Thomas Elmo “Tim” Bishop III, percussionist with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra since 1987, died peacefully Monday, March 12, 2018, in the embrace of loved ones at the family home.
A musician of extraordinary skill and uncommon vision, Tim was admired for his broad knowledge of classical repertoire and performance, and his insightful appreciation of other musical genres, especially jazz. He was also loved for his kindness and generous spirit, sharing the food he cooked, the films he knew by heart and the books, articles, art and ideas he found fascinating.
Tim was the beloved son of Adelaide White Bishop of Virginia Beach and the late Thomas E. Bishop Jr.
He leaves his wife, Lesa McCoy Bishop, a violinist with the Virginia Symphony; and adored daughter, Anna Elizabeth Bishop, a violinist with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, and her husband, Andrew Randazzo of Richmond. Tim’s memory is also cherished by his sisters, Betsy Gates (Ernie) of Williamsburg; Susan Zirpoli (Tom) of Westminster, Md., and Laura Rupp (Chris) of Virginia Beach; brothers, Paul Bishop and David Bishop of Norfolk; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends, both near and far.
Tim began his education at Holy Trinity School. He played his first professional concert with the Virginia Symphony, then called the Norfolk Symphony in 1967 as a Granby High School sophomore. At the Cleveland Institute of Music, he studied under Richard Weiner and Cloyd Duff and performed with the Cleveland Orchestra. He was a member of the Orquesta Sinfonica del Estado de Mexico and the Mexico City Philharmonic, where Lesa was an orchestra colleague. He became an avid and adept cyclist in Mexico before returning to join the Virginia Symphony and the Virginia Opera, where he inspired colleagues with his friendship and musicianship for three decades.
The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the concern of medical professionals throughout Tim’s illness, especially pulmonologist Dr. Mary Baker, oncologist Dr. Boon Kok and the caring staff of Compassionate Care Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages generosity to the Hope House Foundation, the Faith Inclusion Network or Compassionate Care Hospice Foundation.
A celebration of life concert for friends and family will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, April 2, at the chapel of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., 1501 Colonial Ave., Norfolk. Visitation with the family will precede the concert from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Share online condolences with the family at hdoliver.com.
