Tony R. Auby, Sr., 92, passed away on November 28, 2024, at the Gardens of Warwick Forest. He is predeceased by his wife, Barbara Peach Auby. Tony was born March 18, 1932, in Newport, Kentucky, to Mabel Blanche Auby (Abbott) and George King. The family moved to Grand Coulee Dam, Washington, where he lived with his sister Sheila (Auby) Myer and brother Billy Auby. During these formative years in Washington State, he was instructed in violin and piano, received vocal training, and played the saxophone in the high school band.
Tony moved to Newport News, VA, in order to attend the Apprentice School at the Shipyard. However, his passion for music drew him to the University of Richmond to study music from 1953 to 1958, graduating with a B.A. in Voice, a B.S.M, and an M.M. in Voice and Conducting. During this time, he met and married his wife, Barbara. He then studied music for a year at Yale University and UVA for postgraduate work and received his M. Ed. from William and Mary in public school administration.
After graduation from the University of Richmond, Tony procured a position with Newport News Public Schools as the Choir Director of Ferguson High School, then Warwick High, until he retired in 1991. He has served as a choir director in a number of Tidewater churches for over 40 years. Tony played with the Old Dominion University Collegium Musicum and the Tidewater Recorder Society, of which he was a charter member. He was a member of the national organization the American Recorder Society. He and his wife were former members of the Virginia Choral Society and the Peninsula Community Opera; and performed in various productions with the Peninsula Community Theatre. He was also a member of the Scottish Rites Masons, Warwick Lodge #336, for 58 years.
Tony is survived by his daughters, Kathie Pipkin Sutton (Darrell), and Melody Livengood (Bob); sons, Tony R. Auby, Jr. (Renee), and Michael Auby (Laura); sister, Sheila (Auby) Myer; brother, Billy Auby; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Dr. William F. Peach (Betty); several nieces and nephews, and dear friend Andra Pearce.
Funeral Services will be held at First United Methodist Church on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with a private interment in Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan House or Peninsula Rescue Mission. Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home.
3 Comments
My wife and I are heartbroken to hear of Mr. Auby passing. My wife was in Mixed Choir and the Warwickshire singers. I remember so many students were touched by this Choirmaster and his love of music. I would always smile when I heard my fellow students practicing for an upcoming competition. Although my voice was not on par to earn a tryout it did not diminish my love of music. Angie and I send our condolences, love, and prayers to the family and to the thousands of students who were given a spark of greatness by a humble man. Class of 88 and 89
It is so sad to hear that Mr. Auby has passed. I was in the Warwickshire Singers from 80-84 and he was my favorite teacher. He made music fun for us and I will always have fond memories of him.
Condolences to his family at this time
He was special!
Our sincerest condolences to the family of Tony R. Auby, who was an amazing person, first, his other talents, education , experiences , speak for themselves!! He was Soo real, and made us feel like family!!! I asked him what did the R. Stand for in his middle initial and he told me that it was simply, R. Not an actual middle name , Ha Ha !! He was Soo funny and enjoyable!!! Me and my brother , Dr. Timothy T. Boddie were a part of the choir and Warwickshire Singers, in the late 70’s specifically between, 1976 and 1978! He will forever hold a genuine place in our hearts!! RIPP ” Take your rest, we love you but Jesus loves you best “