Dwight Leon McLeod

Mr. Dwight Leon McLeod, 86, of Pfafftown, NC passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at his home where he had lived for 29 years. He was born May 21, 1924 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Donald McLeod and his wife Alberta who preceded him in death. From an early age on, Dwight was expected by his family to excel at anything he attempted. This goal he worked hard to achieve his entire life. He was an excellent student all his life, maintaining high grades consistently. At age 5, he began lessons to play violin, piano, and organ music. By age 7 he played the church organ every Sunday for services at his family's church without his feet being able to reach the organ's pedals. Soon he decided that he liked the piano best and that instrument was the one he dedicated himself to. He had a natural talent for the piano. He gave many recitals in Cincinnati throughout his high school and early college years. While in high school he became interested in studying foreign languages and decided he wanted to become a language professor. He studied Latin, Greek, German, Italian, Spanish, and his favorite language, French. He graduated high school in three years and was salutatorian of his graduating class. At graduation, he also won many awards for academic achievement, including several for languages. He continued his study of languages and classics at the University of Cincinnati the following year. At the end of his freshman year, one week after his 18th birthday, he married Magdalene Murphy. He met her when he was 12 years old. He told her then that he was going to marry her one day. That began a happy marriage of over 67 years. World War II began and he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served in Guam from February 1943 to 1946. He decided after his discharge to study piano full time. He, his wife and child, moved to New York City so he could attend the Manhattan School of Music. In 1948 he earned his BA in Music from the Manhattan School of Music. In 1950, he earned his MA of music, majoring in piano for both degrees. When he attended Manhattan School of Music, he was the highest ranking student in the school. He was truly an exceptionally talented pianist. From 1950 to 1981, he was a member of the piano faculty at the Manhattan School of Music. He also was a practicing musician and he gave many solo and chamber music recitals in New York City. He also had extensive experience as a piano accompanist for other musicians. He began studies at Columbia University's School of Library Science. In 1954 he earned his Master's of Library Science Degree. In addition to being a practicing musician and a faculty member, he also served Manhattan School of Music as head librarian for 30 years. He moved to North Carolina and worked as a music librarian at the North Carolina School of the Arts until his retirement. The most touching job Dwight ever did was during his late 70s and into his 80s, when he became a magnificent, gallant, and capable caregiver for his beloved wife, Magdalene in their home. Dwight made sure she was well-cared for and happy. For years he took over the household chores he never had to do before because she became unable to. He devoted himself to the very best care he could do for her. Best of all, he would tirelessly play the piano daily for her and as many times as she would request. He always included Bach, her favorite composer. He made sure she wouldn't be sad during her decline of health and abilities. Magdalene was the most loved and valued part of Dwight's life. They were in love the majority of their lives and spent most of their time together. When she died he tried to enjoy life without her. However he had lost the love of his life and in a little over a year, he also lost his will to live and quickly began his own health decline and also passed away. Dwight put in every effort to be the best he could be as a son, husband, father and a good person. He held high standards for himself and made sure that he lived up to them in both his personal and professional life. He is survived by three children, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two nephews, two great-nephews, and one great-grand niece. He loved and appreciated every member of his family. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and all those who got to know him for the kind, caring, and good person he was throughout his lifetime. He will be inurned with a memorial service at Salisbury National Cemetery at 1 o'clock on January 31, 2011. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Cemetery:
Salisbury National Cemetery

Service:
Service at 01:00pm on January 31, 2011 at Salisbury National Cemetery