Obituary of Godfrey W. Schroth

Godfrey Schroth, Composer, 90, of Hackensack, NJ passed away in the company of his loving wife, Dorothy of over 55 years on May 9, 2017. He leaves his wife, family, friends, and students. Godfrey graduated with a MA degree from Columbia University. He also studied under American pianist Edwin Hughes and American composer Paul Creston. He, as Director of Music along with his wife, as the choir organist, served St. Mary's Cathedral in Trenton from 1959-1990. He composed hundreds of pages of choral and organ works for all seasons of the liturgical year. In November 1985, Pope John Paul II awarded him the Benemerenti Medal in recognition of his dedication and service to the Catholic Church. Godfrey then retired to his studio in Hackensack, NJ to mentor and train a new generation of piano performers, along with composing non-liturgical works. Receiving several grants from the New Jersey Council on the Arts, his "Rocky Mountain Serenade" was premiered at Pueblo's third annual Mozart Festival in Pueblo, CO in concert alongside works by Beethoven and Mozart. His Flute Suite was recorded and released on CD in early 2000. Godfrey's dedication over the years led to his inclusion in the International Dictionary of Musicians and recognition in the book Who's Who in American Music. His mentorship, kindness, and charm will always be remembered, and his musical talent will live on through his pupils. The family will be receiving friends from 7:00 – 9:00PM Sunday, May 14, 2017 at the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ. The funeral will begin at 8:45AM Monday, May 15, 2017 from the funeral home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Church, 34 Maple Avenue, Hackensack with burial following at Hackensack Cemetery, 323 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack. In lieu of flowers please honor his memory with a memorial donation to Mercy Ships, PO Box 2020, Garden Valley, Texas 75771 (www.mercyships.org).