OBITUARY
Don Patrick Sturdy
February 10, 1955 – February 5, 2021
For years, it seemed everyone in Greater Boston’s arts and culinary communities knew Don Sturdy.
He was born and raised a musically inclined child in western New York, who took an early interest in singing, and cooking with his great-grandmother, and later left home to pursue a vocal music degree from Ithaca College. Armed with a sweet, strong tenor, he moved to Boston and carved out a lengthy, highlight-filled career in the regional performing arts, flavored with a warm, welcoming personality that turned everyone he met into a friend.
Sturdy passed away February 5 at 65, after a brief hospitalization.
Sturdy was an assistant managing director at Cambridge’s American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) where he arranged operations for local productions and international tours. He worked at ArtsBoston, first as Deputy Director then rising to Executive Director. Sturdy was responsible for a significant expansion of the non-profit arts marketing organization, including the planning and construction of a second BosTix half-price-ticket booth that still stands in Copley Square.
Don served the arts-going public again at the Wang Theater, first as its treasurer and then its House Manager, leading the team that ensured visitors a great experience in the historic theater. Later, as Boston Ballet’s Director of Artistic Operations, he oversaw the producing side of performances, from wardrobe to production, and handled daily operations for the company.
Throughout his 40-plus years in Greater Boston, Don sang in the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Tanglewood Festival Chorus. He never sought the spotlight but it often found him -- performing at Tanglewood and the Boston Pops Fourth of July and Holiday concerts, singing backup in a James Taylor video, or being featured in a New York Times story alongside longtime friend David B. Waters, with whom he purchased a mirror-image, two-family Cambridge duplex that boasted decidedly different decor on either side. With its extensive garden, their welcoming home became a decades-long hub of theater parties, fundraisers, and other celebrations. Don was charitably minded, too, having produced fundraising events for Community Servings and the AIDS Walk in Boston.
Don enjoyed a second career in hospitality as the ever-friendly face at the host stand of Cambridge’s beloved Oleana restaurant. He made celebrities, dignitaries, and everyday diners alike feel like they always got the best table in the place. Don also enjoyed part-time work at Siena Farms’ open-air market and its two retail locations.
Don leaves behind hundreds of friends from throughout his life, and family members including a sister Leonora Sturdy Bularzik, her husband Joe, and their children Nicholas and Kirstin. He will be interred in Skaneateles, New York. Donations can be made to Community Servings: https://www.servings.org/donate/ or to Thomas L. Derrah Fund for Emerging Artists at the Speakeasy Stage Company: http://www.speakeasystage.com/derrah-fund/
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Don Patrick Sturdy
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ADD A MEMORYJohn Kuntz
March 2, 2021
I had the good fortune to meet Don thru my husband, Tommy Derrah, who considered Don one of his dearest friends. They are both gone far too soon, and I know they are laughing together somewhere.
Michael Kayes
February 24, 2021
Don along with his brother Bob were childhood friends. Whenever we got together a game of baseball usually followed. You will be missed my friend.
Lorraine Butler
February 23, 2021
He is now resting in peace
Henry Lussier
February 22, 2021
My closest friend for 40 years. His humor, amazing laugh, deep understanding, and generous love made me a better and always happier man.
Michael Zuckerman
February 20, 2021
Jan and I knew Don for a long time. He was a great friend and a truly remarkable person. Our thoughts are with Lenny and her family. We will all miss him. May his memory be a blessing.
Jan Levine amd Michael Zuckerman
Jim Courtemanche
February 20, 2021
Don was a kind, funny, and talented person. His lovely tenor voice will grace the heavenly choir. My condolences to his family and close friends.
Joanne Scheuble
February 16, 2021
Don's life was rich with friendships but he is the one who made our lives richer with his kindness, humor and love. He adored his sister and her family, and his close circle of friends who were like family: David, Joan, Henry and others. Many like me, shared his passion for music/the arts, food (Cosmos!) and fun. I will always cherish his friendship and his love. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Paula Folkman
February 15, 2021
My deepest sympathy to Don's beloved sister and her family. What a lovely, lovely man...and a good friend. (I was in TFC for 36 years) The world was better because he was in it.
Callahan McBride
February 12, 2021
Don was an extraordinary person whose friendship transcended age or generation. He had an uncanny ability to make others feel like the most special person in his world. I’ll never forget his impromptu cooking lessons and his hugs. A bright light is missing from the world without him here, but we will feel his presence. I’ll always cherish our friendship. I love you, Don.
Paul Baker
February 10, 2021
So lucky to have known you Don...miss your impish and cheeky grin and our chats on the wall on Washington street:) Keep smiling that smile, wherever the heck you are!
Anne Dapolito
February 10, 2021
Rest in peace Don. I knew you through my brother Mark. I knew you were good friends and musical soul mates. You and Mark shared many of the same choral groups and associated journeys together. Your friendship and help to Mark in his last months with us will never be forgotten. I hope that you have quickly been reacquainted and give him the biggest hug for me. May you both keep on singing!
Susan Fleshman
February 10, 2021
Thinking of years gone by and the close relationship I shared with Don at Olean High School. We shared a love for music and it brought us together as dear friends. One of my fondest memories was writing a mini- Christmas musical together that we shared at a local nursing facility. I have many more cherished memories. Don was kind, fun-loving and extremely talented. I will miss you music man!
Betsy Bobo
February 10, 2021
Many years ago Don was one of the very first singers to reach out and welcome me to TFC. His warm smile and sparkling eyes were most welcoming and touched me. He was full of laughs and sang like an angel. Thanks Don, for all your warmth and sharing.
Raif Bassett
February 10, 2021
There is a light lost in the world. Don Sturdy, although I knew him a few short years in the 1980's through the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, I remember him vividly. There was a lot of laughter and smiles that Don gave to the world and we all remember them. Don was a very special spirit who brought happiness to many. I give my condolences to his family and all his friends. The light of his memory will never fade for those who knew and loved him.
Amy Holland Crafton
February 10, 2021
Don brought positivity, cheer and humor wherever he went. I first knew him when he managed The Wang where he was ever helpful to ballet staff and calm with patrons (and a ‘double seating’ fixer genius), then when he came over to the ballet and later at Oleana when he was thrilled to see you, always fixed us up with the best table and something extra special to try. He was kind, fun, thoughtful, creative and an absolute gentleman. He was a dear friend to many and may his spirit live on and set an example for all of us. You will be dearly missed.
Kevin Carr
February 9, 2021
I worked as Don’s assistant many years ago at Boston Ballet. He was always incredibly kind and patient with me.
I just felt lucky I got to spend so much time with him.
Don had an unforgettable smile and a devilish grin that I’ll never forget, And his uproarious laughter so often filled the entire office. I remember that laugh so well. I miss it, but I’ll never forget it.
My thoughts and prayers go to Don’s family and close friends. May you Rest In Peace, my friend. Until we meet again.
Kevin Cary
February 9, 2021
Ithaca College. “Hey Don! Want to share a room together next semester??!” That would have been Spring 1974. The next semester we shared a “double” in Terrace 9 with the guys of Kappa Gamma Psi. The fraternity became coed shortly after that. We both joined. I went to London to study.....twice. But in my last semester, Don and I participated in the production of “Cabaret!” in the Theatre Department. Don was onstage in a leading role; I was in the pit. What a terrific time! I loved accompanying him on the piano.....such a voice at a young age.
Karl Schoellkopfkarl
February 9, 2021
Don was warm, witty, and wise. A nod or knowing glance was, often, all that was needed. We will miss his lovely tenor and good humor. RIP, Don.
Julie Steinhilber
February 8, 2021
I have many fond memories of singing with Don. We were usually in the front row together. Loved his keen sense of humor, his laugh, his wonderful musicianship and I enjoyed many years of singing with him in both the John Oliver Chorale, and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Carl Petersheim
February 8, 2021
A fine person, a gentle spirit...a man I am honored to have known.
Rest in Peace, Don.
Peter Smith
February 8, 2021
Don was a fellow tenor in the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. He was a kind and thoughtful colleague whom I will miss. It was always a pleasure to be a stand partner with him. He died way too soon. May he Rest In Peace.
Livia Racz
February 8, 2021
I have many fond memories of Don, his warmth, his good humor, his laugh, and his wonderful musicianship over two decades of singing in the Tanglewood Festival Chorus together. Rest In Peace, Don. You will never be forgotten.
ANNA CHOI
February 8, 2021
Don was the funniest, smartest, wittiest, most caring man. He knew everything about anything and could make you feel like you were the most interesting person in the room. I will miss him dearly.
Barbara Clemens
February 8, 2021
I sang with Don many years ago, and I remember him as kind, funny, and a great singer! Sending sympathy to his family.
MARY Murphy
February 7, 2021
My condolences to Don's family. I wish there could have been more years for you to enjoy with him.. Don was a wonderful friend with a great sense of humor. We shared so many conversations about his career in theater arts, his knowledge of classical and popular music, gourmet recipes, and his lovingly expressed family memories. Don's rich tenor voice was so natural and could bring me to tears.
A hip Renaissance guy who was so humble about his being and very caring about his family and friends. RIP, DON! I will miss you!
Mary Bowes Murphy
Jerry Sherman
February 7, 2021
Don was an outstanding tenor and gentleman and will be missed.
Bill Colehower
February 7, 2021
Don was introduced to me by a family friend about four years ago and we would get together about twice a year when I would come by his condo on Mugford Street and help him with small house projects. On most occasions it seemed that Don was less interested in getting these projects completed and more interested in having some company. He enjoyed telling me stories, talking about cooking, or adventures into Boston for work and doctors visits. When he moved to Rowland St, he had less need for help with projects and would still reach out. He struggled with his health and remained up beat and happy with a wonderful sense of humor. Don taught me that friendships, even ones that only mean seeing each other once or twice a year, are very important and can bring amazing joy folks that don’t get out of the house much.
Gordon Lothrop
February 7, 2021
I got to know Don a bit since I moved into the Roads School. He was a warm and friendly man with a good sense of humor.
One adventure we had was a search for a used piano. A really nice time. Don was always in good humor despite his medical problems. A good lesson for us all and me especially.
Ontime, I asked about the Sturdy name since it is a bit unusual (and a name to live up to.) He explained that his ancestors emigrated from Scotland to New Brunswick and it got changed there from "Sturdee". Since I collect names, as it were, I really appreciated that bit of his family lore.
My condolences to his family, he was a wonderful man. May he rest in peace.