John I. Gregurich

My Prayers and sympathies. I was very saddened to hear of John's passing. Many fond memories of playing the tamburitza under his tutelage. Unfortunately I was unable at the time to make an appearance at the funeral home or the church. I certainly would have been honored to con-celebrate the mass for him. My prayer for John and all who miss him.

I was deeply saddened to learn of John's passing. Our world has lost a very talented, caring and special person. I'm sure John is now in Heaven playing and singing with his friend, my Dad, Lou Gornik. May Jesus, The Divine Mercy give His comfort and peace to your hearts. I will always remember John as my friend who loved music! With deepest sympathy and special thoughts and prayers for all John's family, and especially to Violet.

Hearing of John's passing was a great shock. His great radiated smile and jovial disposition created a warmth that kept historical meetings memorable. Having the privelege of knowing and playing several times with John in his orchestra will always be special to me. His words of encouragement always left one with a great upbeat feeling. He gave of himself unselfishly, promoting and teaching to keep alive and to expand the tamburitza culture. All who had the privelege of his association will dearly miss him. May he rest in peace. We extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to Violet.

We were deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. I will always remember him for his ready smile and friendly manner. He was a giant of tamburitza culture in the Pittsburgh area. Our sincere condolences to Violet and all of John's family.

What a special man; what a life lived to its happiest and fullest. He delighted in making others laugh, and in making their hearts happy through the unselfish gift of his music -- the music he loved to play and sing; the music he was empassioned to write. I had the great fortune of being a member of the Pittsburgh Tamburitzans in the late 60's/early 70's. My parents (especially my late father) thought so much of John and Violet's tutelage that we traveled some 65 miles twice a week from Youngstown, Ohio to Lawrenceville to have the privilege of working with them. "Greyko" was not only a teacher, but an inspiration. Without uttering a word, his directing drew the deepest musical feelings from his tamburitza students, whether with intensely sweeping arms or by a mere nod and glance. He truly made you feel that every piece of music was important -- from the simplest tune like his beautiful "Tamburitza Waltz" to the most complex of orchestral giants like "Na Bunaru" -- because he made every student feel important. John Gregurich gave his heart to his music, and, from his heart he gave us his music -- "Od Srca." And, though mine is sad and heavy now, I will ever hold his memory there, and smile. Good bye, my friend. . . til we meet again . . . Z Bogom . . . Na Svidenje. . . and . . . Hvala.

We are truly saddened by the news that John has passed away. Our deepest sympathies to Violet and to everyone else who knew and loved him. John will be forever remembered as the smiling becar who loved our culture and perpetuated it with his musical presence in the Pittsburgh area. Thanks John, may you forever rest in peace.



Pete, Debbie and Alena Kucan

Ellwood City, PA

I knew John only by name, but I am aware of his many contributions

toward the perpetuation of Tamburitza music. I extend my condolences to Violet, his remaining family and many friends whom I am certain will miss him greatly.

We are saddened by the loss of a longtime personal friend with whom we shared many fond memories of early tamburitza associations. We will always remember him and his contributions to perpetuating our tambuuritza music. We will keep him in our prayers.



Bernard and Martha Luketich

Beautiful Memories of a friend and teacher. We will all miss you.