Bill Nuernberg was the band's sponsor from the American Legion, Giles B. Cook Post #53, of Front Royal, Va. During his sponsorship, the Community Band never had to worry about funding.

William Albert Nuernberg, 92, of Front Royal, Va., died on Thursday, October 16, 2014, in Winchester, Va. The Community Band was saddened at his passing and will forever be in his debt.

If it weren't for Bill Nuernberg, it's doubtful that Front Royal would have a community band. Not only did he arrange for all funding for the band through the American Legion, it was his idea and planning that formed the band in 1986. One day in the summer of 1986 Bill and his brother-in-law were helping a neighbor (who happened to be John Russell, the band director at the high school) when Bill casually asked John if he would be interested in forming a community band. John replied, "I was just waiting to be asked." Bill arranged for the funding from the American Legion and the rest is history.

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Bill operated a poultry farm and hatchery with his brother after graduating high school. He entered the U.S. Army in 1945 and served in the occupation forces in Germany in Friesing, Bavaria with the 42nd Constabulary Squadron in 1946 and 1947. After his service, he returned to Pennsylvania where he married Grace Kuffner and began working in the construction industry.

Working at various construction projects in Alabama, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, Bill first came to Front Royal in 1949 as part of a project for American Viscose (later FMC, and then Avtex). In 1953 he and his wife settled in Front Royal where they raised three daughters, Sally, Gretchen, and Kate. Bill retired in 1985, and lost his beloved wife right before Christmas in 1992.

Bill joined the Giles B. Cook, Post #53 of the American Legion in 1974. He held numerous positions, including First Vice Commander in 1984 and Commander in 1985. He served subsequently as First and Second Vice Commander, as well as four terms as Finance Officer. He spent many years on the Executive Board and was named American Legion State Legionnaire of Virginia in 1987. He was the First Vice Commander, Chairman of the Membership Committee, the Americanism Committee, and the Children and Youth Committee. The flags that adorn Front Royal for holidays are placed by his committee.

After his retirement, Bill kept busy with many volunteer activities. He volunteered with the AARP Tax Aide Program for many years where he prepared income tax returns for senior citizens and low to medium income taxpayers at no cost. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was Treasurer of the Cedarville Heights Property Owners Association. He was a lover of classical music, bowling, and golf. He also grew blueberries on a small scale.

According to Bill, the American Legion is proud to sponsor the Community Band and we, the band members, are proud to have Bill and the Giles B. Cook, Post #53 as our sponsors