William Paisner, 78

TEMECULA, CALIF. – William Lee “Bill” Paisner – father, brother, uncle, friend – died peacefully at 78 on July 8 with his daughter Desiree by his side. A longtime resident of Temecula, Bill grew up in Cranston, graduating from Cranston East High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University with majors in engineering and applied physics and a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Southern California. In 1979, he designed what at the time was the fastest graphics computer in the world. 

His love of music, however – which had been with him since he first learned the piano and then played the clarinet in Rhode Island’s youth orchestra and for musicals while at Harvard – beckoned.

He was a charter member of the Pacific Chorale, touring with them for more than 20 years nationally and worldwide. He taught voice, piano and sight-reading.

He was the Vocal Director for the Temecula Valley Players and the Fine Arts Network in a variety of musicals and an assistant director and chorus master for the Inland Valley Opera. His memberships included the American Choral Directors Association, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and Mensa. He also volunteered at the Temecula Children’s Museum and was a charter member of the board of the Temecula Theatre Foundation.

At 55, Bill earned another degree – this time in choral direction, from California State University, Fullerton. He first founded the Temecula Vintage Singers, and, in 2000, he created the Southwest Women’s Chorus, which he nurtured and directed for the next 21 years. 

Bill is survived by his daughter Desiree Paisner, siblings James M. and Susan R. Paisner, plus two generations of nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a celebration of his life this Fall in Temecula. In the meanwhile, they suggest that you sing a song to a loved one in Bill’s honor.