Thomas Paul Britanyak

Thomas Paul Britanyak, age 60, of Farmington, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2014.
Thomas was born May 6, 1954, to Imogene Burrows and John Joseph Britanyak in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Mr. Thomas P. Britanyak has held K-12 Music Teaching and Fine Arts Program Administrative positions in Michigan, Wyoming, Washington, Wisconsin, New Mexico, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden. He has been a contributing member of numerous local, state and national arts organizations. Locally, he is a member of MENC and NMMEA.
Tom held a double Bachelor's Degree in Music Education (Piano/Theory/History) and Voice Performance from the University of Michigan,. He earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from Seattle Pacific University and his PK-12 Administrative-Principal Credentials at the University of Washington where he also studied voice, music theory and conducting.
Throughout his career, Tom loved teaching traditional and Suzuki piano, organ, guitar, recorder, voice, and conducting. He performed extensively around the globe singing, directing and soloing with a number of prestigious choirs and directors. Notably, Tom has performed with many highly respected artists including Luciano Pavarotti, Joan Sutherland, Brigit Nielson, and Samuel Ramey. Most recently, Tom has been performing with the Caliente Community Chorus in the New Mexico area.
Mr. Britanyak was currently employed as a Music Specialist with Farmington schools. Prior to that, Tom taught four years for CCSD and served as the Director of Fine Arts for ten years in the D.C. Everest schools in Wausau, Wisconsin. While in Wausau, he held positions as soloist/cantor/section lead/organist/director at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Oratory (Institute of Christ the King, Griciliano, Italy, through the Vatican in Rome). He was also an instructor of voice, traditional and Suzuki piano at the Wausau Conservatory of Music. While living in Wausau, Tom also was a Tri-State Master Adjudicator and Clinician, along with being a certified Time to Teach Consultant and BioRegional Outdoor Educator for the Four Corners Area.
Thomas is survived by his wife Nancy Britanyak; sons, Ryan Britanyak of Wausau, Wisconsin; and Jonathan Britanyak of DePere, Wisconsin; brothers, James (Terry) Britanyak, and Joseph (Norma) Britanyak; sisters, JoAnn Britanyak, Janice Britanyak, Jennifer (Bill) Kruczek, Cynthia Madden, and Janet Allen; and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews and wonderful friends throughout the world.
Tom was an exceptional husband, father, brother, friend, and musician who touched many lives and was loved and respected by people from all over the world.
Cremation will take place and rosary services are today, Sunday, November 16, at 7:00 p.m., at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home. Memorial services for Tom will be Monday, November 17th, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 414 N. Allen Ave., with Father Tim Farrell officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Caliente Community Chorus and Farmington Municipal Schools Music Department in lieu of flowers. Tom's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home.