Dr. Donald Thomas Oglesby

Beloved Educator, Musician, Father, and Grandfather

September 12, 1947 – April 19, 2025

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Donald "Don" Oglesby, who had recently retired from the University of Miami School of Music where he was a professor of choral music for 38 years. Don passed away on April 19, 2025, at the age of 77.

Beyond the university, Don was a founding member of the Miami Bach Society where he served as Artistic Director and Conductor. He also served as choir director at various times for Palmetto Presbyterian Church, Plymouth Congregational Church, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. He was deeply involved in the broader choral community, holding leadership roles including President of the Florida chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and completing three terms as Chair of the Research and Publications Committee for the Association, as well as serving on the Editorial Board of the Choral Journal.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Don was known by his friends and family as a person of warmth and empathy and a lover of chocolate and corny puns. Don was a loving father to three sons — Thomas, David, and Stephen — and a proud grandfather to four grandchildren: Conner, Aidan, James, and Grant.

The memorial service was April 30, 2025 at Plymouth Congregational Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Frost School of Music Scholarship Fund, a fitting tribute to Don's lifelong commitment to nurturing young musicians. To give online, please find the Frost School of Music Scholarship Fund link shown below.