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John Vincent Kuzma
1951 - 2011
John Vincent Kuzma
1951 - 2011
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1951
DIED
2011
John Kuzma Obituary
John Vincent Kuzma passed away in his home in Yardley, PA on Friday, July 1, 2011.
He was born in Philadelphia on March 5, 1951.
John was a soulful musician with a gentle spirit.
The love of John's life is his son, Evan, whom he is survived by, along with Jeanne Cuthrell, the Cuthrell family, and his many adoring friends.
Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, from 6:00 until 7:00 pm at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, where his Memorial Service will be held
Elizabeth Cuthrell
August 4, 2024
Thinking of you today dear John. You´re always in my heart.
Rob McCreary
July 1, 2024
Loved this guy. He was one of the first people to thank me for lighting the stage at one of his shows (John Kuzma & the Heartbeats). John was always gracious, straightforward, approachable, and giving. He liked the fact that I was a Levittown kid (Indian Creek), and how much I enjoyed music and wanted to compliment the band with my lighting. He always gave me honest feedback and he did it with empathy. He was a firecracker (Dave Uosikkinen called him a rocketship!) and it was contagious-just like his passion for music and making friends. I really miss you my friend and you will always be in my heart John. Love, Rob McCreary
Cyndy Drue
July 1, 2024
John's song "On a Night Like This" was the first song I ever played on Street Beat on WMMR in February 1986. I announced on the air that this was an example of what you will hear on this show - new, original music by Philadelphia artists. The show lasted ten years, and I always loved showcasing his songs. One of the best songwriters I knew! I had him on as a guest when he was signed to Epic Records. A life cut short. I'm glad we have this Legacy board to remember. I would love to hear his son's songs!
Rob McCreary
June 30, 2022
Miss you greatly my friend. Your kindness, music, and love for life will always be infectious and remembered John. I am grateful to have known you and to have had the pleasure to work with you in lighting the stage for your wonderful music.
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Elizabeth Cuthrell
June 30, 2022
miss you every single day, dear John. evan just wrote a new song that blew me away and i thought how much you would love the song and how proud you'd be.
July 1, 2020
It's been nine years and I'm thinking of of you my dear friend and band mate. Bobbi and I send love and prayers. Your music plays on here and we miss you so much.
Dan DeSouza
Rob McCreary
July 1, 2019
Just thinking about you my friend. Greatly missed. Your music and inspiration touched many people John. And for that we are forever grateful. Listening to your magic as I write this. Love ya, Rob McCreary
David Ickes
June 30, 2019
As I was behind the bar at Dobbs, I saw both sides of a lot of people. John was always respectful and a gentleman. He's missed.
Rose McKeown-Almoney
June 5, 2018
John I think about often, you were the kindest person I had ever met. Your heart and soul were beautiful, that's what I loved about you and always remember about you. I love you Friend.
Sandra
September 21, 2016
thanks to the creator who gave u & took u away, for you made this world a better place. Please play for my loved ones up there while we're stuck down here...until then...
September 21, 2016
Hi...I've never met nor heard you, personally, but the impression you left on many speaks loudly. I have no doubt that you made the world a better place. Please play and sing with my loved ones up there while we're still down here, and I WILL MEET U WHEN I GET THERE...
santana
July 11, 2016
Dear John, I think about you so often, and am always reminded of your sensitivity, brilliance, and kindness when I look at your son's face. Evan is so like you. He is a discriminating, focused artist, who follows his heart. I trust in some way you are around him, guiding him. He is special and gifted. I miss you John. You were an enormous part of my life, and you still live on in my heart. Beth Cuthrell
Elizabeth Cuthrell
July 11, 2016
Dear John, I think about you so often, and am always reminded of your sensitivity, brilliance, and kindness when I look at your son's face. Evan is so like you. He is a discriminating, focused artist, who follows his heart. I trust in some way you are around him, guiding him. He is special and gifted. I miss you John. You were an enormous part of my life, and you still live on in my heart. Beth Cuthrell
July 11, 2016
Hi John,
Just wanted you to know that I think about you often, especially when I get an opportunity to see some great music (like David O's 'In the Pocket"). It's been 5 years, and I want you to know that you will never be forgotten. You will always stay in my memory and heart, along with many, many other folks I am sure.
Love ya brother...
-Rob McCreary
July 9, 2016
We tooled around back in the early 70's before I landed in California with the Goodman bros AND Chumbi!Iwas only 16 but lied about the age~
anyonomous
June 14, 2015
4 years since my friend has passed. Still think of you often. John you had a way of just allowing someone to love you for the great guy that you were. To say you missed your mark in life would be totally wrong. God made you a good man and mapped out your life exactly as it went. You touched alot of people John. You might not of realized that when you were here but you do now. Not many a men leave a mark like you did here on earth. You leave behind better people to in return bestow your ways among others. That will go for eternity.Not just in your music but your humanity. You hit the mark dead center, strait shooter aim is true, may god award a place for you. I will see you in memories until my time has come to head home. Please be one of the loved ones to greet me and make me feel at home John. Goodnight and Thank you
Still A. Fan
February 8, 2013
Still missed,and loved.Your playing continues to inspire and encourage me onward.
Goodbye Old Friend ....
Mary Lynne Heller
July 31, 2012
Mark Huckel
February 26, 2012
A loving soul who is truly missed. Woods & you together again.....
Kathy Martin Henkel
December 30, 2011
...Thinking of John...all those many years ago....all that love,laughter, and excitement of our 20s and 30s still sings in my heart....love to Jeanne and Evan as this year closes.
K. F.
September 20, 2011
I remember first seeing John with the Hooters when they played Grendal's Lair on south st.on monday nights and the place was PACKED! MONDAY NIGHTS!! John and Daves playing really stood out to me.Even after that first line up fell apart I continued to follow John with John Doe and then with The Heartbeats.Last I heard (many moons ago) he was
living in Hawaii.Since you've been gone and Drop your eyes were standout songs to me and it wasn't till today that I found them on Youtube with the very sad news of his passing. There has only been a few times in my life that I've witnessed great local players that left a lasting impression on me.
I will never forget that magic.Thank you so very much John.You are missed.
David Uosikkinen
July 15, 2011
John was a brother to me. There was a period in our lives when we were inseparable. He taught me so much about music and how play it. He had a kind heart and he was a generous soul. John was one of the funniest friends I ever had and that's saying something. My favorite times with John were the rides home after gigs, the long ones. We listened and talked about everything. There was no one in my life like John, ever. Always felt like he had my back, even when he wasn't around. I'm going miss him terribly. My heart-felt sadness goes to Evan, he's so much like the best of his dad. And Jeanie, the one he never ever stopped loving.
Betsy Berlin
July 13, 2011
John, I always believed you should have been part of that big ride, with the big bucks, the big fun, and the tours across the country and even the world. You helped establish and put the entity on the map, in a bigger way than you ever got credit for. I had always hoped to see you again, someday. Rock on, your own way, and say Hi to Bobby for me, please!
Skip Decker
July 12, 2011
To John... thank you for the years of service to me and my company(Decker Wallcovering).You were as gifted with your paint brush as you were with a guitar.I'll remember you always and the laughter we shared.I hope you never have to pick up a paint brush in Heaven and your time there is filled with your love of music! R.I.P.
Susan Tregea-Tomlinson
July 12, 2011
I've always thought about the day I skipped school so I could sit around his room with all the others and listen to him play. I sat back in anonimity not knowding that many year's later we would meet again. He didn't remember me ofcourse, but he made up for that by being one of my dearest friends. We ofter argued over many different topic's ,but would alway laught it off. Two week's ago he was at my house and he gave me a big hug. I didn't know it would be the last. I know your in a better place and I know we will meet again. I wish I held on longer when you hugged me. So I hugged Evin even harder. See you again Love Always, Susan Tregea Tomlinson
Steve Amoroso
July 9, 2011
John was an enormous talent and a kind human being, he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. It was a privilege to have known such a great spirit, he is an eternal light...
Dan DeSouza
July 9, 2011
Although it's been over thirty years since I last played with John, barely a day goes by when I don't find myself humming one of his songs, whether it be "Something In The Night", "Don't Look Back" or "Drop Your Eyes", among others. When he first asked me if I would be interested in playing in his band Modesty Blaise, I recall blurting "yes" before he could even finish the sentence...he was already a local legend by then. Consequently, we played hundreds of shows together over the course of seven years and several other bands, including The Torpedoes and Hot Property. His musicianship and songwriting skills -sublime. His intelligence, wit and friendship -cherished.
There was an almost cinematic quality in the way John moved. He could make the most mundane activities seem strangely profound - stirring some sugar into a cup of coffee or the careful placement of a scarf around the neck. They all seemed somehow choreographed, almost as if some unseen director had just yelled "action!" and John was now hitting his marks for the camera. Most remarkable of all, it always appeared completely natural. It was simply the way John was built. His athleticism was startling, no doubt the consequence of having been a star gymnast when he was a teenager. I was always struck by his arms - they practically looked sculpted from stone. And when those arms held a guitar, it became the perfect fusion of a man and his instrument. Here was someone who was born to play and sing - it couldn't be more simple than that.
So what are we to do now, the ones left behind by John's much too soon departure? How can we cope with such a devastating loss? I believe our collective memories of him will remain vividly etched in our hearts and our souls. We have his musical legacy - which now lives on in Evan. I know It is that final thought that provides me with some measure of comfort to my own grief. The assured knowledge that John Kuzma will never be forgotten.
Bobbi, Jake and I send our deepest condolences and prayers to Evan, Jeanne and the Cuthrell family.
elizabeth cuthrell
July 8, 2011
Jean and Evan and the Cuthrell family thank you all so much for taking the time to write your thoughts and memories
about John on these pages. Losing John is an impossible loss, and reading how he affected your lives is deeply gratifying.
We all shared the great good luck of knowing John's love, and talent. Bless. Elizabeth (Beth) Cuthrell
elizabeth cuthrell
July 8, 2011
Jean and Evan and the Cuthrell family thank you all so much for taking the time to write your thoughts and memories
about John on these pages. Losing John is an impossible loss, and reading how he affected your lives is deeply gratifying.
We all shared the great good luck of knowing John's love, and talent. Bless. Elizabeth
John Sabol
July 8, 2011
At the memorial for John Vincent Kuzma, the line to greet the family stretched around 3 walls of the building. A display board with many photographs as well as a slide show tracing the many musical journeys John had traveled faced the crowd.
It was so nice to see and hear John's son, Evan speak about his love for his father, and private emails John had sent lovingly to his wife, Jeanne. Dave Uosikkinen delivered one of the most moving eulogies I have ever heard, throwing his notes down and speaking from his heart. Two other members of the Hooters Eric Bazilian and Rob Hyman sat with David before he spoke. Exiting the building was a veritable who's who of the Philadelphia music scene, accompanied by many childhood friends, fans, neighbors and co-workers from every walk of life. The word most often used to describe John was "charismatic", with close seconds a gifted musician, writer, athlete, and loving human being.
Knowing John for so many years, this memorial put my mind and heart at ease.
Thank You All
Joe D'Angelo
July 8, 2011
I played with Johnny many nights with Danny "Rio" DeGennaro and Jody Giambelluca at Cappellini's in early 2000 & 2001. John was a superb guitarist, singer and human being. One of the most humble musicians I've ever met...a genuine "nice guy"...I just really liked him. Hadn't seen him in years, but I always thought of him from time to time. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. I will miss him. R.I.P. Johnny...ROCK ON, BRO...ROCK ON...
Nancy
July 8, 2011
I did not know John other than his playing with the Hooters. I have always said that John was the best guitar player they ever had and he wrote some other their best songs. My condolences to his family and friends.
July 7, 2011
John , your memory shall live on through your
son and all your family and extended family of
friends....you were a unique human being and
a gentle soul ....Shelle Shive
Tracy C Shawn
July 7, 2011
RIP John. My condolences to his family. He was a great person and a talented musician.
Nancy
July 7, 2011
To Jeannie, Evan and Family, It has been over 30 years since I last saw John or Jeannie and I am so still so saddened by the news. We all know what a talented musician John was, but what I remember the most about John is how much he loved Jeannie and could not wait until she came home from Hawaii. I am happy to find they have a son who will carry on his memory. I am so sorry for your family’s great loss. My prayers are with you all.
Christine Besack
July 7, 2011
A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence. ~Leopold Stokowski
Through the music you touched so many, and you will always be remembered for that. Condolences from the Stepenaskie/Besack Family
David Ickes
July 7, 2011
Always a gentleman and always a smile. You were well liked and respected. Condolences to you family.
Paul Kurrey
July 7, 2011
Looks like the Heartbeats will be making some music...Bobby is ready for you RIP one of the finest musicians around
Stacy P
July 7, 2011
My deepest condolences to John's son, family and friends. I met John and worked with him at the Del Val Advance newspaper company back in the late 70's. Also had the opportunity to hear him play when he was with Hot Property and then The Hooters. He was a kind hearted and caring person. It was a pleasure to know him.
David Roberts
July 7, 2011
Rest easy, John. Thank you for being my friend. I will miss your talent and your humble grace.
J.R. STANTON
July 7, 2011
Deeply saddened to hear the news of John’s passing . John was a talented songwriter. I first met him when he was in the Hooters. When he went solo, it was a privilege to work with him when he was signed to Golden Guru Entertainment RIP John , God Speed
Turk McFadden
July 7, 2011
God speed John to a peaceful resting place. Bobby is waiting for you! Lv, T
Len Allen
July 7, 2011
Rest in peace.... your were a great person who touched many lives with your music and kindness. My condolences to all your family and friends....
July 7, 2011
John was one of the finest guitarist and artist of this generation. He always had a smile on his face and a childlike laugh. i will miss him and his friendship. May GOD watch over John Vincent Kuzma.
John Austin Mulhern
Linda Leferovich Gaun
July 7, 2011
I haven't seen John for many many years before he moved back to care for his mom. When she was in the nursing home I would visit with her every other month. She loved to talk about the old days and John & Evan. Boy did that women have a memory. They lived right behind my house growing up, in fact my dad lived there until about 5 years ago.
My memories of John where thru our childhood & teen years. His mom was always taking a gang of us from Green Lynne to places like the Worlds Fair in NY, on hayrides, etc. She also hosted many many pools parties. I loved when John would do handstands and hold it for ever. He was an awesome gymnist. Don't know if his adult friends knew that about him. He had a gymnist physique. Also when we were in our teens, John was part of our group from Green Lynn, those of us who had basements took turns having a party where we danced and played spin the bottle. Anyone know what spin the bottle is? We were good kids, the worse thing only some of us did was smoke cigarettes. Those where the days of innocence. Thank the Lord I gave that habit up in my 20's.
Lynnie Hoffman
July 7, 2011
John, you were one of the nicest and most talented performer. You will be be missed by all and by me. You werevalways so friendly and kind to me. I will never forget you! My condolences go out to your son and family.
July 7, 2011
What a wonderful human being. The world is just a bit darker without him.
Eric Davis, Santa Fe, NM
Debbie Strycharski
July 7, 2011
Dear John, for the last five years we've lived next door to each other, looked out for each other and helped each other out. You were a true friend from the beginning to Bruce, and I and also our five dogs. You were so humble that I am learning a lot about you from your many friends who have posted on this site. Bruce and I are grateful for the short time we knew you and wish you well on your journey. I have looked up at your window every time I let the dogs out in the yard for the past five years and now I cannot believe when I look up it is dark. The dogs are missing you too - Tony, Abigail, Humphrey, Harry and Blue.
Bill Cummiskey
July 7, 2011
Rest in peace my friend. You have touched many people and will always remain a bright light in our memories.
Karen Brown
July 7, 2011
You will forever live in our hearts. We will miss you and think of you each day.
Janice Bergin
July 7, 2011
John will be truly missed. He's touched many of us with his music and gentle soul. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Memories will live in our hearts forever.....
James Immordino
July 6, 2011
John Was One Of Best Guitarits and Persons That I've Known~~~~~ Peace To All Who Loved Him !!!!
Sean OConnor
July 6, 2011
Your spirit continues like your music.
Rest in peace John
July 6, 2011
John..YOU WILL BE MISSED
The Seamstress for the Band
July 6, 2011
Rock on John - You were one of a kind and will be missed.
ellen cuthrell
July 6, 2011
Dear John,
We will miss you so much. It is overwhelming to feel the outpouring of love from your family and friends. It has been a long week since we've gotten the difficult news of your passing, and Elizabeth and I have spent every moment making everything as good as we can for Evan. We know that would make you so happy. I wish you would have come to dinner so I could have cared for you more. xoxoxo. We love you.
Chelsea Flor
July 6, 2011
May your spirit soar and find the Music of the Spheres. We will be listening.
Debbie & Bruce Strycharski
July 6, 2011
John was our next door neighbor for the past five years. He was the most humble person I've ever met. I knew he played guitar and sang because we could hear him in our yard. Bruce and I knew him for two years before he ever mentioned his Hooters days to us. John was always kind and very easy to talk to about anything, he was also a great listener. We touched base every day - John, Mark, Bruce and myself. We looked after each other and helped each other out and sometimes just made sure everyone was OK.
John, I still look up at your window five times a day when I let my dogs out in the yard.
I can't believe the lights are off.
Now it's up to you to watch after us.
Love always, Debbie, Bruce and of course our dogs: Tony, Abigail, Humphrey, Harry and Blue.
Jack Harper
July 6, 2011
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.
Stephen J Burke
July 6, 2011
To John's Family, My deepest condolences, all John's many friends will sorely miss our brother and compatriot. John was a talented man with a great gift for music; he had a big smile and a big heart. Thanks for everything John.
Heavenly Father, please grant John rest and peace.
Stephen J Burke
Roger Williams
July 6, 2011
Although I haden't seen you in many years, I'll never forget how friendly you were to a young musician like I was in the early seventies. Talented and engaging, played like Mick Ronson on that mirror-decorated black Les Paul, loved listening to Merry Rice and the Hooters back then... to say you will be missed is an understatement. God bless you.
Rob McCreary
July 6, 2011
Hi John,
I know you can hear me and the rest of those whose lives you touched in such a special way. You made me feel like I was 'part of the crowd' when I did one of my first lighting gigs. Scared and lacking just a bit of confidence, you let me know that it was 'alright' and to put my energy and passion into my work - like you did. I'll never forget that, and I'll miss you but I still have the memories and music that makes us all very happy. Thanks for your gift John. Love ya.
Cyndy Drue
July 6, 2011
So sorry to hear the news. John was a wonderful songwriter. I met him when he was in the Hooters. When he went solo, he was a guest on my radio show Street Beat on WMMR. I always believed in him. My condolences to his son, family and friends.
Donna Plunkett
July 6, 2011
I offer my condolences to the family and friends of John. He was a very special and sweet person. I will always remember and miss him and May He Rest In Peace.
Diane Rosen
July 6, 2011
John was another person taken from us too soon. I loved your music and will listen to it forever. Rest in Peace.
Mitch Schecter
July 6, 2011
John was a huge talent....he will be missed.
Michael Hughes
July 6, 2011
I had the chance to reconnect with John over the last few years. Knew him first as fellow trumpet player at Ben Franklin and later as the great guitar player and singer he became. Recently able to spend time talking as he worked on a house in Bristol. Wish we could have made the music we talked about. Aloha my friend.
MaryLynne Heller
July 6, 2011
I met John in high school. I was running for a bus...He was running across the street to his house. "What was the name of your band?" I yelled from the bus loading area... That was in 1969.
He was an amazing performer, a kind, engaging friend.... And he loved his Mom.(unquestionably his biggest fan). I'm sure that where ever he's gone, she will be there with her sign and welcoming party...
My sincere condolances to the family and friends who will certainly be missing him.
Rose McKeown
July 6, 2011
I love you John, I will miss you. Thanx for the beautiful music, your great SMILE,and your KIND HEART.
Steve Feuerstein
July 6, 2011
John was an inspiration for most of the budding musicians in Levittown in the late '60s and onward. He will be missed by many. A unique and gifted man, indeed.
Joe Marchione
July 6, 2011
I wasn't part of John's inner circle of friends, in fact I hadn't seen him in years but he made a huge impression on me and I just wanted, like so many others, to let you know how much he will be missed. he was the best of us.
Kevin Kirwan
July 6, 2011
John, you were admired and loved by many. You have left behind a legacy that I promise you will endure long after we all join you. Susan, myself and my kids (who you were so helpful with in February) are truly heartbroken over our loss. Rest peacefully my friend.
Sara MacDonald
July 6, 2011
I am so saddened to hear about John. I was a huge Hooters fan in the early days and especially loved John as a performer. Such charisma and talent. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
clifford nelson
July 6, 2011
John,I will carry our friendship with me forever.You are one of the few who knows me interally.I will always love you for being a true friend.
George Manney
July 6, 2011
RIP dear brother.
Play on.
Bobby Fisher
July 6, 2011
Goodbye for now my dear friend. Your music and talent touched my heart and will always be with me. Your Friend, Bobby Fisher.
Bob Settelen
July 6, 2011
John,
Thank you for 35 plus years of friendship and music. It was a pleasure to be in the shine of your musical spirit. Rest in Peace my friend,Rest in Peace.....
Kathy Sandy
July 6, 2011
I remember John well and it makes me sad he's gone. He and my brother Harry both played trumpet in the bands at Franklin and Wilson, often in adjacent positions; I was in percussion. I also remember John as a very good gymnast.
Jan & Dan Carapella
July 6, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Steve Shive
July 6, 2011
John, Shelle and I will miss you...glad we were able to see you at Danny's event. So glad you were part of our lives. Evan, we loved your father, if you ever need anything please contact us. We mean that sincerely...your Dad was a very special person and he meant alot to not only us, but to alot of people. It's the least I can do for my friend.
-Love Steve, Shelle, Brooke and Ryan Shive
Jay Davidson
July 5, 2011
I've been missing you for years John.... I hope to play with you at the next jam.....
Deborah Sipple
July 5, 2011
Although I hadn't seen John for many many years, his memory always stayed with me. He was charismatic, unique and gifted, and someone you didn't forget. I was truly saddened to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences and prayers for healing to his family.
lindenmuth
July 5, 2011
May your soul for every touch the lives of the people that new you, God Bless, your music will forever live with us
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2200 Trenton Rd., Levittown, PA 19056-1421
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