Elliott Charnow
Long-time Pleasanton resident and well-known musician and teacher Elliott Allen Charnow died Nov. 27 at the age of 68, after a long battle with emphysema.
He was born in San Mateo and began his career in music while attending Carlmont High School in Belmont. He played the clarinet in the band and the orchestra, as well as completing all the requirements to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from San Jose State University. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. He began his teaching career at Castro Valley High School in 1964, where he met his future wife, Judy, a first year teacher who later taught Spanish and French at Amador Valley High School.
In 1971, Mr. Charnow began teaching music at Chabot College in Hayward; he ended his career there as Dean of Humanities, retiring in 2000. During that time he was a member of the American Federation of Musicians (local 153), the Music Educators National Conference, the California Music Educators Association and the Music Educators of Northern California. He was a long-time director of the Hayward-La Honda Music Camp. After retiring, the Charnows left Pleasanton to move to Placerville. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in April, surrounded by family and close friends.
Mr. Charnow is survived by his wife Judy; son Steve Charnow (Ashley) of Clovis; daughter Diana Charnow Gonter (Lou) of Placerville; five grandchildren; and his sister Sheila Alperstein (Glenn) of Woodland Hills. A memorial service was held in Placerville.
