Thomas S. Mansbacher

Cellist, Father, Teacher, Partner, and Lifelong Lover of Music.Thomas S. Mansbacher led a life shaped by the transformative power of music, the love of his family, and a steadfast commitment to artistic excellence. Best known for his 37-year tenure as a cellist with the Cleveland Orchestra, Thomas built a career grounded in both extraordinary skill and a quiet humility that earned the admiration of peers and audiences worldwide. Thomas was born to Ernest and Trude Mansbacher, in University City, Missouri, where he grew up with his sister Susan (Brown). A graduate of the Yale School of Music, Thomas studied under the legendary cellist George Neikrug, whose teachings left a lasting imprint on his musical philosophy. Under Neikrug’s guidance, Thomas developed a unique voice on the cello—deeply expressive, and technically assured. He carried those lessons with him into every performance and into the decades he spent teaching the next generation of cellists. Thomas was more than a performer—he was a mentor. For many years, he taught music, sharing not just technique but a deeper understanding of the discipline, patience, and soul required to flourish as a cellist. Beyond the stage, Thomas’s greatest devotion was always to his family. A loving and dedicated father to two daughters, Sarah (Sedwick) and Jessica (Kibbe), he balanced the demands of a life in music with the presence and support only the most committed parent can offer. He was a proud grandfather of three, Desmond and Marshall (Kibbe), and Eleanor (Sedwick). For over 40 years, he shared a rich life with his beloved partner, Yoko Hiroe Moore; a relationship marked by mutual respect, deep love, and enduring companionship.Thomas embraced Cleveland, the city that became his home. He loved its energy, its people, and above all, its deep commitment to the arts. From long neighborhood walks to evenings spent in concert halls filled with familiar faces, Cleveland was more than a backdrop to his life—it

was a community he cherished. After retirement, Thomas was never far from his faithful dog, Emma, whose unconditional love accompanied him until the very end.Thomas Mansbacher’s life reflects a rare harmony between artistry and humanity. He was not only a cellist of distinction, but a teacher, father, partner, and friend whose impact continues to ripple outward through every note, every lesson, and every life he touched. Funeral service 11 am Saturday June 14 at THE DiCICCO AND SONS FUNERAL HOME 5975 MAYFIELD RD. MAYFIELD HEIGHTS OHIO 44124. The family will receive friends at the funeral home 10 AM UNTIL TIME OF SERVICE. Open house at Thomas's home 6450 Gates Mills Blvd. Mayfield Hts. immediately following the cemetery service until 6PM and Sunday June 15 from NOON TO 4 PM. Online condolences and guest registry www.diciccoandsonsfh.com