Jesse Teiko

Jesse Teiko passed away peacefully at the age of 97 in his home on Sept. 14, 2012. He was born April 21, 1915 in New York City to parents who were immigrants from Odessa, Russia. Jesse grew up surrounded by musicians. His family home in Manhattan was a stopping place for many new immigrants. His father helped people to get settled in America and found many of them jobs. He encouraged Jesse to take up the bass fiddle and that became Jesse's career passion for the rest of his life. He used his musical talents to help support his family during the great depression by playing in The Rosland Dance Hall, where women would get 10 cents a dance. He even had to 'step in' a few times. Jesse played all types of music and was awarded a full 4-year scholarship to the very prestigious Juilliard School of Music. He played the tuba in the Army Band during WWII and was married soon after he was discharged in 1946. Jesse and his wife had two children, and he supported his family by playing the bass in many musical venues such as Broadway musical shows; the Firestone Hour on the radio; the CBS Symphony of the Air; The Percy Faith Show (a big band program); The American Symphony; and the Pittsburgh Symphony. He loved the ballet and felt lucky to be able to play with as many ballet companies as he could. He also loved playing with the Mostly Mozart Festival in the summers. Jesse worked for 25 years at the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center where he enjoyed performing in the orchestra until he retired from the Opera at age 77. Jesse's first wife died of cancer and he married a second time to the love of his life, Karol Baldwin Vogel, who had four young children. Jesse won her and her kids over with his kind spirit and generous heart. He bravely married into a bustling household where he took on the task with grace and humor. He brought so much love into a family that was sorely in need of a kind heart. Everyone in his new family was so grateful to have him in their lives. Karol joined the Women's Chorus at the Met, where Jesse and Karol made beautiful music together for 22 years. After retiring, they enjoyed many years relaxing and being snowbirds, living at the Jersey Shore in the summers and Clearwater, Florida in the winters. They also traveled around the world exploring new places together. Recently, they moved to the fabulous Wind Crest, an Erickson Retirement Community in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Here they enjoyed participating in many great activities and interacting with so many interesting and engaging people. All those who encountered Jesse were drawn to his natural warmth, genuine caring and great sense of humor. He loved to wear novelty sweaters, and when anyone complemented him on his sweater, he would say, ""Thanks!I made it myself!"" Everyone lit up when they saw Jesse coming down the hall. Being an avid reader, he befriended librarians wherever he went. He loved a good suspense novel, especially those written by Lee Childs, Daniel Silva and Greg Iles. He was attracted to any tech toy, especially all products made by Apple. Jesse is survived by Karol Teiko, his beloved wife of 42 years; daughter Phyllis Teiko; daughter-in-law Cynthia Teiko; step-children Gretchen Vogel, Erika Vogel Valore, Karin Vogel; and his grandson Jesse Valore. He was predeceased by his son Steven Teiko and stepson John Vogel. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Jesse Teiko's memory is asked to donate to The Denver Hospice at, 501 South Cherry Street, Denver, Colorado 80246 or at www.thedenverhospice.org. Please share your memories of Jesse and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook.