CHICAGO, Ill. – Philippe Gélinas, 74, of Highland Park, Ill., died suddenly on Jan. 15, of an apparent heart attack, in his piano studio in the Fine Arts Building where he taught piano to generations of area residents for more than 30 years.

He was born in Lewiston to Armand and Marie Anna (Demers) Gelinas. He returned frequently to Maine after moving to Chicago in the 1960’s to study music. “He was known as a teacher who cold teach almost anyone and loved teaching almost everyone beginner to advanced,” said his wife, Carole Kohn. He stayed in touch with many of his students over the years and at the time of his death, was teaching, among others, five students who were children of former students. He also played the piano at parties such as special birthdays and anniversaries.

“Phil” took his first piano lesson in Maine as part of the Works Progress Administration program during the Great Depression, and began his lessons in earnest at the age of 17. He traveled all over Maine with other young musicians, often earning just enough to buy gas for the next road trip.

His sister-in-law, Pauline Dubois remembers that he was “always bringing people together to sing and perform” in musical reviews. He moved to Chicago in the 1960’s, earned a bachelor’s in music from the American Conservatory and studied for a master’s in piano pedagogy at Northwestern University.

After moving to Chicago, he joined the Chicago Area Music Teachers Association, where he served first as program chairman and then served many terms as President. He was important in helping develop the group and its leadership.

About 15 years ago he began to lead “Great Ideas,” a philosophy group for adults of all ages and backgrounds.

He loved Maine. He often spoke of how much he enjoyed his 50th Lewiston High School reunion. His nieces and nephews remember the many summers he drove to Maine, filled his car with family, and drove to the ocean for all day outings. He maintained loving family ties throughout the years, and will be sadly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Kohn; his son, Marc Kohn Gelinas; his sister, Charlotte DesJardins and her sons; and by his sister-in-law, Pauline Gelinas and her children.