Praxiteles "Ted" Pandel

Praxiteles “Ted” Pandel (1/30/1935 - 1/12/2019) began his sleep peacefully, surrounded by the love of his friends and family. Born to Sam and Theodora Pandel in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, Ted had a happy childhood and many early successes with radio and live piano performances. He graduated from the Juilliard School of Music three times. He was awarded a Diploma in Piano in 1958, a Bachelor of Music in Piano in 1968, and a Master of Science in Piano in 1971. During his time in New York City, he made appearances on major radio and television networks, played countless recitals, and was signed to Columbia Records with his friend Bruce Haack.

Ted’s musical career focused on education when he accepted faculty position at West Chester University. In this professorial position, he was able to touch the lives of many students during his tenure. Ted eventually became chair of the keyboard department and continued instructing until his retirement after thirty-four years. He never worked a day in his life because he always loved teaching and performing music. 

Other accolades include - but are not limited to - his performances at Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, and Heinz Hall; his performance with the McKeesport Philharmonic Orchestra; his Stolarvesky Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mckeesport Symphony Society; his Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Achievement Award; his admittance to the McKeesport High School Hall of Fame; and his success with the Bruce Haack Publishing company. 

He will always be remembered for his gregariousness and kindness. 

Ted is survived by his wife, Robin and his son, Praxiteles “Telly”, his daughter the late Katherine, who died Sept. 9, 2017. He is also survived by his siblings, Katherine Kotun, Stella Neuschwander, and Michael Pandel; and all the family and friends that knew and loved him. 

In addition to his daughter, Ted passed away four years to the date and time of his beloved sister, Pauline Magoulakis.  

A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2019 from 6:00-8:00pm with a Trisagion Service at 7:00pm at the DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 North Church St.  West Chester, PA 19380, 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com; A second viewing will be held on Friday, January 18, 2019 from 9:00-11:00 am at the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, 30 East Forge Road, Media, PA, 19063; The church service at 11:00 A.M. will be followed by an interment ceremony at Green Mount Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Saint George Greek Orthodox Church and/or Musicians Foundation.