John Lavelle
October 13, 1935 - October 21, 2016
Resident of San Jose
John Edward Lavelle died peacefully in his home after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. John was a devoted husband to Kathleen, beloved father to Thomas (Sandy), John (Kate), Edward (Karen), Paul (Tonia), Nora (Dan), Colum (Stefanie), Anne (Scott), and Kathleen (Bill), and loving grandfather to Angela, Michael, Sarah, Jack, Kevin, Keira, Connor, Dillon, Joseph, Michael, Shane, Ryne, Teaghan, Maeve, Anya, Grace and Nora Jane. He was preceded in death by his brother Thomas Lavelle and sister Mary Patrice Lynch.
John was born in Chicago, Illinois to Thomas and Norah (Cooney) Lavelle where his mother and father met and married after emigrating from Ireland. John graduated high school from DePaul University Academy and received his undergraduate degree in French History from DePaul University with honors as a member of Pi Gamma Mu. He subsequently achieved his Masters Degree in Industrial Engineering at Purdue University. John worked as a technology executive for many Silicon Valley startups and ended his career as a Senior Executive for Xerox and Applied Materials.
John met his wife Kathleen through a mutual friend in Chicago. They married in 1966 and moved to Indianapolis where they began their family. John and family moved to San Jose in 1973 and remained there for the last 43 years. John adored his grandchildren and cherished their visits. John and Kathleen and family were united for a family reunion in Santa Cruz, CA last summer to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, which falls on November 12th this year. This event brought together all 35 family members!
Outside of his family, John's greatest love was playing traditional Irish tunes on the button accordion. He picked up the accordion at the young age of 5 and never put it down. He brought the joy of Irish music to all those around him. He even had the honor of playing for Pope John Paul II during his visit to San Francisco in the 1980's. For years, John could be found performing in Irish Music sessions across the Bay Area where he would regale the crowd with selections from the hundreds of traditional tunes in his repertoire.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, Oct. 28 at 11:00AM at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 2278 Booksin Ave, San Jose, CA. Reception to follow. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

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Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Oct. 25, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for John Lavelle

Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.

9 Entries

Robert English

January 5, 2017

A lovely man who was loved by many.
Thank you John, for your music and your wisdom.

Richie Piggott

October 27, 2016

John brought joy to everyone he touched....his love of Irish Music was contagious and besides bringing joy in his playing to all both on the west coast and Chicago he is fondly remembered in his beloved Achill Island.I had the pleasure of interviewing John at his home 3 years ago and could not have spent a better afternoon anywhere else in the world....may you rest in peace.

Slan,
Richie

Becky Douglass

October 27, 2016

Bernie, I will never forget all our good times on Royale Park Court.
I can still see all those kids running around and John sitting there playing the accordion.
Marge Reid called me and told me about the obituary in the paper.
I send my love to you and your family. If you ever get to Texas, give me a call. Would love to see you!

Sondra Greene

October 26, 2016

Fond memories of John playing at feisianna while I was dancing away!

The Two Johns, Lavelle and Sweeney at O'Flaherty's Irish Pub (Photo by Julie Horner)

Julie Horner

October 26, 2016

John used to play Irish music on his accordion at O'Flaherty's Irish Pub in San Jose on Sundays with Art Friedman back in the day, and he was a regular at the pub for St.Patrick's Day celebrations. In later years, when he wasn't able to play, he and Bernie would arrive via shared vanpool at our ongoing Tuesday night session at O'Flaherty's to sit on the fringes soaking up the camaraderie. One of our regular players had this to say about him:

"I liked sitting next to him and talking to him. He was very bright, funny and witty and his wife always asked about Barbara's knitting. We would often talk about his DePaul days - we were both fans of their basketball coach and team when he was there."

The Irish music community descended upon the Lavelles at home a couple of years ago for a wonderful birthday party and music session in his honor. He was very well loved and he enjoyed the music so. The South Bay Irish music community will miss him dreadfully.

More about John: http://www.johnlavellemusic.com/2008/06/about-john.html

Kathy Hall and Leslie Murdock

October 25, 2016

So sorry to hear of John's passing,he was a wonderful musician. Our deepest condolences to the Lavelle family.

Heidi Leach

October 25, 2016

I will always remember him playing the bagpipes at Kirk Elementary. I looked forward to seeing the Lavelle's dance. Beautiful memories! May God bless him and your family.

Lawrence Kopp

October 25, 2016

Dear Lavelle family,

You have our condolences, it is a privilege to have known and been a part of growing up with all your children. Bless you all.

Regards,

Lawrence Kopp and Kopp family
Up Mayo!

Anne Lynch

October 25, 2016

We love and miss you Papa John!

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