Having moved away from Michigan many decades ago, I am quite out of touch and I just learned of Mr. Newell's passing. He was an excellent music teacher, a funny guy who I enjoyed sharing jokes with, and on top of it all, a great father and all around nice man. I didn't see mention in his obituary of his love of boxing, and that was something we shared on top of the Tigers. He was my music teacher from 1970-1973 when I played saxophone and loved it so much I was one of the few students whose parents told them to cut back on practicing. When I told Mr. Newell that, we shared a good laugh. He definitely had a major positive effect on my life and will continue to be fondly remembered the rest of my life.

Posted by Kevin Brown on October 8, 2023

I always have such difficulty when leaving a note of condolence because at the same time I reflect on losing my Mom and Dad...and it's difficult, even when we know it's inevitable. I knew both your mom and dad well, although we did not spend much time together in later years. Your mom was so helpful to me with the recording keeping of my business for many, many years until she retired and she did the calligraphy for hundreds of invitations for me. Such a talented woman. I appreciated her so much! Your dad was my private lesson teacher in high school when he did his student teaching in Otsego schools with Richard Swinsick. I had such great respect for your dad on many levels. Such musical knowledge and talent. And a fabulous teacher who related to the students so well. When R. Swinsick left Otsego schools to pursue other music interests, I was thrilled that Warren took over. There was less than 5 years in our age difference but his talent, teaching and leadership made it seem like much, much more. He impacted many lives, including mine, on so many levels and it was always hard to believe he was so young. What a legacy he left. I was privileged to have known him and to have learned from him. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the entire family for your loss.

Posted by Jacque Jennings-Carter on July 4, 2023

Mr Newell was a great teach at Otsego. I had him for several years and his smile and “rightness” to us students was a breath of fresh air. I am a 1973 graduate of OHS. I wish I could have told him these thing before his death, so to his family I now say these things- I admired his teaching style and life he showed us in music

Posted by Carl Barber on July 2, 2023

I have many fond memories of my middle school band years with Mr. Newell. I look back at how talented and inspiring he was as our band director. He transformed us from having little, and for most of us, no experience in music, into being quite good and achieving high marks. He made us better than we thought we could ever be and did so with patience and kindness. Mr. Newell was an exceptional person and the Otsego community benefited greatly by such a gifted and devoted man. He will be missed but not forgotten…

Posted by M. Todd Esterline on June 30, 2023

It's a sad day when your life long friend is gone. Warren and I met in 4th grade at Tobey elementary school when he moved from the big house to Long Lake. We became best friends and spent countless days together playing tennis ball, swimming, basketball, bumper pool and several other various activities. It was always fun when his dad brought home a large sack of coney dogs on Friday nights. Throughout high school and college we were continuing companions. During college we worked together at Zayres where we both met our future wives, Karen and Sandy, and we double dated and went to Bimbos for pizza almost every night after work. Warren was my best man at my wedding and we continued our friendship with our wives, frequently meeting and playing table top hockey. We went to several concerts and even started a rock and roll band. Warren and l maintained our friendship throughout the years until his passing. Warren was a great man, musician, teacher, and a dear friend who will be missed greatly. I am proud to call him my friend. My deepest condolences to his children, grand children, Del and Patty. Rest in peace my friend!

Posted by Bill Krause on June 29, 2023

Mr. Newell was by far my favorite teacher. He taught me to play and love the clarinet. He made band so much fun, joking around and always having time for you. Thank you for being such a fantastic teacher, you will be greatly missed.

Posted by Janet Lake (Majewski) on June 28, 2023

Mr. Newell! My first band director. He taught me how to play a saxophone. He gave me the gift of music. I looked forward to going to school each day just to be in his band. I passed by the ole band room recently, I looked in the window. The room was gone, but not the memories. It's ironic. I still play saxophone today. When ever I apply the cork grease, the wonderful smell always reminds me of Mr Newell. The character building the new life long friends were a big part of what he taught. He was a great part of my life. A great consistent teacher. I saw him at a few DCI events. We talked. Phantom is still my favorite Corp. also. Tim Marsh Class of 75 With Mr Newell 1969-70

Posted by Tim Marsh on June 26, 2023

Warren was the finest musician and music teacher I ever had the pleasure to have on my staff. His students loved and respected him. He was the best. My sympathies to his family and loved ones. Bob Grill Former principal of Otsego Middle School

Posted by Bob Grill on June 26, 2023