Welcome to the memorial page for
C. Dean Streator
September 20, 1927 ~ August 20, 2016 (age 88) 88 Years Old Light a Candle
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A candle was lit by Naomi (Nancy) Halas
on July 10, 2017 9:09 PM
Message from Ted Zitelli, BPHS '77 Fayetteville, GA
November 4, 2016 7:49 PM
What a great man that left a lasting impression on many.
A candle was lit by Rex Benincasa
on August 23, 2016 9:51 PM
Message from Darrell and Susan (McClelland) Reid
August 23, 2016 5:40 PM
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a true leader and a teacher who cared about his students. The family is in our prayers and thoughts.
A candle was lit by Linda & Dale Brown, Syria Highlanders, Syria Temple
on August 23, 2016 9:31 AM
Message from Nancy Martin BPHS class of 83
August 23, 2016 7:03 AM
The other postings so perfectly describe all of the things this man taught us, music being only a small part of it. I'm glad that his passing was peaceful, but when I think of everything that this man brought into the lives of so many of us, so many positive memories I have of time spent in Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and non-credit Wind Ensemble, (I will never forget the night we nailed our competition piece "Pineapple Pol" in rehearsal and everyone just sat there. I wonder how many of my peers still remember it?)
Thinking of this man's life and how many people he influenced in a positive way moves me to think of this as a celebration of his life! He not only brought music, self discipline, self respect, etc. to the students he taught, he also provided a large safe haven for so many during the difficult times that high school can be for teens. We were not only not alone or in small cliques, we were making hoagies on Saturday morning with each other's parents!! Thank you for all that you gave to so many, including me. I would say that I will miss him, but he has been a part of me since those formative years ("If you aren't five minutes early, then you are late!")
And one more, regarding the sight reading part of competition: "Come on. You've played this all before - the notes were just in a different order."
Thinking of this man's life and how many people he influenced in a positive way moves me to think of this as a celebration of his life! He not only brought music, self discipline, self respect, etc. to the students he taught, he also provided a large safe haven for so many during the difficult times that high school can be for teens. We were not only not alone or in small cliques, we were making hoagies on Saturday morning with each other's parents!! Thank you for all that you gave to so many, including me. I would say that I will miss him, but he has been a part of me since those formative years ("If you aren't five minutes early, then you are late!")
And one more, regarding the sight reading part of competition: "Come on. You've played this all before - the notes were just in a different order."
Message from Dave Wooldridge '71
August 23, 2016 12:49 AM
Mr. Streator (it is still hard for me to refer to him by his given name) and I came to Bethel Park Sr. High the same year, and those four years of his tutelage have resonated throughout my life. I have always thought, and often said, he was one of the key influences in my life. I was one of those for whom Band was a central theme of high-school experience. His example of how to bestow respect and discipline, to strive for excellence, how he provided guidance to his classes as a whole and to me personally, and so many other things in his interactions with his students helped set my young and still evolving character on a path that has served me well and that I am proud of.
Mr. Streator had counselled me toward music education which surprised me at the time, but I ended up on a completely different path (Information Technology). He did have me figured out though—teaching has been a part of what I do. I learned of his post-BPHS musical activities (friends and family knew of my respect for him and kept me appraised) and wished I had still been in the area. Had I been, I would surely have somehow got myself involved in his subsequent activities, my musical talent probably delegating my role to that of audience.
The last couple of years, as I approach my own retirement and reflect on my life, I have very often thought of Mr. Streator and the outsized role his positive influence has been on me. He will be with me always.
Mr. Streator had counselled me toward music education which surprised me at the time, but I ended up on a completely different path (Information Technology). He did have me figured out though—teaching has been a part of what I do. I learned of his post-BPHS musical activities (friends and family knew of my respect for him and kept me appraised) and wished I had still been in the area. Had I been, I would surely have somehow got myself involved in his subsequent activities, my musical talent probably delegating my role to that of audience.
The last couple of years, as I approach my own retirement and reflect on my life, I have very often thought of Mr. Streator and the outsized role his positive influence has been on me. He will be with me always.
Message from Nancy McDuffee
August 22, 2016 8:04 PM
Truly an amazingly talented man who shaped so many lives. My deepest condolences to his family.
A candle was lit by Calvin & Tracy Lloyd
on August 22, 2016 7:48 PM
Message from Becky Spada Clapp
August 22, 2016 12:03 PM
So sad to hear of the loss of Dean Streator. He was a legendary band and instrumental director loved by the thousands of students and musicians he directed in the Bethel Park area. I knew him as a choral director at John McMillan Presbyterian church in the 70's where he held us to the high standards he had for all of his musical endeavors....and as a devoted husband to Lois (my piano teacher for many years), and loving father to Devin and Lynn. He was also a good friend to my Mom and a faithful part of the life of our church. To Devin and Lynn - wishing you peace and comfort as you remember his life in the days to come, and may you know he was loved by many and will be missed.
Message from Stephanie Graham Firtko, Bellevue High Class of 1965
August 22, 2016 9:34 AM
Dean Streator influenced me more than any other teacher I had, and we had a bunch of fabulous teachers at Bellevue. But Dean taught, not just music, but how to live life, how to succeed and how to fail and how to treat other people. He was a marvel, and I will always be thankful for knowing him.
Message from John Corrigan, BPHS '80
August 22, 2016 8:50 AM
For the love of music. That is Dean Streator and that is what he imparted to so many. His legacy lives on in each of us. My sincere condolence to the Streator family. John Corrigan, BPHS '80
Message from Bob and Karen (née Campbell) Dunkerley
August 21, 2016 10:51 PM
Mr. Streator was my mentor and changed my life...sending me on to WVU and my life's work in music education.
His legacy will live for a millinium and beyond through his students.
Karen and I (class of 1970) met in the marching band.....Dean added bell lyre to the percussion section, Karen played bells.
Our prayers are with his family during this transition and loss.
Thank you Lord for sending us your shepherd of music!
His legacy will live for a millinium and beyond through his students.
Karen and I (class of 1970) met in the marching band.....Dean added bell lyre to the percussion section, Karen played bells.
Our prayers are with his family during this transition and loss.
Thank you Lord for sending us your shepherd of music!
Message from Scott and Sandy Nowak
August 21, 2016 9:15 PM
Dean has been a part of Scott and my life for over forty five years...we have laugh together, sang together, cried together and played beautiful music together. He made our faith stronger through the songs we sung each week and the music that we played brought us closer to our God. He guided and inspired us to become better musicians and better people...to care for others. We watched his love for family...he loved each one deeply. He will forever live in our hearts!
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