William Peter Garbinsky

William (Bill) P. Garbinsky of Rockland County, New York died on October 26 at New York Presbyterian Hospital. He was 73 years old. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia; daughters Gia and Kelly; son-in-law Michael Faust; and grandchildren Andrew and Ava.

At a young age, Bill got his hands on a trumpet, and from that point on, music became the driving force in his life. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music, and immediately began teaching music.

In 1972, Clarkstown South High School opened, and Bill began his 29-year career as the band director there. He started the music program at South and was known for producing award-winning marching bands—bands that were invited to play in Disney World and Disney Land multiple times. He was also instrumental in starting the Summer Theater Festival program at the school.

Bill’s accomplishments and awards during his career are too many to mention. But ultimately, that wasn’t what mattered most to him. What mattered most to him was his horn— ever at his side and played every day—and the music, especially jazz and big band swing. And behind much of what he did, was a pure and simple goal: to keep that music alive and pass it on to others, especially younger generations who might not otherwise be exposed to it.

Bill officially retired from teaching in 1996, but continued to play with various musical groups, including the Skyliners Big Swing Band; to privately teach students, and to assist the Park Ridge High School marching band.

In 2004, Bill was diagnosed with Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a rare and terminal lung disease. While the prognosis for the disease is 3 to 5 years, Bill lived with it for nine years. His doctors attributed his amazingly effective battle against the disease to his trumpet playing and dubbed him “the miracle man”. While the disease claimed his life, Bill didn’t let it take his music away— he played a gig on Saturday, October 19, one week prior to his death.

Bill was loved by his family and friends and will be missed tremendously. Bill’s family will receive visitors on Wednesday evening from 5-9pm at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home in New City. A service will take place on Thursday at 11am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611.