Pictured Frank M. Scoglio
Richard Pearlman
Richard Pearlman, director of the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists, died of lung cancer April 8 in Chicago's Rush University Medical Center. He was 68.
Born in Norwalk, Conn., and raised in Tucson, Ariz., Pearlman went from serving as a resident stage director at the Metropolitan Opera from 1964 to 1967 to serving as general director of the Opera Society of Washington ( now Washington National Opera ) from 1968 to 1970, until he grew disenchanted with what he called 'the constant headache of going out and hustling $1 million a year.' From 1976 to 1995, he was director of the Eastman Opera Theatre at Rochester University's Eastman School of Music. He was important in the career development of many young singers enrolled in the Eastman program, including soprano Renee Fleming.
'Richard Pearlman brought the Lyric Opera Center to new levels of excellence and renown, and no one in the country was a greater champion of young American singers or of American music than he was,' William Mason, Lyric Opera's general director, stated in a release posted on the center's Web site.' [ He ] was a lovely man who will be sadly missed by his myriad friends, colleagues and students.'
Giana Rolandi, the center's director of vocal studies, will serve as interim director. Dan Novak will continue as manager.
Survivors include an aunt, Bernice; first cousins Lois Peerce, Renatta Libner and Laurence; and second cousins Dean, Lisanne and Kelsey Libner.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date, according to the Web site. Contributions can be made to the Richard Pearlman Charitable Trust Fund for Music, c/o Burton A. Brown, Attorney, 205 W. Wacker, Suite 922, Chicago, IL 60606.
Frank M. Scoglio
Frank M. Scoglio, the Burgundy Inn chef who owned the establishment over four decades, passed away. He was 72.
The Burgundy Inn was last located at 2706 N. Ashland. ( It closed in 2005. ) However, the legendary pub had actually been around since 1938, according to Leal, Scoglio's widow. 'Frank bought the Inn in 1962 from the old owner, who retired,' she told Windy City Times.
The inn became a hub of gay activity even back in the '60s—and the patrons were extremely loyal, Leal commented. 'Guys and drag queens would come in there all the time. When we moved—and we had several locations—the gay community followed,' she said.
Leal also stated that Frank was committed to the community: 'Even though [ Frank ] wasn't gay, he wasn't prejudiced at all. He even look pictures of the first [ Pride ] Parade.'
When asked what she will miss most about him, Leal responded that ' [ b ] esides the food, I'll miss that he was a true humanitarian. He gave to the Lyric Opera, homeless veterans and AIDS organizations. He always supported causes.'
An accomplished tuba player, Frank was also proprietor of Shoe's Pub, located at 1134 W. Armitage.
Frank is survived by Lael as well as children Anthony, Megan, Cyndi, Chip, Rick, Sissy and Gina. Funeral services were held April 9 at Lakeview Funeral Home, 1458 W. Belmont.
Donald Lee Wechselberger
By Andrew Davis
Donald Lee Wechselberger, a poet and bon vivant who was also a former longtime shelter manager at Harmony House for Cats, a cageless no-kill shelter dedicated to rescuing and placing injured and abandoned cats, passed away April 15. He was 52.
Wechselberger's parents, George and Jane Wechselberger, and his longtime companion, Gregory Moore, preceded him in death.
He was the brother of Kenneth ( Joyce ) Wechselberger of Dallas and David ( Susan ) Wechselberger of Antioch and the uncle of numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life is pending.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Harmony House for Cats, P.O. Box 18098, Chicago, IL 60618, Call ( 773 ) 463-6667 or see www.hhforcats.org for more info.
