Saint Philip's Music Director

Paul Utgoff, Music DirectorPaul E. Utgoff
March 19, 1951 - October 11, 2008

Paul came to St. Philip's church as Music Director in late fall of 2005.  Having such a gifted musician and organist at our small parish we were thankful!  Little did we know in those first days and weeks, the extent of blessings we would each receive from Paul that would impact our lives forever.  

Paul is a true gift to his family and to his friends.  His enthusiasm, energy, dedication and love not only of his work but of his faith inspired in each of us the will to be better stewards of our own work and faith.  As we witnessed Paul's increasing strength and courage during his battle with cancer, we found courage in our own lives, and strength in ourselves we had not known.

Paul's journey with cancer began early 2006.  On October 11, 2008 Paul died at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina due to complications from surgery that he elected to undergo as part of his battle against metastatic appendiceal cancer.  
 We will keep Paul in song always, in our hearts.  

Biographical Information about Paul Utgoff:

Paul's undergraduate degree is in music, with a major in pipe organ (Oberlin Conservatory, 1974).  His teachers in pipe organ have been John Woodworth, Garth Peacock, George Damp, Margaret Irwin-Brandon, and Larry Schipull.  Paul also studied harpsichord with Fenner Douglas and Margaret Irwin-Brandon.  Meg Irwin-Brandon had been especially helpful in Paul's musical development in recent years.  He was a member of the American Guild of Organists.

St. Philip's is presently searching for an Organist and Music Director.




Last Updated: July 17, 2009
128 Main Street (Rt 10), Easthampton, MA 01027
Tel: (413) 527-0862    Email: music@saintphilipseasthampton.org