Robert Howard Greenwell

Robert H. Greenwell, resident of Vista since 1986, passed away September 19, 2013 due to complications from cancer. He was born August 4, 1926 in Compton, CA. Robert graduated from Compton High School in 1943, and was a U.S. Navy School of Music Graduate in 1944. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1951, and his Master of Music in 1958 from the University of Southern California. He completed his Administration work in 1962 at California State University, Los Angeles, and his Graduate Work in 1971.
From 1943- 1947, Robert was in the U.S Navy, with significant duty stations including the USS Tennessee BB-43, and the Naval Academy Band, Annapolis. Among his significant awards was the World War II Victory Medal.
Robert was a musician all of his life. He began the study of violin in elementary school, and continued to play violin, viola, and percussion throughout his life. Robert was the Band, Orchestra, and Choral Director at Baldwin Park High School in 1951, and was the Director of Bands & Music Department Chairman at Baldwin Part High School from 1952-1961. In 1967, he became the Supervisor of Music for the Baldwin Park USD, and he was District Coordinator of Music at Baldwin Park USD from 1967 till 1986 when he retired.
During his professional life Robert was involved in in the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association (SCSBOA). He was a member of the Festival Adjudication Committee, a member and head judge of the Parade Adjudication Committee, and a member and head judge of the Field Adjudication Committee. Robert received a SCSBOA Honorary Life Membership in 1968, received the SCSBOA Gold Award of Recognition seven different years, and received the SCSBOA Merit of Service Award each year from 1961-1982. In 2007, Robert was the first recipient of the Robert Greenwell Award for SCSBOA Outstanding Judge which is award each year to an outstanding judge in the area of Parade, Field, and Festival.
Robert received the Los Angeles County Year of the Educator – Administrator Medallion Award in 1982, the Baldwin Park Citizen of the Year Award in 1984, and Baldwin Park Community Service Award in 1986.
Robert is survived by his daughters, Lynda Merrill of Pahoa, Hawaii, Gweneth Pryzbylo of Minden, Nev, and Karen Pinney of Roseville, Calif; sister-in-law Cleora Leist of Hacienda Heights, Calif; and sons-in law, Michael Pryzbylo and Charles Pinney.

A memorial service will be held Saturday September 28 at 1:30PM, at Allen Brothers Mortuary, 1315 S. Santa Fe Ave, Vista, CA. Interment will held at a later date at Pt. Loma National Cemetery in San Diego.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the American Cancer Society.