Oscar Kosarin

Oscar Kosarin - Age 98 - Passed away on October 1, 2016. He was preceded in death by his mother Elisabeth Renz, and his Father Solomon Kosarin.

Survivors include his wife, Dianne Kosarin, son ,Kim Kosarin, daughter Carli (Rick) Kosarin; son, Oscar (Jennifer) Kosarin, and grandsons, Sky Kosarin, and Enoch Reynolds.

Oscar was born in Munich, Germany in 1918. His mother brought him over to the States where he grew up in New York, New York. By the age of 18, Oscar had already started what would turn out to be a lifelong carrier in the music industry. He began playing gigs in places like The Ritz, Waldorf Astoria, The Plaza, and many other venues. Oscar went on to become an arranger, orchestrator, musical director, musical supervisor, conductor, and music professor.

As World War II was coming to an end, he conducted USO shows in Europe. About that time he had married and adopted a precious son Kim. That marriage didn't work out, but, Oscar took on the task of raising Kim by himself. He must have done "something right". With Oscar's mentorship, Kim has gone on to become a biomedical technician and is very active in community affairs.

Through his years as an arranger, composer, and conductor he had the privilege of working with some of the best in the industry, John Kander, Fred Rodgers, Yul Brynner, Ed Aimes, and Sammy Davis Jr.

Oscar was asked to teach at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, which he did from 1971-1985. During that time Prentice Hall published his book "The Singing Actor: How to be a success in Musical Theatre. Also during this time he met the love of his life, Dianne Kosarin, a then Violin Major at C.C.M. It was truly love at first sight, and a year later the two were married. In 1982 they were blessed with a sweet daughter, Carli. In 1986, they both "threw caution to the winds" as they said were blessed again with another child Oscar Paul.

After retiring from C.C.M. Oscar made Charleston, SC. his new home, where he went on to once again teach musical theater at The College of Charleston in addition to conducting many shows at the famous Dock St. Theatre. Those were some great and happy years for Oscar, but finally in 1997, he and Dianne decided to move to Chattanooga TN, where once again Oscar was asked to teach Musical theatre, which he delightfully accepted. He started teaching at the University of fine arts Division in Cleveland TN.

He also worked with his wife Dianne on numerous events. Together they made many recordings of violin and piano "violin of voices", as well as making many appearances on live TV programs. One of the wonderful things about Oscar was his ability to play the piano for Dianne's violin students during their recitals and for kids to sing at church.

A truly great man who led many lives and conducted and played with some of the top artist of the world, was yet a very humbled soul and was able to laugh at himself.

He said the last year of his life had been one of his best because he had given his heart to Jesus, and was so grateful for all the blessings God gave him. He will be missed by all who knew him!!! There is a huge void with his passing.