Boris Chusid

Born: December 4, 1944, in the former the Soviet Union

Passed away: Friday, December 12, 2025

Boris Chusid, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend to many was a professional violinist with The Cleveland Orchestra. He was born to Mendel and Fany Chusid. His life was marked by a deep passion for music, family, and adventure.

A dedicated and talented violinist, Boris received a broad and deep musical education, which culminated in studies at the St. Petersburg Conservatory under Mikhail Belyakov. Boris’s music enriched the lives of many. After emigrating to the USA in 1974, Boris worked for a season as a principal first violin player in the New York municipal orchestra before being invited by Lorin Maazel to audition for The Cleveland Orchestra. He accepted a position with The Cleveland Orchestra in 1975 and played there for 33 seasons until his retirement in 2008.

Boris’s love of music was matched by his love of bicycling. He rode his bike nearly every day that it wasn’t snowing; he completed two cross-country bike trips, he rode throughout Italy and the Baja California Peninsula, and he completed numerous tour rides all over Ohio. He was especially happy when he was able to bike to Blossom Music Center from his home in Beachwood during the orchestra’s summer season.

Boris's mother instilled in him a deep sense of love, service, and personal responsibility. He deeply cared for his daughters and gave them unconditional support. Boris was a very gentle person. He never imposed his views or opinions on anyone and allowed everyone around him to be themselves. Boris also took great pride in his vegetable garden, which he enjoyed cultivating immensely.

He is survived by his loving wife, Olga, who will forever hold him in her heart (Ти — завжди в моєму серці), his daughters, Mimi Chusid (Takeshi Kitagawa) and Sasha Chusid (Rachel Pryor), and his brother, Norbert Chusid (Elina Farnieva). He leaves behind many close colleagues from The Cleveland Orchestra as well as his former wife, Mimi and Sasha’s mother, Laura Silverman.

Boris was preceded in death by his parents, Mendel and Fany Chusid.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the National Brain Tumor Society.

A private service has been held. Arrangements were entrusted to the Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel.