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John I. Gregurich

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John Gregurich Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Feb. 20 to Feb. 22, 2002.

GREGURICH
JOHN I.
Of Scott Twp. on Saturday, February 16, 2002; son of the late John and Catherine (Pavlakovic) Gregurich; survived by a extra special companion, confidant and business associate Violet J. Ruparcich. John was the owner and operator of the Greyko Record Co., graduate of Duquesne University where he was also a member of the famed Tamburitzans, Veteran of the US Airforce, member of C.F.U. Lodge #248, KSKJ Lodge #50. Friends received at the WALTER J. ZALEWSKI FUNERAL HOME, 216 44th St., Lawrenceville Thursday 3-8pm, Friday 1-8pm. Funeral Mass in SS. Simon & Jude Church on Saturday at 12 Noon. Memorial contributions may be made to The Tamburitza Assoc. of America c/o Pat Muick, 2420 Lemp Ave., St. Louis, MO 63104 or The Ethnic Radio Program Songs and Melodies of Slovenia, WEDO 810AM, 1516 Greentree Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15220
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Recent Activity

March 1, 2002

Rev. Edward J. Kunco posted to the memorial.

March 1, 2002

Catherine (Cathy Gornik) and husband, David Dolfi posted to the memorial.

February 24, 2002

Thomas and Catherine Kisak posted to the memorial.

9 Entries

Rev. Edward J. Kunco

March 1, 2002

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.

Catherine (Cathy Gornik) and husband, David Dolfi

March 1, 2002

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.

Thomas and Catherine Kisak

February 24, 2002

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.

Caroline (Puskarich)Bahr

February 23, 2002

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.

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Darlene Fejka

February 23, 2002

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.

Peter Kucan

February 22, 2002

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

Chuck Lentz

February 21, 2002

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.

Bernard Luketich

February 21, 2002

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

Tom Filip

February 21, 2002

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

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