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5 tree(s) planted in memory of Richard Wiggins
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Love, The Tompkins Family planted 3 trees in memory of Richard Wiggins
Monday, January 23, 2023
3 trees were planted in memory of
Richard Randolph Wiggins
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In memory of Richard , we will think of him in the music we listen to! Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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RICHARD MARADAY posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
He was among the nicest and most critical teachers I ever encountered on the bandstand. I had total respect for him on so many levels. He was such a thinker and kind. He would call me the angry young man, and I understood that. I played alongside him off and on since I was 17 years old. He never pulled a punch with musical development. Wonderful people are to be remembered, and Richard was that human being of note a person who made a difference in the life and spirit of the music we love. I celebrate arm and arm with you to make our last gig ok walking off the stage. Richard was a sage and a person you could talk to. No BS. He was so humble in the times at last jobs a Billy Joe club but I see it. Never disparage or look down on the elders. What a privilege to work with him.
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Joan Kowal posted a condolence
Sunday, February 5, 2023
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Wiggins during one of my visits to Garnet Medical Center outpatient services. I heard some sublime piano music (live) and followed that sound to its source. There was this distinguished gentleman sitting at a baby grand piano in the hallway and creating wonderful music that made EVERYONE passing by just feel better! His love for what he was doing was written all over his face and punctuated by his greetings to many staff passing by. I sat down in a comfortable area nearby just to take that music in. I especially remember his poignant rendition of "If Ever I Would Leave You" from Camelot.
Thereafter, every time my husband or I had visit Garnet we made sure to look Mr. Wiggins up and take in some of his "piano therapy." Eventually Mr. Wiggins shared with us his amazing career history and even showed us pictures of many world-famous people he had met in connection with his work. But he also never failed to ask about us and our situations. He really connected with people.
Several months ago I was at Garnet Outpatient once again. After my appointment, I went to find Mr. Wiggins. But someone else was sitting at that piano. When I asked for Mr. Wiggins, that pianist told me that he had had to retire because of health issues. What a remarkable and talented man he was. I feel blessed to have known him.
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Gerry Parisi posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
So sorry to hear about the loss of Richard. He was a wonderful man and so sweet to all. He was a genius with his sound production, I remember this so well while doing video's at Selma's fashion shows and Sharon's recital dances.
Richard, you will always have a special place in my heart. How blessed I was to have the opportunity of knowing you.
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Paul Hirsch posted a condolence
Sunday, January 22, 2023
The memories of sharing time with Wiggy during countless days and evenings of recording, alone or with group settings, will always be among my fondest of this life...he and a few others were a breed apart. As he said to me during takes..."you know, i can't play it twice the same way..." My response now is , you never had to duplicate anything...you were on point everytime. Thank you for all you were and did. I wish the family great strength thru this time
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Ronda Superville posted a condolence
Saturday, January 21, 2023
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Mr. Wiggy will be missed!! However, the memories shared will resonate in our lives forever. The Superville family (Ronda, Ijana, Sariyah and Kayla).
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Gino Corona posted a condolence
Saturday, January 21, 2023
I enjoyed the times when we would sit and share stories. Richard was always kind and caring with me and my family and I will hold on to that always! God take you and shed his everlasting light on you and may He forever reign.
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Dave Greene posted a condolence
Friday, January 20, 2023
Richard played the piano for patients, families and workers in the lobby of the then Orange Regional Medical Center, now called Garnet Health Medical Center. My wife, Ann, worked in the IT Department and I would occasionally visit her there for lunch.
One day I arrived a bit early, sat in the lobby, and listened to Mr. Wiggins play song after song with no sheet music. I waited for a break in his playing and approached him at the piano, asked a few questions about his playing and complimented him on the breadth of his musical knowledge and his memory of so many songs by heart. He asked if I played, and I said "yes, but not like you." He smiled and said, "nobody plays like me," and "nobody plays like you." He asked if I'd like to play a little bit "so he could take a short break." To me it was an unforgettable act of generosity. I really don't play as well as he did, and certainly don't have the repertoire, but I sat at the piano and played from my memory for about ten minutes and got up to give him back his piano. He said, "that's all?" I said I didn't want to hijack his piano. He kidded me with, "you didn't give me much of a break." So, I sat back down and played for another 15 minutes or so, digging deep into my memory and enjoying the fact that he thought I was good enough to keep playing without embarrassing him.
Richard went back to work, playing for hours. I met my wife and had lunch with her and came back to the lobby to listen a little more before heading back to Sussex County, New Jersey, where we live. Before I left, Richard asked me if I'd consider playing in his stead if he needed to take half a day off in the future. I felt very flattered but said I was sure I couldn't play for as long as he did. He said, "that's okay Dave; you need to take breaks and you can play what you know more than once. You play well and with feeling; people will enjoy what you play." I had never played in public before and Mr. Wiggins gave me that opportunity more than once.
I did not know Richard Wiggings for long, but I feel equipped to state that he was a generous, genuine, kind, talented man. I could tell from the numerous patients and workers who passed him in the lobby that he was well-loved. I could also see why. I am among many who will not forget him. Thank you, Richard.
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Mary Lee Farris uploaded photo(s)
Friday, January 20, 2023
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Richard was a dear, dear friend, so much more than just an accompanist, a teacher, a partner and such a good soul. He will be missed by so many, and I am just one of them. Godspeed, old friend. I love you.
Mary Lee Farris
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Dan Bradley posted a condolence
Friday, January 20, 2023
Q: How did you meet Richard?
A: On my first day as a substitute pianist at Garnet I was told to play the piano starting at noon. I did not know there were two pianos. Fortunately or unfortunately, I went to the wrong piano I should have gone to the piano in building one. Instead I went to the piano at building 3 (POB piano). The piano was open and I just started playing. Richard came running over and said, "Hey you just can't start playing the piano." I explained about my confusion and there started a cherished friendship. We laughed about it later. We enjoyed many lunches together when he would share wonderful stories of meeting great musicians such as Oscar Peterson, Count Basie and we would share our thoughts on legendary jazz musicians and their performances. He was always filled with love, laughter and strength. He changed the world at Garnet.
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Rick Malkames posted a condolence
Friday, January 20, 2023
My condolences to the family. I met Richard in the 1970’s when we worked together for CBS News. We traveled the world filming productions for CBS 60 Minutes and CBS Reports. We were young, we had amazing adventures, we met the most incredible people and we loved our work. I remember these times as some of the best in my life and feel blessed to have shared them with my good friend and most talented and decent man Richard Wiggins. I wish my old friend well on his journey to the next adventure.
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Scott Batulis planted a tree in memory of Richard Wiggins
Thursday, January 19, 2023
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Rest in Peace my Friend Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Scott posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Richard played the piano in the lobby at Garnet Health. His music filled the the room with joy and brought smiles and awe to all who heard him play. He was a celebrity and stopped to talk to anyone who came by to chat with him. He was my mentor and friend and he will be greatly missed.
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Harvey Kaiser posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
The Peace and The Blessings and The Gratitude
Love,
Harvey Kaiser & Family
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Diane McDermott posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Q: What will you never forget about Richard?
A: Richard was my music teacher for over 2 years. Not only was he a kind and patient teacher, but an amazing musician.
I still have all the lessons he showed me. I could never begin to play even one piece of music that he helped me with that could sound like he played it. He was also humble. I was so very sad to hear of his passing.
Sympathy to Selma and all of his family.
Diane McDermott
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gilberte g yarusso posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, January 19, 2023
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Ellen Freda posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Many Saturday nights were spent sitting beside Richard and listening to him play the piano at Dautaj Restaurant. He was always a joy to be around. He will be missed.
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Amanda posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
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My condolences to the family. I enjoyed many nights in the company of good friends and fine food while listening to “Wiggy” play years ago. He simply had the most inviting way about him. I sat beside him on the piano bench often and enjoyed seeing him each and every time. He brought a lot of joy to those who knew him.
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Gustavo A. Morales posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
My dear Richard, how many wonderful times we had making beautiful music for the sake of it. Friday nights became special for me and I cherish the memories my dear friend. You touched so many. Rest in peace
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Manja Yirka posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
I so enjoyed hearing his music when I had an appointment at Garnet. I will miss his calming prescence.
A Memorial Tree was planted for Richard Wiggins
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at William M. Gagan Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of Richard Randolph Wiggins uploaded a photo
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
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Christopher Dean Sullivan posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
All My Condolences to Sister Selma and the Family. I always considered Richard as one of my mentors. The Joy of the Performance with him as a Musical Sound Journey. Rest Well with Beatific Vibrations that will Move Steadily into the Next.
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Jeanne Karson newcomb posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
So sorry to hear that our friend Wiggy had passed away!! He was such a special man and led an amazing life!! We will never forget your kindness and your love!!!Wiggy you will be missed but I’m sure you will continue to play the piano in Heaven. Till we meet again……
Our love always. Jeanne and Michael
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