John J Greer

When I didn´t hear from John at Christmas, I thought he was just busy. We both were born in March and have exchanged cards virtually every year since we met in the clarinet section of the Roanoke Youth Symphony around 1965. Not receiving a birthday card was a big red flag. Hoping not to find an obituary, I searched for one and found this on May1, 2025. I would love to connect with his maternal cousins. I can be found on Facebook. I´m devastated at losing a friend since junior high days. He wrote long, captivating letters about his time in Welch and his opera travels. What a good man the world has lost.

Sue Burgess
Nags Head, NC

Many years ago I corresponded with John, a distant cousin, as we were both descended from John Greer, Patriot, from Valley of the Cowpasture, VA. I am sorry not to have gotten to know him. I live in Huntington, West Virginia.

I can't remember the first time I met John, but his love for opera and his exuberant personality have always lead to delightful conversations whenever I met him at Washington Concert Opera or Wolf Trap Opera events. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, and we will miss him.

John has been a neighbor since I moved into our Ontario Rd home over 25 years ago. He was a fine neighbor and friend. I miss him and I'm grateful to have had him in my life

I first remember John from the 7th Grade at Breckenridge Junior High School in Roanoke, VA. We were both "straight A students," we were both in the band, and we were both "only children." Sadly, I don't think I have been in touch with John since his father passed away in 1969 after we had each completed our freshman year at our respective colleges. I am sorry to hear of his passing. He was so smart that he was almost brilliant. He also was truly a good guy. Rest in peace, John. Much love forever. Cathy Brizendine Hathcox, September 6, 2024.

We shared many a wonderful evenings with John which included delightful dinners and many evenings at the Kennedy Center. He also came over to our home when his Mom died. He was provided comfort and support.

I remember talking on the phone with John about all his opera travels. He was so passionate! It was a treat to feature him in Opera America Magazine in 2020. The opera world was lucky to have such an ardent fan. He will be greatly missed.

I met John many years ago, when he broke his leg. I would drive him and pick him up everyday. I learned of his love of opera, his life in WVA, his work. After he healed I drove John countless times to the airport for another opera adventure. Maybe it was Dallas, maybe Atlanta Maybe Iowa. He always brought a opera booklet back for me to read. I will miss you John. R.I.P. and hopefully you get a cell phone at your next stop...just saying

John was a wonderful and good friend. He was loved by everyone who ever met him. I knew John mostly as another person actively involved in the Georgetown Gilbert and Sullivan Society. John always had a smile on his face and was good down to his very soul. I miss you, John. I will never ever forget you!!! Godspeed, my friend!!

John---one of the cornerstones on which the Georgetown Gilbert and Sullivan groups was built. He teamed with Loren Platzman to deliver two-piano arrangements of several shows, with the overtures being a highlight. But most of all, John was a selfless, generous caring freind to all, always.

John was a lover of the vocal arts, fine singers and a devoted subscriber to Vocal Arts DC for many years. And it was noticed that he was not in attendance at our final 2024 recital in the Terrace Theater this past late spring. We tried to contact him to no avail. John will be missed.