Timothy D. Newton, PhD

Timothy D. Newton, PhD, age 60, of Oneonta, NY passed from natural causes on October 18, 2023. He was born June 8, 1963, and grew up in Penn Yan, NY. Dr. Newton was a professor of music at SUNY Oneonta who dedicated his life to improving the world through vocal performance and music history.

Dr. Newton’s professional experience included positions at Ithaca College, Huntington College, Indiana-Purdue University at Fort Wayne, Moody Bible Institute, Dartmouth College, American School in England (TASIS), and Grinnell College. He was passionate about choral music and regularly sang as part of the Philharmonia Chorus (UK and internationally), the London Symphony Chorus, and the BBC Symphony Chorus. Dr. Newton promoted international travel with his students, accompanying his choirs on tours and performances in the USA and Europe. He was not only an instructor and choral conductor but also a mentor and friend to the staff and students at SUNY Oneonta. He often hosted meals in his home and invited students to visit. In the last several years, Dr. Newton hosted visiting Chinese scholars with his friend and colleague Dr. Ho Hon Leung, Sociology Professor at SUNY Oneonta.

Dr. Newton's love of music and performance extended beyond choral conducting and singing, including accompanying performers and choirs on piano and organ. Most recently, he continued his love of secular music as the organist and choir director at St. James Episcopal Church in Oneonta. His opportunities to conduct and assist with the UK's large performance choirs were a source of pride in his many musical achievements.

Tim was an avid lover of nature and the outdoors. He always said he “had the best commute!” as he walked to campus up the hill and through the woods behind his home. Tim loved mimicking the bird song with his perfect pitch whistles and getting the birds to answer back. His love of the outdoors included water sports, winter downhill skiing, and long walks and hikes.

Tim was also very adept with mechanical skills and spent many hours maintaining his vintage SAAB. He was extremely proud of his most recent accomplishment, achieving his private pilot's license. Tim found much joy in flying with his instructor and on his solo flights over the southern tier.

His loving and joyful presence will be missed by many Oneonta citizens, the staff , faculty and students at SUNY Oneonta, and his friends and family. The family that survives him are his mother, Lois Ann Sprague, (Paul) sister, Betsy Green (Ross), Nieces, Liesl Green Topy (Andy), Jessica Adorno (Jeffrey), Rachel Devader and nephews Joel Green and Preston Devader (Heather). Tim was predeceased by his sister, Melissa Devader, and father, David F. Newton.

Tim will be remembered by his Penn Yan family and friends at a Memorial Service on November 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Milo Methodist Church. The Oneonta Community is planning a memorial service for a future date.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Tim’s memory can be made to the SUNY Oneonta Student Travel for Excellence Fund by visiting https://suny.oneonta.edu/give. Checks can be made payable to the SUNY Oneonta Foundation and mailed to University Advancement. 108 Ravine Parkway Oneonta, NY 13820.

Online Condolences may be made at:   www.wmaddenfh.com.  Arrangements by the Westcott-Madden Funeral Home 123 Main Street Unadilla, NY.  A MADDEN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME.

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