A longtime lover of the arts and talented percussionist, Killian J. Venman, died suddenly on Friday, May 12, 2023. Born in Northampton, MA on February 28, 1995, he grew up in Western Massachusetts, attending several local public and private schools. Killian graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Plymouth State University in May 2018, and then obtained a Master of Music degree from New York University in May 2020. While in the city, Killian established long-term working relationships with a number of illustrious musicians, such as the Brooklyn Ballet, for which he served as its First Chair Percussionist.

In his most recent professional life, Killian was a well-loved music teacher at The Well School in Peterborough, NH. As a teacher, Killian fostered the love of learning, curiosity, experimentation, and, of course, music. Per his private lesson parent policy agreement, he states, “Having fun and learning about music are the number one priorities of these private lessons!”

In his own words, “I grew up in a white two-story farmhouse in western Massachusetts. Creaky hardwood floors, column radiators, a chipped and worn cabinet piano, a porcelain claw footed tub in the bathroom, an unfinished dirt floor basement, a swing hanging from the maple tree, and a rambling stream. This was my paradise until age 9, when my parents divorced. Since then, I have tried to recreate the feelings of warmth, comfort, simplicity, and natural beauty that I felt so deeply growing up. I would like to bring this feeling of tranquil country bliss to as many experimental art loving New Englanders as possible.”

Killian produced a number of multi-media works, including short films about each of his well-known and passed grandparents, Bill, and Sally Venman, from Amherst, MA. He also produced the Valley Light Opera’s 45^th Anniversary film, titled, “If You Want to Know Who We Are: Or VLO Then and Now”, which is available online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isiD_OX9628. All of Killian’s work may be found on his website, which continues to be hosted, at www.killianvenman.com. 

Killian leaves behind loving parents, Jennifer Higgins of Southampton, MA and Peter Venman of Hadley, MA, and a slew of family and friends forever bereft.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Wildwood Cemetery, Pollinator Garden Project, 70 Strong Street, Amherst MA 01002; or Amherst Friends of the Performing Arts at www.amherstfpa.org.  

Calling hours with be held from 5-7 PM on Thursday, May 18 at Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst, MA. A graveside service will be held at Wildwood Cemetery in Amherst, MA beginning at 10 AM on Friday, May 19, 2023. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com