Gail B. Poch, 80, formerly of Mt. Airy, an emeritus professor of music at Temple University and a longtime choir director, died Aug. 21 at the Concord Health Care Center in Concord, Mass.
Until retiring in 2001, Mr. Poch taught choral literature, music theory and conducting for 33 years at Temple’s Esther Boyer School of Music and directed several university choirs. He also was music director for 20 years of the Reading Choral Society.
Earlier in his career he had taught at what is now La Salle University and at high schools in New Jersey.
Born in Atlantic, Iowa, he graduated from Atlantic High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Eastern New Mexico and a master’s degree from Temple University. He had served in the Air Force Reserve.
Mr. Poch and his wife, Nancy, moved to Sudbury, Mass., in 2002.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons Eric D. Poch, of Sudbury, and Kurt A. Poch, of Philadelphia; a sister, Ellen Jane Buckner, of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; three grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be held later at a time and place to be announced. – WF
