Hugo Magliocco of Quincy passed away Friday morning, after complications from a fall in early March. Born to an Italian immigrant family in 1934, he was surrounded by the love of his mother, Teresa Spena Magliocco; his father, Pietro Magliocco; and his three brothers, Pat, Tony, and Bill. His parents came from the area of Italy called Calabria, and it was a joke in the family that because of that they were all “capa tosta” or hard headed. They had to be because they endured much, living through the Depression, with little food, and jobs hard to come by. His mother’s stories were heart wrenching, but the family prevailed, with the help of extended family and a large Italian community in Arnold, Pennsylvania, where Hugo was born and attended school. The community was very diverse, filled with the cultural richness of Greeks, Syrians, Poles, and other groups all having their own grocery stores and churches, but enjoying each other’s culture, company, and food.

Classical music, especially opera, was very popular throughout this working-class community. Hugo told stories of listening to his father’s recordings and Live from the Met radio performances throughout his early life, both at home and later in the grocery store where he worked as a teenager. In his professional life, he always enjoyed playing in opera orchestras. Perhaps because of this early exposure, he began playing in the high school music program at age 12, and somehow chose the trombone. This choice led to a wonderful education and professional career.

Though not wealthy, Hugo’s parents were always supportive of his choice to be a music major at Duquesne University, in nearby Pittsburgh. He had a rich, fulfilling experience there, studying with Matty Shiner of the Pittsburgh Symphony and playing in ensembles with talented classmates who had very successful careers as professional musicians. He graduated in 1956, and went on to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he completed his Master’s Degree in 1960. While in Knoxville he taught at Knoxville College, a historically Black, Presbyterian College, and this began is love of teaching. He always said that “every teacher has a touch of immortality.”

Hugo Magliocco was very successful throughout his career, both as a teacher and as a performer. He completed his doctorate at the University of Oklahoma in 1972, studying under Irvin Wagner. Other teachers and major influences were Edward Kleinhammer of the Chicago Symphony, and Dennis Wick and Dudley Bright of the London Symphony Orchestra. He was Literature Editor of the International Trombone Journal, and was President of the International Trombone Association from 1992 to 1994, participating in and planning its annual Workshops and European Festivals. He had many friends throughout the trombone world, both here and abroad, and whenever possible brought them to Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois to give clinics and concerts.

As a member of the Music Department at WIU, Hugo was a force from the beginning. In addition to teaching his studio of low brass students, he conducted the Western Civic Orchestra, played in ensembles on campus and throughout the area, helped create and was Manager of the Camerata Woodwind Quintet, and was a mentor to many new faculty. He served on several university committees, most notably the Bureau of Cultural Affairs, where he introduced the Young Artists Series. He won several university awards.

As impressive as all this was, he was most proud of his family. He married Maurine Fisk of Quincy in 1967, and they were colleagues at Western as well as spouses. Their son, Peter Dale Magliocco, was born in 1977, and grandson Dorian Hugo in 2010. All now live in Quincy. Peter owns and runs Square Music Quincy, after having been a chef for several years. Dorian is a student at Quincy Junior High and plays trombone, making his grandfather proud. Survivors include Peter’s partner, Ginny Mueller of Quincy; former daughter-in-law, JJ Magliocco of Quincy; Niece Mary Theresa Muto and her husband Frank of Springdale, PA.; Niece Theresa Triglia and her husband Richard of Winchester, CA, and many great nieces and nephews. In the Quincy area, survivors include Maurine’s sister, Carol Klues; her husband, Denny; and their family: Amy Tripplett (Todd), Jeff Klues (Joy), Jenny White, and Randy Klues (Maureen). Hugo loved them all.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Duker and Haugh Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at St. Peter Catholic Church. A brass ensemble from Western Illinois University will play at the Mass. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials made be made to Western Illinois University, Department of Music; St. Jude Children’s Hospital; or Disabled Veterans of America. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com.