John A. "Big Z" Zipay

15 years late, but I was a student of Mr. Zipay at Scranton Elementary in Cleveland. I´m 32 years old now, and to this day, my favorite elementary school memory is Mr. Zipay´s music class. I still remember all of the fun 60´s songs we would sing-a-loud in class and looked forward to it every week. My absolute favorite was when he´d bust out a toy skeleton that he´d control named, `Mr. Bones´, and sing spooky Halloween songs. My favorite was, "Have you seen the ghost of John..." From reading...

I was a member of the All-Ohio State Fair Band while Mr. Zipay conducted. He was a sweet and encouraging man, and he will be dearly missed.

I knew Mr. Zipay from my State Fair Band days. I'd like to think that he could make Wagner swing and polka if he'd wanted to. He was that good and that enjoyable. His impact on youth music education is invaluable. He'll live on in the lessons and memories he passed on to students like me.

I was one of the proud many who came to meet Mr. Zipay every summer at All-Ohio State Fair Band. Not only was he our instructor he was our friend. He will be missed by all who were involved with AOSFB. My prayers are with the family.

My sincerest condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of meeting John at a Colorado Polka Festival and we stayed in touch. He was a great sax player and a nice guy to chat with and share emails.

I often remember the great times that I shared with John in the Collinwood band. John was a wonderful musican and a lot of fun to be around. He will be missed.

As a co-worker with John at South High School, I greatly admired his success with the students in the band and musical fields.
He will always remain in our hearts, prayers and memories.
Blazennyj pokoj; vicnaja pamjat'

John was a co-worker with me at South Hi for many years I always admired his great accomlishments with the students in the band and musical fields. He will remain in our memory and prayers.
Blazennyl pokoj; vicnaja pamjat

Dear Nancy & Family, John was a dedicated Teacher and performer. His passion for music was instilled in his student, and I took it with me and became a famous Record Producer, Manager, and now a Filmmaker.
The best and most memorable years of my life can be credited to John.
Cheers to making notes in his rebirth! With great affection,