Stanley Leo Gosek

OSWEGO – Stanley Leo Gosek, 75, of Oswego, passed away on June 30, 2025, with his loving family by his side.

Born in Oswego, he was the son of the late Leo Stanley and Mary A. (Shambo) Gosek.

Stanley earned his BS in Music Education from Fredonia School of Music and his Master’s in Music Education from Ithaca College. Starting his teaching career in the Oswego City School District, he was later hired by SUNY Oswego to direct the Campus School band and Choral programs. He went on to become a full professor, teaching Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media, in addition to teaching classroom piano and private piano lessons.  He was designated the Director of the Solid State Jazz and the State Singers Vocal Jazz ensembles, and served as the Chairman of the Music Department.

Stan has had a vast career both educationally and as a professional performer. He founded the following groups: Coalition Jazz Sextet, Slowburn Jazz Fusion Octet, Freefall Jazz Quintet, and the Freefall Orchestra. Stan led the Summer Stage Band as the director, pianist, composer, and arranger. He was blessed to enjoy a long career in music and share his talent with many. He was also the organist at St Stephen’s Church in Oswego for 38 years.

Stan’s alternative career was as a professional tennis instructor at the High School and College level, coaching the OHS Women’s Tennis Team as well as the SUNY Oswego Men’s and Women’s Tennis Teams.

Stanley is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth, his children Megan and Stephen Gosek, and grandson Felix, all of Oswego. He is also survived by his sister Susanne (Thomas) Jones of Liverpool, and his brothers Joseph (Vicki Rabozzi) Gosek and Edward Gosek of Oswego, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Mary (Lester) Gosek.

A Catholic Memorial Mass will be held at 11 am on July 11, 2025, at St. Stephen’s Church in Oswego.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Stanley’s name to Oswego County Hospice, 70 Bunner Street, Oswego or Peaceful Remedies, 41 Lake Street, Oswego.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date.  Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.