Rest in peace, Renato!!! Gracie Mille!!! You were a great piano teacher who used to yell out ‘mi bemol’ when  I told you that I did not understand E flat (yes, I understand mi bemol, and I am Japanese!) You always made lessons fun, I leaned to use my imagination when I play. 
Thank you so much, and I hope the best for his family that are left behind.

Remembering Renato, and many years of happy memories.

I think about you  a lot. We had some good times...Ron, Michael, Judy, Francesca, Theresa, and a few others from time to time. Ron passed away in '22. I miss him. I never had the honor of meeting Nina or Valentina, but I hear they are exceptional people, and I would like to send my condolences to them.
"Time takes all but the memories."
As ever, with love to all,
Camille West

A special soul, with a multitude of gifts, who is still deeply missed!!

I studied with Maestro Premezzi when I was a student at Fort Hays Kansas State University. As a lowly freshman I remember how challenging his piano master classes were. I cut my baby piano teeth on those classes and they did wonders to build my self confidence as I went from being a big fish in a little bowl (Hays) to a little fish in a big bowl as a master's student at the University of Illinois. I remember a story he told about traveling on a train to a concert performance of a concerto he hadn't had time to learn and so he learned and memorized it on the train. Incredible!

Of memories, an excerpt...
Lessons with Renato were momentous! He was a master teacher for the already concertizing students, but taught with equal commitment those of us who were to become more artistic players by having studied with him. I clung to his every word! His words, eloquent, poetic, rode like lyrics atop the phrasing or fingering being addressed, the piano score becoming an Art song of sorts...Renato singing! Memorable! Lessons could be hours long as Renato never much watched the clock.

So much to remember and be grateful for! Renato was an extraordinary human being, charismatic, influential...

To Nina, Valentina, the Premezzi family, may you know Peace, Love, and Light

Renato's passing is but a pause until you meet again.

Marilyn Sembell

I took Renato's Music in Film class at Beloit in the early 2000's. I remember it as one of the most enjoyable classes I took. His enthusiasm for the class was evident, and we always enjoyed when he played the piano in class to demonstrate something. My condolences to the family. 

A true genius, belonging to the ages now!  Rest peacefully, maestro.  
With sincerest heart, 
Camille

Having Renato as my piano maestro, changed the course of my life!  It is because of him and his encouragement to study in Florence, Italy that I met my Florentine husband.  He came to visit us a number of times in Florence.  We enjoyed also meeting Nina.  I will always be grateful to Renato and I send Nina and Valentina my love...  

We are so very saddened by the news of Renato's passing. His memory and spirit will live on in his friends and family. He was simply the most infectiously enthusiastic friend a person could wish for, and we cherish some amazingly fun times together. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Nina and Valentina. Our thoughts, prayers, and wishes for healing are with you.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Renato's passing.  Renato was a true father figure to me.  I will always remember his passion for music, his genius at the piano and in the classroom, his all-encompassing knowledge about matters that went far beyond music, his love of storytelling, and his incredible personal generosity.  Renato mattered more to me than I can say.  I'm deeply honored to have known him and been shaped by him.  

I am terribly sorry to hear this news.  Renato was a crucial component in my development as a young man and pianist.  May he live in all of our memories for many years to come.  

Condolences to all members of his family.



I viaggi, da un continente all'altro, i ricordi. 
Questo sarà il tuo viaggio, leggero, sereno, lontano. 
Ti sono stata comunque sempre grata. 
Addio Renato.

Le mie sincere condoglianze a Nina e Valentina

OBITUARY

Frank Renato Premezzi Jr.

September 8, 1935 – May 26, 2021

Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens

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