After the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra folded in 2012, Symphoria rose from the ashes to continue to perform classical music in CNY. Unfortunately, Symphoria was unable to fund what had become an annual tradition enjoyed by thousands — the free-admission July 4 fireworks concert.

Final concert July 4

For at least three years — 2013, ’14 and’15 — there was no Fourth of July concert. One of Kit Dodd’s goals for Symphoria was to bring back the July 4th classical music concert for our community. That dream was met when Kit performed at the Lakeview Amphitheater on July 4, 2016. That performance was Kit’s last.

Kit Dodd, who lived in Liverpool for 35 years, died Sept. 1, at the age of 61. Sadly, a brain disease had cut his life short.

He’s survived by his wife of 40 years, Rebecca Wilbur Dodd, sons Nicholas and Aaron and family and friends in Oregon, Arizona and Japan.

Sense of humor

Kit Dodd was a classical viola player, but he also bowed a cigar-box fiddle just for fun.

Kit worked as librarian for Symphoria, overseeing a vast collection of orchestral scores, and he taught violin and viola at both Le Moyne College and Onondaga Community College.

A native of Oregon, Kit considered himself a “Duck” because he’d graduated from the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon.

Kit started bowing the viola in fourth grade and with that found the music that would allow him to live, love and thrive in this life. In the fifth grade he played his first viola solo, “Dancing Sunbeams.”

After college, he played with the Eugene Symphony Orchestra and the Wichita Symphony Orchestra before moving to CNY in 1981 to join the Syracuse Symphony. During his 35 years as a musician in Syracuse, he was featured as soloist with the SSO and as chamber soloist with the Skaneateles Festival, the Syracuse Camerata, Civic Morning Musicals and at other venues up and down the East Coast. He was a member of the Clinton String Quartet for 33 years.

Rooted for the Ducks

During his too brief life, Kit listed his priorities as keeping classical music alive, camping, cooking salmon on the grill, sipping IPA Craft Beer, observing loons, traveling, watching the History Channel and “NCIS.” He loved the Beaver State and rooting for the Oregon football team. He enjoyed cherry Twizzlers, peanut M&Ms, laughing and finding the humor in everything. His favorite phrase was “Onward!”

This summer, as Kit fell ill, he received a Facebook message from one of his wife’s best friends, Dani Hammermeister. “I want to thank you for being strong, sensitive, caring, reliable, and true to my friend,” Dani wrote. “You have been her strength and her most passionate supporter for so many years. I am so happy she is there for you now… I thank you for your undying, uncompromising devotion to my girlfriend. You are a true gentleman and a kind soul. I love you.”

Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m.  Friday, Sept. 16, at United Church of Christ in Bayberry, 215 Blackberry Road, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Becky asks that folks make a donation, or buy season tickets to Symphoria: experiencesymphoria.org/.

LaMontagne a hero

My hat’s off to Liverpool Planning Board Member Michael LaMontagne, who courageously cast the lone “No” vote against the Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru last week. In my 14 years of covering village government, it’s the first time I can remember any planning board member opposing a final site plan review.

When traffic backs up on Second Street after the drive-thru becomes operational, village residents and frustrated motorists would do well to remember that Mike stood up and took a strong stand against the idea. Huzzah!

The columnist can be contacted at [email protected].