Alan Biehl obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven CT

Charles Alan Biehl, 78, of East Haven and formerly of Spokane, WA., passed away July 28, 2026, at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was born March 24, 1948, in Spokane to Arthur Jr. and Mary Abigail (Robinson) Biehl. Alan is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Cheryl (Dunn) Biehl, and their children: Elizabeth Pecoraro (William) of East Haven, Eric Biehl of Tumwater, WA, Tricia Shenk of Tumwater, WA, Stacie Benshing (Char) of Pe Ell, WA., Cyrus Biehl (Corey Brock) of East Haven, and Lilia Biehl of Philadelphia. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, a brother, Carl Biehl (Melinda) of San Antonio, TX, a sister, Carolyn Gray (Michael) of Tumwater, WA., along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Alan is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Emily Ashby, and a granddaughter, Astrid Ashby.

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Alan's life was always filled with music. His father, a professor of music, and mother, a music librarian, began teaching him piano and the clarinet at an early age. In his teens, Alan switched to the bassoon, playing in the Spokane Jr. Symphony and later, the Spokane Symphony Orchestra, where he first met his wife, Cheryl. He graduated from Cheney High School, Cheney, WA., in 1966, attended the University of Oregon School of Music, and graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1971. Following graduation, Alan taught middle and high school band in the Shelton School District in the state of Washington for 30 years. He played bassoon in the Olympia and Aberdeen Symphony Orchestras in Washington, directed musicals in his school district, and organized several parades. After retirement, Alan and Cheryl played in several musical groups, including the Oregon Symphonic Band, the Couer d' Alene Symphony in the state of Idaho, and in pit orchestras for various musicals.

Alan also participated in many activities until his illnesses of Emphysema, Coronary Heart disease, and Parkinson's became more severe. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus as a 4th Degree Knight. He enjoyed sailing and was a member of several racing teams in Washington and Oregon. He was an avid photographer and began scenic painting in his later life. He loved gardening and growing vegetables and fruit, and he adored Rosie, Nala, and Mr. Whiskers, his rescue dogs. Alan will be greatly missed by his family and friends, and especially by the love of his life, Cheryl.

Family and friends are invited to meet and attend a Funeral Mass and a Memorial Service on Friday August 14, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Ann Catholic Church, 521 Brewster Street, Bridgeport, CT, 06605. Burial will be private. All Services are under the care of the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven, CT.