Robert Michael Cisik

Mr. Robert Michael Cisik, 81, of Doylestown, passed away on March 31st, 2020. Bob was born in Pottstown, PA. He taught music in the Utica New York School District and performed with the Utica Symphony Orchestra before moving back to the Montgomery County area where he taught in the Wissahickon School District for thirty years. He made a commitment to music which spanned the entirety of his life.

By the age of thirteen Bob was playing music professionally as a saxophonist, an early testament to his talent. He performed with the Johnny Haas Polka Band, the Pottstown Band and even filled in with the Tommy Dorsey Band when it played at the Sunnybrook Ballroom in Pottstown. Later, Bob would answer the call to duty by enlisting in the United States Air Force. He auditioned for the Air Force Norad Command Band where he won the position of first chair. The band performed on the Ed Sullivan Show and all over the United States. After leaving the Air Force, Bob earned a Bachelor of Music and a Master’s Degree in Performance on clarinet at West Chester University.

Throughout his years as an educator, Bob demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his profession by consistently setting high standards for his students, encouraging them to do their best. While at Wissahickon he taught middle school band, elementary band, strings and elementary choirs.

After retirement, Bob continued to play in music groups—as he did throughout his career—becoming one of Philadelphia’s top Klezmer clarinetists. He would perform not only at celebratory functions, but also at nursing and retirement facilities where his music brought comfort to those who needed it most. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Marcia Margolis Cisik; his son, Nick; sister, Patricia C. Boarman; and brother, David Cisik Sr. Due to Covid-19, a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Bob’s life will be held later this year at Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Robert Cisik’s memory to the Philadelphia Orchestra. One South Broad Street, 14th Floor, Philadelphia, PA19107, or www. philorch.org.

Please email Nick at ncisik@gmail.com for details.