Obituaries

Frank John Kaderabek

Legendary trumpet player Frank John Kaderabek died at his home in East Falls on December 28, 2023 at the age of 94. He was born in Cicero, Illinois in 1929 to Czech immigrants, who came to the United States in the early 1920s, where his father worked as a butcher and his mother a seamstress. As a child of the Great Depression, his first job was delivering newspapers and groceries on his bicycle, even through Chicago winters. Despite a disastrous first public performance—having left his trumpet case in the snow on the playground on his way to the concert to have a snowball fight with his friends—he made rapid musical progress. Although he was awarded a scholarship to the Chicago Music College, the Korean War broke out. He was fortunate to spend the war years as the solo cornet at the West Point Military Academy.

He was part of a historic moment in U.S. orchestral history. He was principal trumpet of the Dallas Symphony (1953-1958), associate principal trumpet in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Fritz Reiner (1958-1966), principal trumpet of the Detroit Symphony (19661975), and principal trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra (1975-1995). Frank helped form the first players' committee in Chicago. He would go on to serve on many committees, often as Chair. Remarkably, Frank never had more than four days' notice for any of the twelve auditions he won.

In 1959, Frank drove out to Indiana to be the best man at the wedding of his childhood friend, David Ernest. Exactly one year later

Frank and the bride's sister, Mary Jeanne Michael, were married on the same family farm. A pure-bred Samoyed puppy and three daughters soon followed.

At the height of the Cold War, Frank flew with his family to Czechoslovakia to visit newlydiscovered relatives. Frank spoke fluent Czech and maintained a close bond with them. In subsequent years the Czech government invited Frank to be a judge at the Prague Spring Music Competition on five occasions.

In 1980 the family was complete with the adoption of Vincent and Anthony, brothers from South Korea. Six months later, the Philadelphia Orchestra made its first trip to South Korea, where Frank was able to meet his sons' biological mother. This began a life-long connection with Ki Ku Cha, who made several trips to the U.S.

Joining the Philadelphia Orchestra was a dream come true. Frank's ear had always gravitated towards the sweet sound of strings, and nowhere was that more lush, warm and resonant than with Ormandy's famous “Philadelphia Sound.” He played with a rare and glorious sound, and a singing quality that contained both panache and power.

Frank taught at the Curtis Institute of Music for 32 years and at West Chester University; many of his students hold positions in major orchestras and universities. Upon retirement, he and Mary bought a historic stone farmhouse on 40 acres in Berks County, PA. Although much of Frank's time was spent learning to become a gentleman farmer and driving a tractor, he often played with the Allentown Band, including cornet solos at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and with other bands and orchestras. The farm, with its woods, large pond and Mary's bountiful organic garden, became home to a handful of chickens, a pair of feisty black swans, and numerous cats and German Shepherds. They called it their Rural Experiment, and it became a beloved retreat.

After 15 years of rural escape, Frank and Mary returned to Philadelphia, where they quickly became treasured members of the East Falls community. Frank often played for local concerts and events. In the last decade, as Mary's health declined, Frank spent much of his time caring for her. He never allowed himself to be overcome by self-doubt or lulled by self-satisfaction.

Frank was a lover of life. His telling of stories was legendary. His hearty, resonant, bassbaritone laugh was infectious. He loved woodworking, refinishing old furniture, collecting model trains, visiting flea markets and reading, especially about history. A life-long student, Frank began piano lessons in his late eighties. He loved Mary's excellent cooking, and supplemented her vegetarian dogma with frequent red meat and baked goods.

Frank is survived by his wife Mary of 63 years; his daughters Elizabeth (Michael Tucker), Laura (Adam Eyring) and Sarah (John Galbraith) and sons Vincent and Anthony (Ella Fok); seven grandchildren: Dylan, Nina, Luke, Nicholas, Tristan, Elly and Nadja; and his devoted dog Blarney.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank's memory to the Humane Society, the Red Cross, or the American Federation of Musicians, Local 77. A celebration of life and reception will be held at Laurel Hill West, 225 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd on Saturday, January 6 at 12pm. A virtual link is available.