John E. Mills

My interactions with Mr. Mills as a student and the lessons I learned from them have stayed with me to this day. In addition to being a wonderful musician, he was a class act and a model of decency, humility and kindness. Condolences to the Mills family on your loss. He will not be forgotten. Rob Yirigian NHS 1983

Our family was saddened to hear of Mr. Mills' passing. Know that he impacted all four of us playing various instruments along with the delightful experiences for my folks at the junior and high school concerts and parades. Although its been almost 50 years, music continues to be a joy for all of us, rooted in our experiences with the teachers in our lives. May he rest in peace and assemble a nice trio for a bit of fun on Saturday nights.

To Barbara and Family - We are sorry to learn of John's passing. A fellow Hartt student, John was regarded as one of the most talented on campus. He will be missed as he was a true gentleman and especially an outstanding musician. As a teacher, he inspired his students to achieve at the highest level. In competitions at Berklee, his bands always performed outstandingly. Barbara, John is in our prayers. May he rest in peace.

John was a tremendous musician, teacher, friend, family man and true gentleman. I always enjoyed the many times that we played together in various sax sections over the years. Hearing John play was truly special because of his immense talent and musicianship. It was always and honor and pleasure playing with John. I am also thankful and grateful for the work that John did with my son Max on clarinet. There is no doubt in my mind that John´s teaching skills, influence and patience helped...

As a student at Hartt - a few years behind him - a fellow Phi Mu Alpha brother, I have many fond memories of John and Barbara in that wonderful old 187 Broad St. building - wherein we all became true "family". John's musicianship was impeccable and the sound from his alto saxophone most unique and enjoyable. His quite demeanor ,pleasant smile and quick whit made him special ( right Barbara)? May John's soul rest in the light, peace and glory of God forever and may God grant Barbara and...

Dear Barbara and family, I was so sorry to read about John's passing in this morning's paper. He was a classmate of my husband, Russ Elliott, at Hartt College in the early 60's. We shared a lot of wonderful musical times together at Fraternity parties and class reunions. He was my favorite jazz saxophonist and I enjoyed listening to his solos at Arch St Tavern on many a Monday night in Chic's rehearsal band. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that his wonderful talent and love of music...

Dear Mrs. Mills and family ~ This a snippet of what I wrote about him on Facebook: John E. Mills was a man who approached every facet of his life with humility, kindness, grace, and a wonderfully dry sense of humor. One of the few great men. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. You were blessed to have had him as a husband and father. We were blessed to have had him as our much beloved teacher and mentor. Paula Gates, NHS 1982

John Mills was a dear friend of mine, fraternity brother, class mate and a mentor. We both attended the "Hartt School" aka University of Hartford many years ago (late 50's/early sixties). John always impressed me and many others, I'm sure' as musician Extraordinaire; a hell of a saxophone player and top notch clarinet player as well. We played in the concert band together and Al Lepak's jazz ensemble. John always seemed to be good at everything he did...student, musician, clarinet...

John was an original- always a quick wit, a kind, supportive word, a devoted family man & a superb musician!! We will all miss him terribly!! My deepest condolences & prayers to his wonderful family!!