Russ Shaner Memorial
This page of the Rochester Theater Organ Society’s website is dedicated to the memory of Russ Shaner. Russ served RTOS in many ways including as Program Chair for 40 years but also was integral to much of the Society’s activities including Member of the Board of Directors, Maintenance Lead on the RTOS-Grierson Wurlitzer located at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre, Publisher of the RTOS Blower (the Society’s newsletter) and creator for many of the event programs.
Russ Shaner
Russ passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 82. Predeceased by his parents William E. Shaner and Georgia W. Shaner; and brother George W. Shaner and his sister-in-law Shirley L. Shaner.
He is survived by his niece Janet L. Shaner; nephew Michael E. (Janell) Shaner; niece-in-law Heather A. McDowell; great nieces Morgan B. Shaner and Sydney A. Shaner; and great nephews Sterling B. Shaner and Logan M. Shaner.
In his professional career, Russ served the business community travelling nationally to set-up and connect Xerox business products into customers’ networks. He also co-owned a small business serving the local community he loved so much. Russ’s life work outside of Xerox was serving the Rochester Theatre Organ Society (RTOS) whose mission is preserving theatre organs and theatre organ history for all to enjoy.
In March 2009, Honorary RTOS Membership was awarded to Russ for his many years of service in several roles including President, Vice-President, 4/23 Organ Crew Chief, Program Chair, Blower Newsletter Editor, and Concert Program Publisher. Most notably, Russ served as Program Chair for most of 40+ years, securing concert dates from the theatre and contracting a variety of seasoned and up-and-coming young artists. His reach was national and international in terms of the talent he brought to Rochester.
Russ continued to serve RTOS throughout retirement and RTOS benefited greatly from the special relationships Russ built with the current and past owners of what is now the West Herr Auditorium Theatre. For this, the RTOS Board and entire membership are eternally grateful.
Russ’s contributions enriched the lives of countless people in terms of leadership, work ethic, education, history, and entertainment. He will be missed by family, friends, co-workers, artists, and audiences alike.
Below is portion of an RTOS concert program from March 16, 1973.
When as a youngster in Bolivar, N.Y., Russ Shaner was interested in the pipe organ. After his arrival in Rochester, he bought an electronic organ and took lessons.
In 1964 he attended an organ concert at the RKO Palace and was thrilled beyond measure. He began to investigate the resurgence of the theatre organ as a concert instrument, and to discover the intricacies of its operation.
In 1971 he learned of the availability of a 2 manual, 5 rank Marr and Colton which was in St. Monica’s Church Recreation Hall. Originally, this organ was one of two which had been installed in practice rooms at the Eastman School of Music. Whereabouts of the second organ are unknown.
Russ put in a bid for the St. Monica organ and it was accepted. The console was in excellent condition, but 45 percent of the pipework was either damaged for lost.
The snare drum and tambourine were missing, too, and damage was prevalent in the remaining traps. Removal of the organ was started on April Fool’s Day, 1971. But our organ rescuer is no fool!
The instrument is now located in a recently enlarged studio in Russ’s home. It measures 13’ by 40’ with a 11 ½ foot cathedral ceiling. All the damaged and lost pipework has been replaced.
(Excerpted from Lloyd E. Klos RTOS program, March 16, 1973)
The Rochester Theater Organ Society is presenting a memorial program to honor Russ Shaner on July 13, 2025. Details below:
Russ Shaner Memorial Program
Ken Double
David Peckham
Tim Schramm
Alex Jones
The Rochester Theater Organ Society (RTOS) is presenting a Celebration of Life Memorial Concert for Russell E. Shaner at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre, Rochester, NY on Sunday afternoon, July 13, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Admission will be FREE to all.
As many are aware, Russ Shaner was the Program Chair of RTOS for over half of its existance and he bequeathed RTOS an honorarium to sponsor a memorable theatre organ event.
During Russ’ tenure as Program Chair, and largely to his credit, RTOS drew many of the organ world’s best-known performers from across the country and around the world. Russ always worked diligently to provide visiting organists with a personalized experience, a tradition RTOS plans on continuing. He was also an advocate for young, up-and-coming organists and organ students as demonstrated by booking new talent when possible and his avid support for the annual Eastman Bunch concerts.
To honor Russ, the performers will include David Peckham, Tim Schramm, and Alex Jones remembering Russ with words and music during the first half of this special event. Each of these talented organists has worked frequently with Russ and RTOS to present the RTOS-Grierson Wurlitzer 4/23 theatre organ in performance. At intermission, there will be a reception with light refreshments in a newly renovated hall in the West Herr Performing Arts Center. For the second half of the afternoon, special guest Walt Strony will again bring out the best in the RTOS-Grierson Wurlitzer that was Russ’ passion and labor of love for over 40 years.
To make the celebration even more fitting, our host for this event will be none other than Ken Double, house organist from the Atlanta Fox Theatre.
Special Guest – Walt Strony
Poster
