Category Archives: Final Notes / In Memoriam

Final Note: Andreas ‘Andy’ Kostelas


11/10/1924 – 1/20/2017

Life Member. Saxophone/Flute/Clarinet

Andreas “Andy” Kostelas was born on November 10, 1924 to immigrant Greek parents, George and Mary. Andy grew up with two siblings in Sedalia, Missouri where he began his study of the clarinet as a student He began his professional career at age 16 where he performed at several local watering holes and dance establishments. Continue reading

January 2017 In Memoriam

Thomas K. Burnett
Life Member. Guitar
7/4/1923 – 11/7/2016
Survived by spouse & family

Charles W. Flores
Life Member. Drums
1/5/1935 – 11/24/2016
Survived by daughters & family

Samuel Lee Jr.
Life Member. Drums
2/26/1930 – 11/28/2016
Survived by spouse & children

Eugene L. Soiseth
Life Member. Drums
11/23/1919 – 9/21/2016
Survived by cousins

Final Note: Erica Sharp Anderson

erica_andersonLife Member. Violin
8/1/1927 – 10/28/2016

Erica Keen was born Erika Kühn in Deutche Krone, Germany, now Walcz, Poland. Her parents were Hilmeyer Kühn of Izbica Kujawska, Poland and Dora Prinz of Preussisch Stargard, Germany, now Stargard, Poland. Erika’s father was the cantor for the local congregation, and also performed many of the responsibilities of a rabbi. The rise of Nazism put severe pressure on the small Jewish community. At school Erika was not allowed to eat lunch with the gentile children. Her home was searched by the police and Hitler youth ridiculed her in public. Fortunately, her Uncle Morris Keen had successfully emigrated to the U.S. earlier and was able to provide visas for Erika’s family to leave Germany. In 1934 they emigrated to the United States, arriving in San Pedro, CA on July 23. Continue reading

November 2016 In Memoriam

Shirley Cornell (Appleton)
Life Member. Violin
12/28/1922 – 10/12/2016
Survived by children

Adrian P. Bal
Vocalist
1/24/1925 – 9/20/2016
Survived by spouse & children

John C. Caper
Life Member. Trumpet
2/6/1933 – 9/8/2016
Survived by spouse & children

Barry Socher
Life Member. Violin
11/2/1947 – 10/22/2016
Survived by spouse & children

Frederick Tinsley
Life Member. Bass
3/3/1940 – 9/19/2016
Survived by spouse & children

Final Note: John Caper

Note TreeLife Member. Trumpet
(2/6/1933 – 9/8/2016)

John Caper Jr., longtime Local 47 member, retired, passed away Sept. 8, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Pamela, his son John Caper III, daughter-in-law Iris Caper, daughter Cathi Wolf, son-in-law Rick Wolf, and grandchildren Courtney Omahen, Scott Wolf, Terry Wolf, Christine Caper, Catherine Caper, and stepdaughter Angelique Lionheart and grandson Joaquin Taylor.

Final Note: Franchot Martin Blake

franchot-blake-dad-drums-cropped
franchot-blake-dad-local-47-obituaryLife Member. Drum Set

1/23/1935 – 7/3/2016

by Ron Blake, son

Originally from Chicago, he moved out to L.A. to pursue his dream of being a
musician in the ’60s.

A drummer, and a lifelong member of the Local 47, he has played and recorded with numerous artists including Dave Brubeck.

His passion for music permeated everyone he knew including his children.
He is survived by his seven children and two sisters.