I will never forget my uncle playing at the Dome  in downtown El Paso.  His passion in playing the song,  "Feelings" with his saxophone will always be embedded in my mind of how proud I am to be a Gerardo. I was so proud to speak about my uncle. 

I just learned of Arturo's passing.  I knew him a half century ago in the Sixth US Army Band.  I remember his passion for music, for study, and personal growth.  He was a pleasant, gentle soul, and I always enjoyed our conversations--especially after his oboe lessons with the great Marc Lifschy of the San Francisco Symphony.  Art was definitely one of the nice guys that I met in the army so long ago and still remember.

--Bill Runyan
    Colorado


I remember Mr. G from my time in the Burges band, I ran into him at the car wash a few years back and even though he didn't remember me we had a great conversation we talked and laughed about his time at Burges. May God bless you and your family and may you rest in peace.

Mr. Gerardo was my band teacher at Mc Arthur middle back in 1983. I have very fond memories of him. A great teacher, with a great heart. He was always very kind and patient. He made us belief in ourselves. A great human being with a great big heart. My deepest condolences to all of his family. My prayers are with you. It is the great acomplishments
 he made that change our lives that made him a great person! I know that he is in great place because he was always kind. God bless your family 

I met  Chippy years ago and we played together both in the EPSO and the local gig scene. It was always fun to be on a gig with him. I still have recordings of when we would play with Gerald Hunter years ago. I can still remember his signature sound and his high standards in music. I always learned something when he was on the gig. Lately we had long phone conversations where we would talk about music and jazz. I will miss our phone conversations. See you later Chippy!

Arturo Gerardo was a great instrumentalist, teacher and friend, His sense of humor was legendary. At the funeral of another colleague he said...”and they said there’s nothing to do in El Paso”...
Chippie, wherever you are, thank you for your playing, your wit, your being a founding member of El Paso Natural Jazz, your friendship and good musical influence (no “cute” tunes) through the years. You are missed.

What a sweet, wonderful man. I was blessed to know him, a fellow oboist and am deeply saddened by his passing.  Sending warmest, loving sympathetic thoughts to his family and friends that he has left behind.

A dedicated educator to our youth AND served our country in the armed services.  I am grateful for his life. I am thankful that he taught not only my oldest son in beginning band, but also my wife when she went to MacArthur and Burgess. He has left a large footprint for us to remember him by and aspire to be so humble.  I’ve had the pleasure of performing with him in EPSO and recently blessed to reconnect with him as a colleague faculty member of EPCC.  Chippy you will be sorely missed. My family and  I thank you for carrying that torch and for the inspiration for years to come. 
Rest easy good friend...
-Art Avila, Jr

I was  saddend  to  hear of  Chippy's   passing.   I worked  in EPISD  with him for  many years  and also  was in the EPSO  with him  playing   2nd  Bassoon  in the  mid 1970's.     He  was  always  funny and   had a great  smile.     His  teaching  at  MacArthur  was   excellent and   I appreciated  his  talents.   

Chippy, another kid from Jeff, Nick Polaski from Austin high and myself from EPHS traveled to lubbock to audition for The All State Band. I think it was 1961. Chippy was the only one in our  group that made the Band. That was the first time I meet him.We go way back and have played many gigs. We had a nice gig @ the Shearton- Mesa Inn back in 1972 and numerous gigs with Joe Loya and several Street Festival  concerts.  My family and Chippy  drove to Corpus Christi  to perform with Curt Warren and Nick Tountas @ the Texas JazzFestival 1992?  My kids loved his sense of humor. We miss him but will see him someday. Our love to your family. Byron and Katy Mutnick.

OBITUARY

Arturo Gerardo

June 11, 1943 – April 17, 2020

Hillcrest Funeral Home

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