Harry Wilkinson, musician

Harry Wilkinson, 92, of Philadelphia, a longtime music professor, organist, and church musician, died Thursday, Jan. 15, of congestive heart failure at his home.

Born in Saginaw, Mich., in 1922, he had a long and distinguished career as an organist and church musician, Yale organ curator Joseph Dzeda said in an online remembrance.

"A gifted improviser at the organ, he began his early studies at age 12 with Harry C. Banks, Girard College organist," Dzeda said on www.wanamakerorgan.com, the website of Friends of the Wanamaker Organ.

The massive Girard College organ, installed in 1933, remained Dr. Wilkinson's favorite, although he played on many others, including the Wanamaker Organ at what is now Macy's in Center City.

"Known not only for his musical skills, but also for his warmth and sense of humor, Harry Wilkinson will be sorely missed by those who knew him," Dzeda wrote. "His passing marks the end of an era."

Dr. Wilkinson's professional life was spent almost entirely in the Philadelphia region. He was professor emeritus in West Chester University's music theory and composition department, and also was the university's organ professor.

He served on the adjunct faculties of Chestnut Hill College and Arcadia University. At the same time, he was director of music and church organist at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church in Chestnut Hill.

Dr. Wilkinson received his doctorate in music theory from the University of Rochester, Eastman School of Music, in 1958. His early years studying with Banks gave Dr. Wilkinson an abiding affection for Girard.

On the college's Founder's Day in May 1995, Dr. Wilkinson was named honorary college organist and honorary lifetime member of the Girard College Alumni Association.

Dr. Wilkinson was a fellow of the American Guild of Organists, and a lifelong member of the guild's Philadelphia chapter. He served as the group's national convention chairman.

In retirement, he played the organ here and abroad. He recorded several CDs on the Pro Organo label. They "attest to his technique, artistry, and talent," a friend and student, Bruce Shultz, said in a tribute.

Dr. Wilkinson loved animals, especially dogs, and supported animal-rescue efforts.

He never married, and lived with Shultz and his family for more than 20 years.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at Old St. Mary's Church, 252 S. Fourth St. A visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Interment is private.

Donations may be made to the Organ Restoration Fund, St. Francis de Sales Church, 4625 Springfield Ave., Philadelphia 19143.