Mosaic Harmony Sadly Announces The Passing Of Founding Member

Aug. 26, 2009 - PRLog -- Mosaic Harmony, an interfaith, multicultural community choir based in Oakton, mourns the loss of founding member, Pierre “Pete” Richard, he was 77.  Pete peacefully passed away at Inova Fairfax Hospital surrounded by his family on Friday, August 21, 2009 after a short illness.  Pete along with his beloved wife Sally (Alto) became a staple in the Bass section, and both sang with the choir from the first season in 1993 and had fully expected to begin their 17th season in September.  Pete and Sally were inseparable when it came to Mosaic Harmony, you rarely if ever, saw one without the other.  Through personal challenges over the years, if able to be at a concert performance or rehearsal, they were there.  In November 2008, Pete required life-saving surgery and his firm request was that Sally and son David, a former member of the choir, attend a Mosaic Harmony sponsored concert that evening.  They obliged his request and were surrounded by the love of choir members and Pete’s spirit.  He returned to rehearsals and performances with the choir shortly thereafter and attributed his recovery to listening to the CDs of the choir and visits from members.

As one of our unofficial Mosaic Harmony ambassadors, Pete had a twinkle in his eye and knowing smile when it was time for the Bass section to shine.  If you watched closely, you noted his proud and strong presence within the Bass section and his dedication to the choir was never wavering.  Rarely one to make commentary unless he felt strongly about a particular subject concerning the choir, he was a tireless supporter, member and performer whose voice and presence will be sorely missed.  Earlier this summer, while taping the upcoming documentary about Mosaic Harmony, Pete and Sally were interviewed and when asked why he and Sally sang with the choir, he said without hesitation, it was about the music, and the extended family they had with the choir.  

At the request of the family, the choir will perform two selections, My Help and Make Us One, during the memorial service to bid a fond final farewell to Pete.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 29 at 12 noon at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 3700 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, Virginia  22030.

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Mosaic Harmony draws on the rich heritage of African-American inspirational music to demonstrate and encourage unity in the midst of diversity and performs music that includes traditional gospel to choral pieces and music written by director David K. North. Their mission is to unify the world, one song at a time. For more information on the choir, visit their website at www.mosaicharmony.org