Gene P. Bissell

November 1, 1932 ~ September 4, 2012
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
Fletcher ~ Gene Bissell, 79, died Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at Universal Health Care.
Gene was a native of Parkersburg, West Virginia. He attended the University of Kentucky and received his bachelor's degree from Mount Union College and his master's degree from Western Connecticut State University. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict. An accomplished pianist and composer, he enjoyed a career as a high school teacher of music and drama in White Plains, NY and Armonk, NY. He had a lasting influence on many of his former students.
He is survived by his wife Judy of Arden, sons Timothy and Andrew and a granddaughter, Ava.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 25 at 2 P.M. at Calvary Episcopal Church, Fletcher.
Memorials may be made to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue 31 Glendale Avenue Asheville, N.C. 28803
The family expresses sincere appreciation to the staff of Universal Health Care of Fletcher for the loving and compassionate care they provided for Gene.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is in charge of arrangements.
Dear Judy, Tim, Andrew and Ava,
Gene (affectionately known as Mr. B.) was such an inspiration to all of us in White Plains, and as Judy knows, I credit him for my career in musical theatre. Gene was more than just a mentor, he was a friend, and it was a friendship that I cherished well beyond my days at East View, White Plains High, and summer theatre. Of course, nothing could beat the fun we had then, making music and theatre (Mandy, High Button Shoes, 110 In The Shade, Gypsy, Pajama Game–the list goes on), or when I was simply Gene’s page turner at assembly. And when ‘I grew up,’ I was forever grateful that Gene had the confidence in me to turn Mandy into The Real McCoy, the beginning of a whole new page in my life. Gene was the ultimate Pied Piper, and I am so glad that I followed his tune. I will truly miss him.
Dear Judy and family,
You know I think of you every day and love you dearly. I have some really great memories of
Gene. He will never be forgotten. You remain in my heart and prayers.
Barbara
Though I didn’t cut the mustard for a lead, I performed acapella one semester and in another small choir Mr. Bissell conducted at Byram Hills ’69 -’71. Vaguely I remember running on and off stage for a beach or picnic scene. Mr. Bissell motivated us when many would rather have done otherwise. Music class was challenging and I remember always leaving invigorated. Who could forget his ebullience and high standards? Let’s face it, the shows he produced were top drawer. Though at times turbulent, many envy those years we were at BHHS.
~
Monica McCabe,
Royal Oak, Michigan
I am truly sorry to hear of Gene’s death. He was my first cousin. I knew him when he was a little boy. I hadn’t seen him since his mother’s death in April of 1986. Aunt Mandy and Uncle Nelson Bissell are buried at Otto, WV. There are only four first cousin’s left now in the Bissell family. I am 81 years old. Raelene Keffer, my lifelong friend and cousin always said Gene looked like my Dad, Otha Bissell, Gene’s uncle. I am proud of all of Gene’s musical accomplishments and others. I just wish I could have known him better and longer. Evelyn Bissell Starcher 3273 Clay Road, Spencer, WV 25276
Gene was my best friend when we were at the Naval School of Music in D.C., and a true friend indeed. He made our time in the Navy not only endurable but actually a pleasure (sometimes). I will always feel honored that he asked me to be Best Man at your wedding. I regret that we and our children and grandchildren didn’t have the opportunity to spend time together.
September 07, 2012
Though I didn’t cut the mustard for a lead, I performed acapella one semester and in another small choir Mr. Bissell conducted at Byram Hills ’69 -’71. Vaguely I remember running on and off stage for a beach or picnic scene. Mr. Bissell motivated us when many would rather have done otherwise. Music class was challenging and I remember always leaving invigorated. Who could forget his ebullience and high standards? Let’s face it, the shows he produced were top drawer. Though at times turbulent, many envy those years we were at BHHS.
~ Monica McCabe, Royal Oak, Michigan
September 07, 2012
Dear Judy: I am so sadden to hear of Gene’s passing. He w as a great guy and a man to be admired. Gene really created a memorable legacy, one that will long be remembered. My deepest sympathy—-An old friend Dave Buffington
~ David Buffington, Danbury, Connecticut
September 06, 2012
Dear Family….I was a student at BHHS with no talent what so ever! But I always worked behind the scenes on the props and scenery and Mr. Bissell was ever present and helpful.
It should be mentioned that he brought up Laura Branigan, who turned out to be a great entertainer. She died before her time from an blood disorder. And also Mr. Bissell coached and mentored Peter Gallager! What a great coach he was! I’m sure he will be so missed by his family, but just want you to know that 40 plus years we still remember him as lots of fun and a wonderful addition to our school for all the years I was there!
~ Meredith McKnight-Higgins, Jasper, Georgia
September 06, 2012
With fond memories…Tony Wildman
September 06, 2012
Dear Judy, I just wanted to express my condolences for your loss, but also to say what an important influence Gene had on my life and on the lives of many former students. Mr. Bissell coached me through minor roles in a two musicals back in the early 1970s at Byram Hills High School. I had very little talent. But I learned to expect excellence from myself, no matter what my capabilities. And I learned to attend to the details. Gene looked at every show as though it were on Broadway. He never accepted less because we were high school students. I have thought of him often over the past 40 years. What a guy!
~ Jim Stigler, Los Angeles, California
September 06, 2012
Judy – So sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. I know he was so sick, but he was such a joy to be around. I enjoyed his whistling while I visited Clyde each day at Universal. I knew Clyde’s health was failing, but I just didnt think I would have to let him go that fast. But God knows best. You know, remember the Group Support meeting when Memory Care suggested I take him of his meds, I just couldnt do it. But God knew what He was doing. He took Clyde when it was his time to go. And I truly believe that God called Gene home when He was ready for him to come. We had some good times at Universal – and just think — they are together again with the Lord where there is no more pain or Alzheimers. Praise God! It was a blessing to get to know you Judy.
~ Mary Cagle, East Flat Rock, North Carolina
September 05, 2012
Dear Judy, On behalf of the Edwards family, please accept my condolences on Gene’s death. As was mentioned in the obituary he made a life-long impression on many of us in his BHHS musicals. My folks were very fond of him and we all have great memories of Valhalla. All the best to you. -Kathy Edwards (Hayslett)
Words can never express how much Gene P. meant to me in high school and throughout my life, as I carried forward and applied the lessons he taught and the character he helped foster in me. We were blessed with many stellar teachers at B.H.H.S. whom I will never forget, but Gene Bissell was the jewel in the crown for me.
I still find myself singing many of his original songs. They were that catchy!
Judy, Timothy, and Andrew, please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. I hope it helps to know how fondly and vividly Gene is remembered by hundreds of his former pupils.
September 09, 2012
Oh, come, our Wisdom from on high,
Who ordered all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
and teach us in his ways to go!
Begging pardon for the paraphrase, but it seems so apt. I rarely hit — or miss — a high note that I don’t think fondly of Mr. Bissell. Various renditions of ‘Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel’ have been my personal meditation at the holidays for 35 years…
He infected us his enthusiasm, he opened the world(s) of performance arts to us, and he recognized excellence in effort. For that I think we lucky BHHS’s all rejoice.
~ Maggie McC McM, Florida
Godspeed, Mr. Bissell.
Whenever I make an entrance on stage, it’s always on my upstage foot.
Mr. Bissell taught us that. Every time I do it, I think of him and laugh when I realize I’m still doing what he told me to do so many years ago, and I’m still calling him Mr. Bissell. I am deeply grateful for the talent and passion he showered us with, and the discipline that he demanded from us for the real stagecraft he introduced us too.
Our thoughts and prayers for Judy, Tim and Andrew.
With love and thanks,
Peter Gallagher
My favorite show that Gene put on in Armonk was the Charlie Brown show. He was so talented…may he RIP
Dear Judy,
Our condolences to you and your family. Gene made a lasting impact on so many lives during his teaching career, which is a wonderful and lasting legacy. May he now rest in peace.
Love,
Mary & Ralph Sergi
Dear Judy, Tim and Andrew,
My heart sank when I heard of Gene’s passing. He made such a difference in so many lives, and we all will be forever grateful for having known and learned so much from him. He was such a perfectionist. When we came close to his standards and brought a smile to his face, we knew we had accomplished something special. I hope that you all can be comforted in knowing that he is in a better place now, freed of the devastating effects of his illness so he can direct a new group–a chorus of angels. I’m sure they will love every minute of it, as did we.
With love to you all,
Rob Colby
Dear Judy, Andrew and Tim,
I’ve received the news of Gene’s passing. It’s been a few days now and I’ve thought often of the profound impact he had on my life and the lives of so many of my high school friends. He gave so much to so many and was such a force of nature. We all craved his attention and loved our shows. I still think they were amazing productions. What he managed to get out of us was truly incredible and a great reflection on him and how passionate he was about putting on a show.
You were always so kind. I remember you opening up your home to us to hang out many times. You were incredibly generous about sharing Gene with all of us.
I shall remember him as the vibrant, funny and brilliant man he was.
With lots of love, Sue Tartaglia’75
I am so sad for the loss of one of the best men that God ever created. Mr. Bissell was my ultimate favorite teacher throughout my high school years at BHHS. He taught me everything I know in Music and it was because of him that I went onto become a Music teacher. All of us in Chorus adored him. He will sorely be missed. RIP Mr. Bissell. May god be with you all.
Mr Bissell left his mark on all his students. He demanded the best from us, and we wanted to give it to him. Sitting beside him on the piano bench during a musical production was terrifying, with the ferocity of his huge talent at full flow.
I offer my condolences to his family, now that the force of his being has rejoined the Lord
September 09, 2012
The world has lost a special man and huge talent! He was a legend in Armonk – BHHS. Sending my heartfelt condolences.
Maria Simonetti, BHHS, 84
September 09, 2012
Remembering Gene with affection and praise for his huge talent especially when we did a review called ‘Two by Five’ at the Armonk library in 1981. We had such a ball and Gene was a ‘Mr. Cellophane’ for the ages.
Missing him…Barbara Simonetti
September 10, 2012
Mr Bissell had such a wonderfully life affirming effect on so many of us at Byram Hills High School.
He will be remembered with great affection for years to come.
love
Cheryl Henson
BHHS 1979
My deepest condolences, Mr. Bissell was not only my favorite music teacher (theory, harmony, composition) but was one of the few adults that actually talked ‘to you’ not down to you, who imparted fun and joy through his sense of humor, who possessed style (which says a lot as it was the 70’s) who dared me(a rock snob) to be in a musical and opened my eyes to a whole new world, a man who had the ability to bring out the best in people, who saw talent in students who never saw it in themselves, who could have taken his skill to the big time but realized the big time was in front of him already, I truly miss the man but I’m blessed to have him so prevalent in my HS memories. May god rest his soul.
I am so very sorry for your loss; I did not even know Mr. Bissell. But I knew, while I was a student, that magic was being worked in Mr. Bissell’s class. I saw it in the productions and heard about it from friends and fellow students. Even as teenagers they knew that their character was developing as a result.
His influence, inspiration, and memories, 40 years later, are as real and vital to many, many kids who grew up to be amazing people.
Such a gift he gave to so many. I truly wish I had known him.
Carol Welling McVeigh ’71 Irvine, CA
Mr. Bissell was a force of nature at Byram Hills High School in Armonk, NY. He always got the best out of his students. He was the only person in my life that told me ‘to be louder’. What a gift during such awkward times as a teen to have a giant of a mentor who truly cared for us. His influence has sustained me through my life as an artist. Hanging out in the Music Room after school with him while I painted the Christmas Pageant scenery was a treasured time I hold dear. God bless his family that they shared him with us.
He was a profound influence on my life. Not a week goes by without my remembering something he showed me or taught me to do in choir, in the show choir or in one of our productions. He was truly unique and he touched the lives of so many of his students that he will live on forever.
With deepest condolences and wishing you blessings and peace,
Peter Roff
I was so sad to read this today. I actually had just thought about Mr. Bissell a few weeks ago. I thoroughly loved singing in the chorus for him and especially remember our Christmas Concerts walking down the side isles with candles. Also, the awesome musicals at Byram Hills High School.He had so much energy and love for all of us.
My prayers go out to all of The Bissell family. Please know that he touched many of our young lives and made a very positive contribution in helping make us the adults that we are today.
BHHS student of Mr. Bissell’s 1967-1973
I share in your sadness as I reflect on my memories of Gene and the wonderful contribution he made to both his students and Byram Hills High School.
September 10, 2012
Gene was a true artist in his field and always demanded, and received, his students’ best efforts. His productions were always magnificently prepared.
Bob Emrich
Brookfield, CT
Gene Bissell was a gift.
God Bless
Michael
September 11, 2012
Mr. Bissell was not only my favorite music teacher (theory, harmony, composition) but was one of the few adults that actually talked ‘to you’ not down to you, who imparted fun and joy through his sense of humor, who expected nothing short of perfection, who possessed style (which says a lot as it was the 70’s) who dared me(a rock snob) to be in a musical and opened my eyes to a whole new world, a man who had the ability to bring out the best in people, who saw talent in students who never saw it in themselves, who could have taken his skill to the big time but realized the big time was in front of him already, I’m lucky to have him so prevalent in my school memories. My deepest condolences to you all.
~
Richard Doetsch,
Armonk, New York
September 11, 2012
I will miss Mr. Bissel. I will never forget his awesome BHHS productions. Fiddler on the Roof was wonderful with Kim Gladman as Grandma Tzeitel.
Liz Crane ’86
~ Liz Crane,
Florida
September 11, 2012
He taught me to ‘have heart’ as a toddler literally, and then did so scholastically and dramatically through out my school caterer and beyond. He was a TRUE friend to my mom and sparked a fire in her when she needed it most. A treasure, a talent, a star.
My condolences Mrs. B, and to your boys. He was a a WONDERFUL MAN!
~
Cathy (Cohen) Cockrill,
Scottsdale, Arizona
September 11, 2012
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on Mr. Bissell’s passing. I hope you will find comfort in many happy memories of him. He was a wonderful, engaging, funny, lively, charming man, a gifted teacher and a ray of sunshine at BHHS. Diana (Nottingham) Page BHHS ’86
~
Diana (Nottingham) Page,
NY, New York
Thank you Mr. Bissell for providing me and so many other students a home to feel safe and accepted in a world where we most often were not.Your dedication to theater arts and education has proven invaluable throughout my life and career. I still have the tail I wore as the back end of Caroline the Dancing Cow in GYPSY, our first production together. What, the back end I said? And you simply replied, ‘I need the best dancer in the school. And I know you can handle it.’ The four years I spent in that rehearsal room and on that stage gave me a confidence that will live with me forever so will that tail. Thank you, thank you, thank you.Now get to work up there rehearsals about to begin
Great Memories in the drama room with Mr. Bissell. Wonderful plays and fond memories of seeing them in the ole’ high school theatre. He was truly a talented man with the gift of gab. Loved telling stories and sharing his experiences with us students. A mentor to many. A star maker to some. But a great man to all.
Jill Berkman
BHHS class of 1982
September 11, 2012
My condolences. Mr. Bissell was my favorite teacher at BHHS. There were always a crowd of kids (the ‘Bissellites’) that would hang out in his office after school until he told everyone he needed to get home. Lots of gossip, and quite a few problems were resolved in that office. He instilled confidence in all his students, and had such energy in class that everyone had fun and was inspired to work as hard as he did. I was lucky enough to also take private piano lessons with him for a couple of years. He introduced me to a Della Joio sonata that I still love today – I think of him every time I see the music. He will be missed.
~
Cindy Brengel Wallin BHHS ’79,
Fairfax, Virginia
September 11, 2012
Mr. Bissell was not only my favorite music teacher (theory, harmony, composition) but was one of the few adults that actually talked ‘to you’ not down to you, who imparted fun and joy through his sense of humor, who expected nothing short of perfection, who possessed style (which says a lot as it was the 70’s) who dared me(a rock snob) to be in a musical and opened my eyes to a whole new world, a man who had the ability to bring out the best in people, who saw talent in students who never saw it in themselves, who could have taken his skill to the big time but realized the big time was in front of him already, I’m lucky to have him so prevalent in my school memories. My deepest condolences to you all.
~
Richard Doetsch,
Armonk, New York
September 11, 2012
I will miss Mr. Bissel. I will never forget his awesome BHHS productions. Fiddler on the Roof was wonderful with Kim Gladman as Grandma Tzeitel.
Liz Crane ’86
~
Florida
September 11, 2012
I will miss Mr. Bissel. I will never forget his awesome BHHS productions. Fiddler on the Roof was wonderful with Kim Gladman as Grandma Tzeitel.
Liz Crane ’86
~
Florida
September 11, 2012
He taught me to ‘have heart’ as a toddler literally, and then did so scholastically and dramatically through out my school caterer and beyond. He was a TRUE friend to my mom and sparked a fire in her when she needed it most. A treasure, a talent, a star.
My condolences Mrs. B, and to your boys. He was a a WONDERFUL MAN!
~
Cathy (Cohen) Cockrill,
Scottsdale, Arizona
September 11, 2012
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on Mr. Bissell’s passing. I hope you will find comfort in many happy memories of him. He was a wonderful, engaging, funny, lively, charming man, a gifted teacher and a ray of sunshine at BHHS. Diana (Nottingham) Page BHHS ’86
~
Diana (Nottingham) Page,
NY, New York
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My mother was Edith Bissell Wallbrown and Gene was her first cousin. My mother and my aunt Maxine stayed with aunt Mandy and uncle Nelson in the early 1940’s, when they worked at the silk mill. Gene was a little boy at that time. I did not know Gene personally, but have heard so much about him from the family. My mother and my aunt have both passed on. I know that he will be greatly missed by his loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Judy, Tim and Andrew,
I was so sorry to hear the news about Gene, but I know that he was not doing well and at least now he is at peace. He was and always will be my all-time favorite teacher. Since I was already a senior when Gene came to BHHS, I felt especially lucky that I was able to perform in 110 in the Shade and then come back after graduating to work with him in number of shows during two summers. I will always remember him with the headphones calling cues, mouthing the lyrics and playing the piano at the same time! His energy, patience and passion for perfection was contagious and made all of us perform like pros. We learned so much from him and he provided a wonderful way for so many of us to channel our energies into something positive after school. He will always have a special place in my heart. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
September 16, 2012
Godspeed, Mr. Bissell.
Whenever I make an entrance on stage, it’s always on my upstage foot.
Mr. Bissell taught us that. Every time I do it, I think of him and laugh when I realize I’m still doing what he told me to do so many years ago, and I’m still calling him Mr. Bissell. I am deeply grateful for the talent and passion he showered us with, and the discipline that he demanded from us which connected us to real stagecraft.
I suspect the source of his middle initial, “P”, will forever remain a mystery but I’ll continue to silently thank him every time I have the good fortune to make another entrance.
Our thoughts and prayers to Judy, Tim and Andrew.
With love and thanks,
Peter Gallagher
~ Peter Gallagher, Los Angeles, California
Dear Judy, Tim and Drew,
I am filled with gratitude as I remember well the many years I shared with all of you. Gene was such a role model for me. He brought a spark to my life with his passion for the arts. There are many vivid memories, listening to Gene belt out some favorite tune on the piano, showing me his latest piece of artwork, seeing him sitting in his chair reading thru an endless stack of books, watching ‘All in the Family’ with peels of laughter, the warmth and ease of conversation flowing round meals at the kitchen table, the shows directed with perfection at BHH, as well as the many shows he brought me to on Broadway. He was most alive when he was immersed in these passions of his. I was incredibly blessed to have him as such a large part of my early life and as inspiration to my creative life. He will forever be in my heart.
With love,
Robyn Nimphius-Field
I just smile when I think of you Mr. B! I have never taken a step or moved onstage without the lessons you forged into my mind. You opened up a world of artistry, life and laughs for me that have been part of who I am and will always be. I have a picture of you sitting in my house, in my dad’s chair and it seems so perfect, as you were a parent, mentor and dear friend. I love you dearly! Thanks for the life I have as an artist. It is because of YOU! xoxoxxo
Mr. Bissell & his choir class is what got me through HS! No choir that I have since been apart of has measured up to the training and inspiration that Mr. Bissell provided me. truly a gifted teacher! You knew by the way he looked at you that he cared! Your class is the only one that I never wanted to cut! You made my High School memories wonderful…. Thank you Mr. Bissell! Keep singing. I am looking forward to re-joining your choir one day 🙂
Dear Mrs. Bissell and family:
I was extremely saddened to read of Mr. Bissell’s passing. An extraordinary man who touched so many lives at BHHS and elsewhere. He was the one who truly lit up the stage for all of us. His impassioned love for theater and teaching was an inspiration and shining legacy. What I remember most about being a part of his musicals at BHHS was the fun, the laughter, the discipline and the sense of community and camaraderie. All of these were gifts I carry in every part of my life to this day. Nearly 40 years have passed and I still find myself humming and singing numbers from those shows. He taught me more about singing than anyone. Thank you, Mrs. Bissell and your family for sharing him all those years. Mr. Bissell …..I cherish the days we were ‘lost in your spell’. Thank you for all the lessons and the laughter.
Mr. Bissell was a musical force to be reckoned with and pushed me to great performances that I have fond memories of. We were lucky he was part of BHHS!
My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Bissell. He was truly a very gifted and influencial man. I learned so much and enjoyed working with him. He leaves behind alot of fond memories and wonderful performances. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
John B. Pember
BHHS 1969
Dearest Judy,
I am so sorry for your loss, I know you have many years of fond memories of Gene. You are in my prayers. May God bless & keep you and those you love.
With heartfelt wishes,
Carol Wald