John Francis Vanella

Just thinking of my friend John yesterday. He became a great friend and inspiration to me when I was Dean of the Arrowhead Chapter of the AGO here in Duluth. He introduced me to Marie-Louise Langlais when our AGO chapter invited her to Duluth to perform at Pilgrim Congregational Church. I loved John's sense of humor and appreciated his guidance when I was deciding to apply for a new organist position in Duluth. He was always very matter-of-fact and always knew the right thing to say. I...

I still think of you with great love and affection. You welcomed me to Duluth and made me immediately feel at home. Miss you greatly.

- Justin Rubin

I had a dream about you last night, JohnO.

I wasn't surprised since Fr. Crossman, Michael T & I were talking about you last night over dinner.

In the dream, I was in someone's home (in the basement) visiting with Mary Z and Candy W, when you came walking down the steps, wearing a white suit (with funky sequens nonetheless)! I knew as you walked down the stairs that you were dead, but it didn't seem odd to see you walking towards us. No words were spoken, but you...

John,
I cannot believe that you are gone. I know that your suffering is over and you are now with our Lord & Savior. But I miss you. It was a privilege to have been co-workers at the Cathedral of Our Lady in Duluth. Though I am no longer employed at the Cathedral, you will remain one of my fond memories of my time there. God Bless you John.
- Camille Murphy, former Parish Nurse for the Cathedral of Our Lady

My dear John:

You were an inspiration to me at a very low point in my life, transitioning from First Presbyterian Church, Orlando to Second Presbyterian Church, Memphis and Finally to First United Methodist Church, Shreveport, Louisiana. Never have I known someone who could make me forget my troubles and laugh at the state of musical affairs in the church.

I shall never forget your visit to Memphis to share wonderful times and your beautiful gifts of music. Most...

When John was working for Ramsey County I was working for the City of St. Paul in the Court House and worked with him on a variety of projects - but didn't know what a fine musician he was until he had left. He just had so much spirit and was fun to be around. What a smile!!! It has given me great delight to hear about him or hear him play on "Pipedreams" and to proudly tell my friends, "I used to work with him and he is a great guy."

To his family and friends I extend my...

I have had the pleasure of knowing John for the past 7 years. I asked him to play a concert for the "Organs in Revue" program here in the Hibbing/Chisholm area, and he asked if I would perform the first organ concert for the 1998 Cathedral Series. We have been friends ever since. I always appreciated his humor, his energy, and his help when I needed assistance recording my CD at the Cathedral. His knowledge of organs and organ music and how to make it all work was really phenomenal. I...

I had the pleasure of working with John when he held his position at the Cathedral in Crookston. We worked hard on a project called "The Crookston Organ Spectacular" at the Cathedral and also at Trinity Lutheran where I am organist, and particularly enjoyed having Michael Barone (Pipedreams) involved. I also played a recital at the Cathedral in Duluth after John moved there, and had the opportunity to enjoy his hospitality at his lovely lake home. While in Crookston, John was an active member...

After we visited you Monday afternoon, I continued to work on your obituary that evening. As I wrote, I listened to you play Richard Proulx's "Chant de Lumiere." So beautiful, to hear your music coming out of my computer while I sat and thought about you. I'm so glad you're not suffering anymore, but I wish you were still here, for Christmas, to come back to the choir loft one more time. How on earth will we sing?