CAMBRIDGE — Jeffrey Allen Herchenroder, a longtime stringed-instrument and orchestra teacher for the Guilderland schools, died unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020.

“He leaves behind a legacy and an enormous hole in the hearts of those who knew him, “ his family wrote in a tribute.

Mr. Herchenroder started teaching at Guilderland in September 1998, and over the years taught students throughout the district. This year, he worked with students at Lynnwood and Westmere elementary schools and Guilderland High School. (See related story, “Bassist, teacher Herchenroder mourned,” The Altamont Enterprise, Feb. 20, 2020.)

Prior to Guilderland, he taught in Niskayuna.

Mr. Herchenroder was also a bassist for the Albany Symphony; he had been a member of the orchestra for over 33 years. Following his recent retirement, he was recognized by that organization for his many years of dedicated service.

The Dance Flurry was also an integral part of his life and he served as the Workshop Room coordinator and the board for the Dance Flurry since 2012.

He was born on June 13, 1960, and raised in Farmingdale, Long Island. As an undergraduate, Mr. Herchenroder studied at the Eastman School of Music. For his master’s degree in music, he attended The Juilliard School. He also earned a master’s degree in education at The College of St. Rose.

“Anyone who knew Jeff recognized that he was a larger-than-life character with big, busy hands and a generous heart,” his family wrote. “He leaves a legacy with the thousands of students whom he taught and inspired over the years. Many of his students went on to become professional musicians and credit Jeff with having inspired and nurtured their love of music.

“When he wasn’t playing or listening to music, you could always count on Jeff to be fishing. Not one to sit still, he busied himself with car mechanics, carpentry, cooking, sailing, reading, and riding his scooters.

“That he is gone is profoundly heartbreaking. He was loved. He will be missed. Jeff used to say, ‘When you die you get to sleep all the time.’ May he rest in peace.”

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Jeffrey Allen Herchenroder is survived by his wife, Linda E. Anderson; his children, from his first marriage, Janna and Jesse Herchenroder; his granddaughter, Carmen; his stepdaughters, Anika and Tanya Wilson; and granddaughters, Mamia and Maimouna; his siblings, Keith Herchenroder and his wife, Susan, and Ken Herchenroder and his wife, Diane; his nephews, Lee, Ian, Brad; and his niece, Anna Herchenroder.

His parents, William and Irene Herchenroder, died before him.

All are invited to attend a memorial, which will be held on Friday, Feb. 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the First Reformed Church at 8 North Church Street in Schenectady.

Memorial messages may be left at www.altamontenterprise.com/milestones.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Albany Symphony Orchestra: albanysymphony.com.