William Dwyer, retired director of bands at Herricks High School, died in his home in Tampa, FL, on March 1, 2000, after an extended illness. Mr. Dwyer was born in Norwich, CT in 1926, joined the Navy after high school and attended Ithaca College and NYU receiving his BA and MA degrees in music and music education.
In 1950 Mr. Dwyer joined the Herricks High School faculty as band director and remained at Herricks for 33 years. During his tenure at Herricks, he became known as one of the leading band directors in the state. His bands performed at Jets, Mets and Yankees games, at the 1961 NY All-State Music Conference, earning Herricks a reputation as one of the finest band programs on LI. Mr. Dwyer was vice president and president of the Nassau Music Educators Association, co-director of the LI Summer Music Workshop, band director at the Usdan Summer Music Camp, conductor of the Newsday Marching Band Festival mass band and a clinician and guest conductor of many festival bands.
After his retirement Mr. Dwyer moved to Florida where he pursued his avid interest in golf. He is survived by his wife, Adele; three children, Deborah Ridgway of Woodlands, TX, Phyllis Jonatis of Rocky Point and John Dwyer of NYC. The family asked that any donations be made to LifePath Hospice Care, 3010 W. Azeele St., Tampa, FL 33609.
Hedwig Kopp, of Albertson, died on March 3, 2000. Wife of Erwin. Mother of Richard, Robert and Paul. Mother-in-law of Marianne, Sally and Valerie. Grandmother of nine. Great-grandmother of one. Arrangements were made by the the Weigand Bros. Funeral Home, Williston Park. Religious service. Contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, LI Chapter, 66 South St., Patchogue, NY 11772.