Jack Gilfoy

Jack Gilfoy 68, of Indianapolis, died unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep Friday, May 2, 2008. He was born July 31, 1939, the only child of Lewis and Sue Warren Gilfoy. A lifelong native of Indiana, Jack received a BM (music) and MS (education) degrees from Indiana University where he was the first jazz drummer to complete a degree in percussion. Jack's remarkable career of just over 50 years spanned the history of 20th Century Jazz in the US. Known as a "jazzman drummist", he performed with greats such as Errol Garner, Teddy Wilson, Jim Cullum, Harry Warren, Milt Hinton, and Doc Severinson. His career started while still in college as he performed with the Al Cobine big band; followed shortly thereafter were gigs with the Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Larry Elgart, and Nelson Riddle big bands. He played locally at the Jazz Kitchen with the Buselli Wallarab big band. He is best known for the 30 years he toured the world as personal concertTV show drummer for Henry Mancini. On the pop side of music, Gilfoy performed with The Four Preps, Sonny & Cher, Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis, Nancy Wilson, and even Elvis (1971). As for classical music, Jack has played with the Indianapolis Symphony, the Chamber Brass Choir, the Bloomington and Columbus Pops Orchestras, the Sonic Boom Percussion group, as well as with orchestras throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia and Japan. Another delightful musical association of many years was playing with Julius Adeniyi and the Drums of West Africa. Holding equal importance in Jack's life was his role as a music educator. He was the Director of Jazz & Music Business Studies at IUPUI for 19 years. He also performed concerts in schools, from preschool through high school, helping young people understand the joy and vitality of jazz music. He is survived by his wife Sue Gilfoy, daughter Sarah Schaub (Cory) of NY City, son Kevin Gilfoy of Indianapolis, step-sons Timothy Cerola of Indianapolis, Tony Cerola of San Diego, CA, Peter Cerola of Medford, OR and Kris Cerola of Los Angeles, CA as well as grandsons Alex and Kiefer, and granddaughters Chiara, Skye, and Kemera. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the music programs of Young Audiences of Indiana in the memory of Jack Gilfoy. A memorial service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian on Thursday, May 8th at 3 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to www.JackGilfoy.com. Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center-Broad Ripple is handling arrangements.