Obituary of Donald R. Siler

Donald R. Siler, 48, of Eastford, died unexpectedly on January 10, 2008. He was born and raised in southern California. He attended San Francisco State University and studied music. During this time he also worked for a pipe organ builder. Pipe organs became his career. He was the owner of Siler Pipe Organ Services. Don worked on the Mormon Tabernacle Organ, the Mormon Assembly Hall Organ, the organ at Scotty's Castle in Death Valley National Park and many others around the country. He was a member of the American Institute of Organ builders. He played several instruments but loved the tuba. He toured Europe playing the tuba with a theater company at one time. He was a member of the Local 285-403 American Federation of Musicians. Over the years he played with several local bands, orchestras, and brass quintets including Thread City Brass, Classic Brass, The Norwich Band, The Silver Coronet Band, Windham Concert Band, ECSU Community Band, and the Manchester and Willimantic Orchestras. Another love and interest was nature and he even studied forestry at Humboldt State University in California for two years and considered a career in that area before music captured him. He leaves his wife, Sharon; brothers, Robert of Florida, Danny and Ronald of California, and their families. A Memorial Service will be held at The First Congregational Church at 199 Valley Street, Willimantic on February 2nd, at 1:00pm. Contributions in his memory may be made to Joshua's Tract, PO Box 4, Mansfield Center, CT 06250.