May God bless you and your...
A lovely man who was loved by many.
Thank you John, for your music and your wisdom.
Robert English
January 05, 2017 | Vallejo, CA


San Jose, California
1935 - 2016
John LavelleOctober 13, 1935 - October 21, 2016Resident of San JoseJohn 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...
Read MoreA lovely man who was loved by many.
Thank you John, for your music and your wisdom.
Robert English
January 05, 2017 | Vallejo, CA
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
Richie Piggott
October 27, 2016 | St. Charles,, IL
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!
Becky Douglass
October 27, 2016 | Austin, TX
Fond memories of John playing at feisianna while I was dancing away!
Sondra Greene
October 26, 2016 | San Jose, CA

The Two Johns, Lavelle and Sweeney at O'Flaherty's Irish Pub (Photo by Julie Horner)
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...
Julie Horner
October 26, 2016 | Boulder Creek, CA
So sorry to hear of John's passing,he was a wonderful musician. Our deepest condolences to the Lavelle family.
Kathy Hall and Leslie Murdock
October 25, 2016 | Mountain View, CA
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.
Heidi Leach
October 25, 2016 | San Jose, CA
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!
Lawrence Kopp
October 25, 2016 | Denton, TX
We love and miss you Papa John!
Anne Lynch
October 25, 2016 | Redwood City, CA