Jerome Lothair Franke

I cant hear classical music or strings in any genre without thinking of my compadre, Jerry. An extraordinary musician and person . Will be missed forever.

Jerome was a classmate of mine at St. Patrick H.S. in Chicago. We graduated in 1966. I remember Jerome because he was a fan of the Chicago White Sox, and I was a fan of the Chicago Cubs, and we always talked about which team was better. He was also the only guy I knew at that time who could actually read music (Jerome was on St. Pat's "Swing Band"), and he always told the best jokes. Photo is Jerome's Senior Portrait from 1966 Yearbook. I didn't know that Jerome had passed away until just...

Cant listen to classical music without thinking of him.

It has been over 20 years since I moved away from Milwaukee, but I will always remember how Mr. Franke changed and improved my technique so dramatically in the lone year I studied with him. He was always so kind and funny, learning with him was such a joy and opened up my eyes to so many possibilities. It made me wish I had studied with him much, much sooner. What a gift he had, and that he was to the rest of us in MYSO.

Jerry was a good friend when he was studying at the American Conservatory. I was a piano and theory teacher. My roommate was Charles Moore who would later become the President of ACM. Jerry and a friend of his named Adrian (last name ?), both violinists, spent many after school hours in our apartment. Good friends, good times, good memories.

I am so sad to hear of Jerry's passing. We had a great time together talking popular music and The Beatles, along with friends and colleagues we had in common through the years. I will miss the fun talks we had. RIP, Jerry.

Both of us from Chicago, both of us the same age, and both with the same birthday - but of course I was the one with no musical talent. He was a friend and violin instructor to two of my daughters. No wonder I felt him a sort of kindred but infinitely more talented spirit. Extraordinary artist, teacher and human. I was so shocked to hear of his passing, he is the kind of guy who you would think will and should live forever. Gosh, he will be so missed - Indiana K

I was so lucky to have renewed my friendship with Jerry last summer and introduce him to my husband and two boys. He was so funny and full of energy - we could hardly keep up with him as he showed us Chicago. My heartfelt sympathy to Samantha, Jay, Shields and his sisters. He was one of a kind.

Roger & I hold close our memories of Jerry. From our first meeting, as neighbors, in Shorewood, to years of friendship, Jerry's energies and passion for life were always at the forefront. Our kindest wishes go to Jay, Shields and Samantha who I know will miss him keenly.
Roger & Linda Ilsley, Topanga, CA