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John Fitzgerald Gilmore
John Fitzgerald Gilmore
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John Gilmore Obituary
John Fitzgerald Gilmore, 45, of Charlottesville, Virginia, departed this life on Thursday, October 22, 2009, at the University of Virginia Medical Center.
He was born on February 29, 1964, the son of Curtis J. Gilmore Sr. and the late Anna Gilmore.
"Johnny", as he was affectionately known, was a graduate of Charlottesville High School and attended Berkley Music School in Boston, Massachusetts. He was a drum instructor to many area youth and adults, and a volunteer drummer at Bright Hope Baptist Church in Nelson County, Virginia. Johnny played unselfishly for numerous bands to include Fabulous Thunderbirds, John Medeski of Medeski, Martin and Wood, David Fiuczynski of Screaming Headless Torso with Meshell Ndgeocello, Tim Reynolds of TR3/DMD, The Powerhouse Trio with Jamal Millner and Houston Ross, The Chickenhead Blues Band, Christian Breeden, Jay Pun and Mowenna, George Melvin, Raleigh Gray, Soko, Alma, Plutonium, and Phatness.
He leaves to cherish his memory his father, Curtis J. Gilmore Sr.; one brother, Curtis J. Gilmore Jr.; one sister, Deirdre R. Gilmore; six nephews; four nieces; three great-nephews; three great-nieces; devoted friends, Jodie Johnson and Lawrence Walker; special friends, Houston Ross, Jamal and Sharon Millner; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A funeral service will be held 12 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2009, at the Covenant Church of God, 1025 Rio Road East, Charlottesville, Virginia, with the Reverend Stanley Woodfolk officiating. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.jfbellfuneralhome.com.
J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Simmone Johnson
July 25, 2023
It´s been some time and I still miss you Johnny I´ll always remember the happiness you brought to me my mom and my brothers I know you can here me talk to you daily and I appreciate you still being that person I can cry to I love you and miss you dad
Jodie Johnson
January 6, 2010
Johnny dear, Happy New Year! As we move into 2010 and on towards your birthday next month, it really warms my heart as I think of our frequent conversations, and how easily we could make one another laugh. It is the memory of that precious laughter that lifts my spirits, whenever I start missing the physical presence of you. We were always so close that I know you will forever be with me now, in a less tangible form, through the legacy of music and love you left behind. Love always you, dearheart, and God Bless You!!
Isabelle Clark
November 8, 2009
It warms my heart and brings tears to my eyes when I read all of the heart-felt condolences posted here and on the internet about Johnny. I remember when we were kids and I'd come back home for a visit with my grandmother and at that time Johnny's family lived right across the street. I could hear Johnny bangin' on his drums as a young boy day-in and day-out! (He loved those drums.) I had no idea at that time that he would become a remarkable musician and a wonderful human being. We re-connected several years ago and he would call, send christmas cards, and yes, I had him promise to send me a post card every chance he got when he was on tour. Now he's up in heaven, playin' for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords with that big smile on his face and that twinkle in his eyes. I am so proud of the work he accomplished while here on earth and the people he has positively affected in his short lifetime. Well done, cuz, well done. Love you always...Belle
November 7, 2009
To Deidre & Family,
Lost for words, A kind, young man with a 'radiant' smile has accomplished the ultimate! Lived life to the fullest, touched the lives of so,so many , never to be forgotten.Never heard him say a harsh word to anyone.We loved you Johnny, but God loves you most! May your Family find comfort in the prayers and warm memories of you! Forever in our Hearts... Tutlenia Key-Garner , Garry Mills & Family
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Terri Thelin
November 6, 2009
Curtis, I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. Words fail me, but please know that all your friends at NBC29 are keeping you in our thoughts. We miss you and hope to see you soon. Be prepared to receive many hugs.
Nina Hutchinson
November 6, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. I know how much your family loved Johnny. He was a remarkable musician. I bet heaven is alight with his music right now, he's playing for your mom.
Mary Burch
November 6, 2009
To the Gilmoe Family,
It was a pleasure to have known Johnny. When we had him over for his birthday this past February, it was fun. I am so happy that he enjoyed his birthday dinner. My husband enjoyed playing with Johnnny, and he will truly be missed. If there is anything that we can do for you, please do not hesitate to let us know. We will continue to pray for your family. God bless you always.
clara and alexander eubanks
November 5, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
November 5, 2009
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the entire Gilmore family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Pamela Banks-Collins (Chicago, IL)
Pamela Banks-Collins
November 5, 2009
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the entire Gilmore family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Eunice Slaughter
November 5, 2009
To the Gilmore family;
You have my deepest sympathy,John was one of the nicest people I've ever known,it's not often in this life that we are blessed with such a kind,never changing person such as John.So I know that heaven's Band of Angels is now complete.
I just can't tell you the joy in the memories of John I'll cherish.I met John when I was 7years ,we grew up together all through school from Hardy Drive to CHS and even into adulthood.Whenever we ran into each other it was always a joy .
I will always remember his huge smile and his love for music. Again I am Blessed to have known John.
David, Shirley&Davain Turner
November 5, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Darryl Lockley
November 5, 2009
To the Gilmore Family thoughts and prayer goes out to each and every member of this family with my deepest sympathy.Johnny and i were friends growing up and post high school for many years and he was a brother well known and liked by many,so cheerish the memories of him. he was liked and enjoyed by everyone in his presence.
phil bowman
November 4, 2009
i was blessed enough to work for Johnny a few dozen times since 1995. As a drummer, it was always fun. As a fan of music, it was inspiring to understand his passion. Considering an entire community has suffered a loss, i can not imagine the loss his family is feeling. `Wishing all of the family & loved ones of Johnny a quick return of the smile he created.
November 4, 2009
from your old friend lala from the / trax/max days love ya and your brother deepest sympathy.and all your family.
GEORGE STEPPE
November 4, 2009
TO THE FAMLIY OF JONNEY WORDS CAN NOT EXPRESS THE SADNESS WE ALL FEEL 4 YOUR LOST,AND A GOOD FREIND I LOST REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.
Delphine Shackelford-Carter
November 4, 2009
To the Gilmore Family.
May you find comfort in the sympathy expressed by your friends and loved ones. I will miss Johnny's holiday visits and smile.
The Breckenridge Family
November 4, 2009
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
November 4, 2009
Johnny, Johnny, Friends, Family, Music & Drums, Phone calls, Conversation, Post cards and ALL, Boy! didn't we have a ball. Forever on my mind always in my heart. I am gonna miss you and I'm sorry that you're gone.
Love
Pam Williams
O'Tay
November 4, 2009
Mr Gilmore and Family I am a friend of
Poo Williams family,Words cannot express the lost of a love one,the most Bless part of JOHN FITZGERALD I hear he loved music, now he can play all day for GOD.
Stay Bless Family!!
Radiant Virginia
Tina B Yates and family
Leela Heard Garnett
November 4, 2009
Dear Gilmore family,
I offer my sincerest condolences and prayers for your healing and comfort in this sad time of loss. Johnny was a dear friend and part of my life, and I will miss him so much. My comfort is knowing he is with his beloved mother and other loved ones who have gone before and has finally found the peace he longed for here on earth in the arms of our Father.
Tanya Richardson
November 4, 2009
To the Gilmore Family:
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Johnny. There was only one and will never be another like him. Johnny had such a loving spirit and always wore a smile that was sure to warm your heart. I remember the times in which he played for the choirs at Pilgrim church and how tired he would be some Sundays coming in after having played all night on Saturday, yet he remained faithful.Praise God for such a loving and unselfish heart. May it bring you comfort to know that he is resting in the arms of our Loving Father and that he is reunited once again with his dear mother.
May Peace Be Unto You,
Deaconess Tanya Richardson
(Niecey Williams as you know me)
Gwen Louderback
November 4, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Cece Hester-Walker
November 4, 2009
To the Gilmore Family,
May God be with you all at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you all.
Marie Williams
Donna Churchman
Cece Walker
James Hester
Rita Lee
November 4, 2009
To The Gilmore Family,
Johnny will be missed by many. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.Johnny is now home with our Father.
God Bless, William Saylor,Rita Lee & Family
David Steppe
November 3, 2009
May God be with the Gilmore family during this time of your lives. Johnny was a good person and he will be missed by all of us.
Tiola Henderson
November 3, 2009
To The Gilmore Family,I send my condolences to each of you.Johnnie was such a very nice person.He always spoke when ever we would crossed paths.His big smile I can still vision after the many years that has gone by.He was also a very talented guy with his music. Johnnie could beat some drums.Music was his true calling.God's Blessings to the family.
Lilmary (Woodfolk) Jordan
November 3, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Eddie Barbour
November 2, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
November 2, 2009
Johnny will be missed . Yet he will be in hearts forever. My prayers are with the family. Angela Williams (Angie) Charlottesville VA
Karen Coles
November 2, 2009
To the Gilmore family:
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Johnny......as everyone else has noted his smile that was so beautiful will be missed as well as warm and loving personality. In all the years I have known Johnny I can honestly say I never witnessed him being unkind to any one. That alone says more than enough. May God Bless you and Comfort you in your time of need.
The Witcher Family - Charlton Ave
November 2, 2009
To Curtis (better known to our family as)Sammy & Family
We extend to you and your family heartfelt sympathy. We are sadden by the lost of Johnny. Our families goes back a long way. Your mom(Gertrude), your aunt Isabell and her children all were family to us because we lived so close. There are so many shared memories for our families. Johnny has been added to all the wonderful memories of families being close. Johnny was our son too. He came with Jeep and Greg one day and he has been in our family ever since. He was such a kind, loving and caring person. His smile lit up the world as a young boy and that smile continued as an adult. He always dropped by on the holidays because he knew we would be gathering. He added so much to holidays for us. He will never be forgotten because he was part of our family and All of us loved Johnny so much, but God loved him best and he showed that by taking him home to be with him. May all of your wonderful memories of your son "Johnny" be in your heart and mind forever and forever. God bless and keep you and your family. Just as God is only a prayer away and we are only a telephone call away.
patricia cabell
November 1, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
melissa(Misi) miller
November 1, 2009
there are never the right words to describe the loss of a loved one. Johnny will always be with us as an
angel watching over us from heaven. He was such a kind soul, he will be missed
by all. My condolences to his family
at this sorrowful time.
such a kind soul.
Betty Archie
November 1, 2009
Hello Mr. Gilmore, DeeDee & family:
I am very sorry for the loss of your loved one. Johnny will be truely missed. May God cover you with his grace and mercy.
Betty Smith-Archie (Betty, Lester, Mike, Lane and Ronald Smith)
Jodie Johnson
November 1, 2009
Hello Mr. Gilmore, DeeDee & family,
You know, Johnny was my beloved friend for 22 almost 23 years. I met him in front of my Aunt Bobby's house on Forest Street on a warm, clear February day. My family and I treasured Johnny so much, and he will always be a cherished part of our family, too. We shared so many confidences together and it brings my family great comfort know that he crossed over into the loving arms of your wonderful Mom, Anna and my awesome Dad, Joseph.
Johnny dear, you were like a beautiful angel that highlighted my life. You have eternally impacted my being for the better. I am so thankful for the time we had together and I am truly a better person for having known you.
Johnny, the children still look for you and wonder why we can't call you. It will be difficult to press on without you, as you never missed an anniversary or birthday without giving your well wishes. My birthday will not be the same without you this year. You and I were thinking about taking the family to the beach very soon. You always loved the beach so much, said it gave you peace and clarity. I told the children that you are resting peacefully with your Mom and My Dad in Heaven now.
Johnny, you will be with us always, and I know that you will continue to be our guardian angel. We love you and will always miss you, dearheart. May you find the peace and clarity that you so desired.
Jodie, Rose, Rae, Steve, Demond, Malik, Simmone, A'mere, Aaron (Turtle) & Aaden (Munchkin)
Curley Anderson-Haliburton
October 31, 2009
DeeDee, and family,
Sorry for the loss of your love one. May god be with you through all your sorrow. Johnny was a fun guy always smiling.I will always remember him that way. God bless you all.
James Hester
October 30, 2009
Mr.Gilmore & DeeDee,I'm very sorry for your loss.Johnny was or should I say is a great guy who was always smiling.He will be missed greatly.May God bless you all.
James Hester & Family
Delphine Hargrove
October 30, 2009
Mr. Gilmore & Dee sorry about your lost may God bless you and be with you & your family.
-Delphine Hargrove & The Godfrey Family
October 30, 2009
Johnny,
Though you are gone, you are not forgotten. Your spirit is still with us alive and well. See you when I get there.
John Suitt
October 30, 2009
mr. gilmore sorry for your loss. frances kyle ...(johnny banks).
October 30, 2009
Hi Johnny,
This is Poo Williams calling you at your new number "HEAVEN" I know you can hear me, I can hear you always, never forgotten. The spirit is strong.
Love
Poo Williams
Chema Rubio
October 30, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Susan Bryant
October 30, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
D.E. Frank and 1st Lady Rachel Reeves
October 30, 2009
Music, when soft voices die
Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory—
Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.
Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,
Are heaped for the beloved's bed;
And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,
Love itself shall slumber on.
By Percy Bysshe Shelley
The Poetry Foundation
Dora Pugh & Daughter, Linda Critzer
October 30, 2009
Curtis,
Please know that our thoughts and
prayers have been with you since
we learned of the death of your son,
we are so very sorry for your tragic
loss.
anita williams
October 30, 2009
my drummer boy welove you we had this time with you god needed you to play for his band you are always in our heart and we were bless to have you here love anita lynn wijjiams
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