocal music director for grades 7-12 for 26 years. He then became the secondary principal for the Jr-Sr. High School for 7 years. After retiring from GCS in 1982, Bob became an adjunct music instructor for Columbia-Greene Community College teaching courses in both Classical and Jazz music history before retiring after 20 years in 2006. Bob was Director of Music at The Greenville-Norton Hill United Methodist Church for 47 years; a Director of the Pioneer Cooperative Insurance Company for 25 years; an honorary life member of Tri-M Music Honor Society; Director of Adult Education for 10 years; 15 year member of the Fire Company; EMT and founding member of the Rescue Squad; organized and directed the CGCC Wind Ensemble until 1995; and was the director and a performer in many community choruses, glee clubs, and bands. Calling hours will be Friday from 4-7 pm at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville. The funeral will be Saturday at 1 pm at the United Methodist Church of Greenville & Norton Hill, 5830 State Route 81, Greenville, followed by interment in the Greenville Cemetery. Donations in memory of Bob can be made to the Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 599, Greenville, NY 12083. Condolences may be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.