Longtime Evanston resident Ted Allen Kaitchuck was born in Chicago on Nov. 25, 1933, as the twin son of William and Lillian Kaitchuck. His mother loved the violin and decided to name the twins “Theodore” and “Thomas” after Theodore Thomas, who was the founder of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Mr. Kaitchuck chose the viola at an early age, and while attending Lane Tech High School played in the Chicago Civic Orchestra. He received his bachelor’s degree in music from Roosevelt University while a student of Milton Preves, the principal violist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He received a master’s degree in Music from Northwestern University shortly thereafter.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1956 and soon became a member of the 7th Army Symphony based in Stuttgart, Germany. He rose to the level of Sergeant 1st Class, and leading the orchestra as Personal Manager toured throughout Europe for three years.
Upon his return, he accepted a teaching position in Adrian, Mich., as high school orchestra director. There he met
and fell in love with his devoted wife, Donna, who after 57 years survives. They settled in the Evanston area, where he taught music for 30 years, in both elementary District 69 and Dist. 219 as Director of the Niles Township High School Orchestra. He traveled with his students to many cities while serving as district chairman for many state contests.
He was a member of the Grant Park Orchestra for 37 years, where he served as Personnel Manager. He also served as Personnel Manager and violist for many years with the Chicago Philharmonic, which has long performed in Evanston. He also played principal viola for many years with the Lake Forest Symphony.
He succumbed from complications of Parkinson’s Disease on April 10. He is survived by a son, Kevin, and a daughter, Linda Estes, and son-in-law, James Estes, grandchildren Katharine and Alexander. Also surviving is a sister, Laurel Delin, and twin brother Tom, and several nieces and nephews. Services will be private with a memorial service in May, to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra or the Music Institute of Chicago.