Dr. John P. Gelsomino

Won´t ever forget Jack and his many talents! His support of the performing arts and the motivation he shared with fellow artists was outstanding! Bravo!

I am many years late here, but my sympathy to all of Dr. Gelsomino's family is no less sincere. I am sincerely sorry for this huge loss. Dr. G. directed me as the lead in "No, No Nanette" in my junior year at Curie, 1974. I remember being this scared but semi talented little junior, my first year at Curie, and how he gently showed me that I WAS Nanette! I can still envision him broadly smiling up at me from the pit while conducting our very first dress performance of Peach on the Beach. What...

"Mr. G" was bigger than life to me at Kelly HS. He was the most talented musician I have ever known. Whether it was the Marching Band, the Concert band, or the Jazz Band, he was equally inspiring. I was just thinking fondly of him as I was listening to my newly digitized album "Somethin' New, Somethin' Old" from 1971, that he recorded. Unfortunately, the record and my trombone, are the only connections I still have to that wonderful time in my life.

Four years of music with Gelsomino, and also the opportunity to work next to him as a teacher taught me and many others

John Gelsomino's genius, shared exuberance for music and the performing arts lives on in the students he taught and myself.
I have warm memories of performing in
My Fair Lady as an Ascot Lady and one of the Maids. Secretly wanted to be the lead in that play and the one that followed..
The Man of LaMancha where John Gelsomino played the lead role. Beautiful lyrics!

I had a wonderful time going to the Orange Bowl, being in the Parade and participating in a Gatorade...

I particularly enjoyed the time I had with John in Scouting activities. He & I shared many of the same opinions and could discuss various issues at length. In addition to my appreciation of his skills & dedication, it was obvious that many others had the same opinion.

I posted the following note on the Kelly message board on Classmates last July 3rd. "I was in beginning band at Gunsaulus with Mr. G and then involved with the music and drama departments at the Main the remainder of my years at Kelly. What a shock! His presence used to intimidate me, perhaps I was just in awe of his greatness. He no longer has to fight those windmills. And I'm sure he not only dreamed the impossible dream but lived it as well. May he rest in peace."

Dr. Gelsomino eased my re-entry into the Chicago school system by enabling me to fill in as a couple of years (1976-78) as the director of the Curie girls' choirs because of my theatrical background. Consequently, I had some of my most rewarding and enjoyable experiences with CPS. I loved his enthusiasm and advocacy for all things musical. His spirit will be greatly missed.

I am truly saddened and even a bit shocked to hear of the passing of our beloved "Mr G". As a member of the Kelly H.S. band from '68 through '72, he was THE driving force behind many of my dreams, and later, my accomplishments. Mr G always had a way of making you know you COULD do whatever you truly dreamed of doing. And then he would take the step most avoid...he would actively HELP you, inspire you, support you, chastise you when you got a bit off-track, and then be the loudest of the...