Donald W. Ewart | Educator, 72

Donald W. Ewart, 72, of King of Prussia, a music educator, investment counselor and Temple University supporter, died of stomach cancer Oct. 18 at home.

Mr. Ewart began taking music lessons when he was 11 and was an accomplished piano and bass player. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Northeast Philadelphia, he attended Temple University on a scholarship. He earned a bachelor's degree in education in 1958 and a master's degree in music education from Temple in 1966.

Mr. Ewart's passion for music was matched by his passion for Temple, his son Doug said. He was past president and a member of the board of Temple's alumni association and was active in fund-raising and served on committees for Temple's Boyer College of Music and Dance.

"His innate ability to bring people together to see the big picture made him a go-to person," said John MacDonald, a retired Temple administrator.

During his 30-year career with the Philadelphia School District, Mr. Ewart taught music, conducted district-wide performances, and administered music programs.

"He always saw the best in people," his son said. "This enabled him to motivate others to do great things."

After retiring from the district in the late 1980s, Mr. Ewart joined his wife, Josyln Ewart, in her investment business, Entrust Advancement in King of Prussia. The couple shared a passion for travel, wine and gourmet food.

In addition to his wife and son, Mr. Ewart is survived by another son, Scott; daughters Bonnie and Wendi; five grandchildren; and a former wife, Lois Ewart.

Services were private. The annual Temple University Symphony Orchestra and Combined Choirs Concert will be dedicated to Mr. Ewart's memory. The event is at 7:30 p.m. March 22 at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.