Harold H. Manker, a 2016 Broome County Arts Council Heart of the Arts recipient (with his wife, Toby Jean), passed away Oct. 8 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. His passing was reflective of his quiet demeanor. There were no calling hours; the burial Oct. 17 was private.
But there will be a way for all of his friends to gather and share their memories.
Harold and Toby Jean’s HOTA award was given for their work at the Phelps Mansion Museum, 191 Court St., Binghamton. Harold served as chairman of the museum board, and, with Toby, worked to register and charter the Phelps as a “house museum” in compliance with the New York State Board of Regents. They also developed the museum’s chamber concert series.
One such chamber concert was already on the Phelps calendar for 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, featuring cellist Brian Manker and violinist Katherine Gradojevich Manker (yes, the Mankers’ son and daughter-in-law) with pianist Wei-Tei Huang. The performance, according to Harold’s obituary in the Oct. 22 Press & Sun-Bulletin, will be “a celebration of a kindly life well-lived, a life of profound dedication to work, music, family and quietly helping others.”
A post-concert reception at 5:15 p.m. will provide an opportunity to greet his family. For more information about the concert, visit phelpsmansion.org, and click on “Events.”
— Barb Van Atta
