David F. Jenkins Jr., musician
David Ferree Jenkins Jr., 39, of Scranton and Philadelphia, a classically trained conductor and pianist and the musical director for theater at the University of the Arts, died in his sleep Thursday, Nov. 5, at home.
David Ferree Jenkins Jr., 39, of Scranton and Philadelphia, a classically trained conductor and pianist and the musical director for theater at the University of the Arts, died in his sleep Thursday, Nov. 5, at home.
The cause of his death was not immediately known.
Mr. Jenkins performed in 49 states and several foreign countries. From Broadway to national tours, he was involved in more than 150 productions, his family said.
But in Philadelphia, he was best known as music director at the Brind School of Theater Arts at the University of the Arts, where he was an assistant professor with a heavy course load.
He had begun working there in September 2012, often serving as accompanist on the piano.
"He had a really great way of interacting with the students and the theaters in town," said Angela Cucco Jenkins, his wife of three weeks.
He also had been music director at the Walnut Street Theatre since May 2012. His credits, at the rate of one show a season, included I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change; Dino!; A Grand Night for Singing; and Plaid Tidings.
His national and international tours included 42nd Street; Menopause: The Musical; Altar Boyz; The Music Man; The Phantom of the Opera; and Les Miserables, the last two on Broadway.
In addition to performing, Mr. Jenkins served as arranger and orchestrator for musical theater and cabaret performances in New York and the Philadelphia area.
He attended Wilkes University, where he earned a bachelor of music degree in piano, graduating with honors in 1997.
"He was so happy to be playing the piano for a living," his wife said. She described her husband as a man with a great sense of humor and a wonderful smile.
When not performing or pushing his students to achieve, Mr. Jenkins liked to run marathons and half-marathons. He also was "the Apple [computer] genius that everybody would go to for help," his wife said.
Besides his wife, Mr. Jenkins is survived by his mother, Marilyn, and a sister.
A viewing from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at Baldi Funeral Home, 1331 S. Broad St., is to be followed by a second viewing from 11 a.m. until noon Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Providence United Presbyterian Church, 1145 Providence Rd., Scranton. Funeral services will begin at noon Tuesday at the church.
Interment is private.
Donations may be made to the David Jenkins Memorial Fund, c/o Office of Advancement, University of the Arts, 320 S. Broad St., Philadelphia 19102.
610-313-8102