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JOHN SLATE Obituary
Of Charleston, SC, jazz saxophonist and educator, died suddenly June 27, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Elizabeth Howard Slate, daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Paul Jones of Richmond, VA, son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Kristy Slate, grandchildren, Kendall Alexandra and Stephen John of Pittsburgh, PA, and sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Gene Petty of Pittsburgh, PA. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Slate of Clairton, PA, and sister and brother-in-law, Audrey and Jake Burns of Munhall, PA. A memorial service will be held Friday, July 2, 2010, at one o'clock at J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL. John's family will receive friends during a reception following the service at the chapel. John was a gifted jazz saxophonist and touched countless lives through his performances, song arrangements, studio recordings, and perhaps more importantly, by educating future generations in music performance and appreciation. All those who met John were struck by his charisma, which shined through his music and quick wit. John grew up in Clairton, PA, graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA with a Bachelors of Music, and obtained a Masters Degree in Music Education from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA. He was a long-time educator in the West Jefferson Hills School District in Pittsburgh, PA and performed frequently in Pittsburgh with the Towne & Company ensemble. Upon relocating to Ithaca, NY, he energized the music community as an Adjunct Professor at Cornell University, directing, performing and recording with local musicians and directing the Ithaca Ageless Jazz Band. John most recently resided on James Island, entertaining and teaching until his sudden passing. The family request in lieu of flowers, and to continue John's passion for nurturing young musicians, donations in memory of John J. Slate, may be made to Berklee College of Music, 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215, or to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, 2700 Chestnut Street, Chester, PA 19013.
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DONALD BRENEMAN
June 25, 2020
It's funny that I think about Mr. Slate so often. And now that I'm older I realized he was an extremely pivotal and impactful person in my life both in my sense of humor and my love of music. I don't think he would've ever said that he was close to me except that I was a bass guitarist in middle school jazz - but I felt very close to him and obviously was enamored of his intelligence and talent. Most recently, I was talking about the fact that he gave me one of my first jazz albums and I still have it and it was quite overwhelming to hold that album and talk to my son about music and vinyl albums (my son now is in to record players and albums which is the trend). I know that John Slate was an amazing person and changed my life better and I think about him and honor his memory. I believe in fate and I know there must've been a reason that I was allowed to get to know him and have him in my life and I'm very thankful.
October 24, 2010
I work with my good friend and colleague Elizabeth and met John on two occasions during departmental social functions. On our brief conversations, I was able to note John's warm heart and interest on the well being of others. It was not difficult to ascertain that my brief observations were accurate as I listened to the testimonials spoken by those who knew him well during the beautiful funeral service. I firmly believe, his untimely passing is a loss not only to his family but also to humanity as the world is in dire need of people who care, love, and fill our hearts with music, art, poetry, literature and above all unconditional love. I believe John fits all. May his soul rest in peace forever.
Anbesaw Selassie
Charleston, SC
Naomi Dushay
October 9, 2010
I played in the Ithaca Ageless Jazz Band with John. I couldn't swing to save my life, and eventually started private lessons with John. I had hoped to have a few lessons on the band's charts, to learn how to swing so i would blend in. My first lesson went like this:
me: (verbal bleat bleat bleat)
JS: "Sit down."
me: (bleat bleat bleat)
JS: "Shut up."
me: (bleat bleat bleat)
JS: "Shut up."
me: (bleat bleat bleat)
JS: "Shut up. Play a C Major scale."
(JS playing the piano).
Thus we embarked on our strange and wonderful journey.
I used to listen to John play whenever I could. Once it was at a fancy restaurant in the middle of nowhere between Ithaca and Syracuse, with my Dad. All of a sudden, I realized John was playing "Song for My Father." He did stuff like that all the time.
"Let's put on our glasses and not make spectacles of ourselves."
John touched me deeply, both musically and personally. I have been blown away, over and over again, by how he chose to walk in the world despite adversity.
I was lucky to have met John, to hear him play, to have studied with him, to have made music with him, and to just be in his orbit for a while. I will treasure all of that as I mourn.
I believe I will carry John in my heart for the rest of my life. I'm not surprised many of his students feel the same way.
Sarah Beth Blevins
August 26, 2010
Mr. Slate was an amazing musician! I am so sorry for your loss. He played at our wedding reception 3 years ago. We would go back to Charleston just to listen to him play every year. I always tell everyone that he is my favorite saxophonist.
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Don Breneman
July 21, 2010
John Slate was a tremendous influence to me both musically and personally. I have laughed with my sister, Cathy, about my fond memories of Mr. Slate. I think about him often and even had a ipod playlist "John Slate" with songs that he had burned in my mind. These songs spoke to me just in the same way that I knew that Mr. Slate felt the music and the way he imparted it to me. My bass is still in my hands everyday to this day as a result of John Slate and always will be. I'm embarrassed to note that I didn't have further contact with him - but I will miss him just the same.
John Slate was as real as it gets - the epitome of jazz to very soul. Legendary to me.
Steve Compos
July 11, 2010
Music saves lives, and if it weren't for John Slate I might well have not survived to write this. He helped me navigate early adulthood with patience, courage, fortitude, and most of all music.
Elizabeth, my thoughts and prayers are with you and both families.
Jim Brandt
July 10, 2010
Truly saddened to hear of his passing. It's hard to think back about the man without getting a smile on your face. Jokes so awful they were good; I remember several to this day. And always the patience to put up with us students without a shred of musical talent.
My condolences to Liz and the entire family. His gift will continue on in others.
Kari-Anne Innes
July 9, 2010
My deepest condolences. Mr. Slate was a great inspiration to me and will always remain so. As I have had the opportunity to work with kids in the arts, I remember and hold myself to his standards, his passion,and his respect for all ages and abilities. He will be missed.
July 9, 2010
Liz, My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. J Slate was a great musician and teacher to me for many years. My memories of him will always be those times that we played jazz together and laughed often. Sincerely, Vince Trocheck
Doug Natelson
July 9, 2010
To Mr. Slate's family, please accept my condolences. He was a great educator - it really says something that my classmates and I remember him so strongly 25 years after playing in band for him.
Gregory Balas
July 9, 2010
To Elizabeth and family. I was so sorry to hear about John's passing. Words cannot express how much I feel that I owe to him, not only musically, but also personally. He was a very special person. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Nichole Radulovich
July 9, 2010
To Mr. Slate's Family: Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I was one of the many students inspired by his amazing talent and often entertained not only by his music but by his gift of humor. He was hilarious! He is now with a band of angels! Memory Eternal.
Cathy (Witters) Stewart
July 9, 2010
I'm deeply saddened by the news of JS's passing. He was a huge influence on my music career. A one of a kind teacher that always treated us like professional musicians, even as kids. I can only hope to teach as well as he did. Liz, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Kelly (Miller) Pratt
July 8, 2010
Mr. Slate was such a kind educator, helping students to grow to love and appreciate music and their own talent. My time under his tutelage at PHMS was a wonderful memory for me. While I never was a gifted musician, Mr. Slate made me feel like a valuable part of the band! I'm so sorry for your loss.
Thomas Killian
July 7, 2010
I miss you John. It was my great privelage an honor to drums with you.
Alex Tsoi
July 7, 2010
Dear Elizabeth,
I am very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Steven London
July 6, 2010
Dear Elizabeth
Lucille and I were out of town last week and were so saddened to hear of John’s passing. John had a gift for music that others could only hope for. He gave so much to those who enjoyed his music and to those he taught. We know there is nothing more we can say beyond our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Len Lehman
July 6, 2010
John and I grew up together in the Wilson section of Clairton and were classmates in Clairton from Short Street Elementary, Walnut Jr. High and Clairton Sr. High, graduating in 1963. I still live in Wilson and frequently remember our experiences in the Clairton Band under Benny Benack. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers.
Len Lehman
The Bulson Family
July 5, 2010
Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers.
Joe Mizikar
July 2, 2010
Liz and family; sorry to hear of John's passing. J Slate was a friend and mentor from many years ago at TJ. I had the opportunity to experience John's teaching in learning how to play the sax. John taught me Jazz and how to improvise; I gained a new appreciation for Jazz musicians. I also had the opportunity to play a few rounds of golf in the early 80s. One memory of playing the sax that I have is sitting in the music office at PHMS, John lighting up a cigarette, smokey as hell, all of jamming together and John getting a big smile on his face. J Slate you taught me the value of hardwork and to be the best at any endeavor I pursued. Thanks again for the memories... God Bless.
July 2, 2010
Dear Elizabeth - Al and I were so sorry to hear of your loss. We wanted you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. - Deborah Dawson (Iowa City, IA)
John Beach
July 2, 2010
To John Slate's Family: I will always remember attending John's performances at Cornell University and throughout the Ithaca area. But mostly, I will remember John for his patience, understanding and humour during the year I took tenor sax lessons from him. I will always remember him through his music and intend on featuring some of his recordings during my jazz show "Miles Ahead" this Sunday afternoon on WVBR fm in Ithaca. My heart goes ouot to you. John Beach (Ithaca, NY)
July 1, 2010
Liz, my sincere condolences. John was a unique and gifted musician and individual. He will be missed by many. Take care, Blane Allan Pittsburgh, PA
Dave Greenspoon
July 1, 2010
Elizabeth,
I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was an inspiration and a great friend to all of us "weekend" musicians. I will always cherish memories of our gigs together down in Aruba. My thoughts are with you. Take good care.
David Carlson
July 1, 2010
Elizabeth, John was such an inspiration to all that knew and played gigs with him. I will treasure his friendship!
Raymond DeFade
July 1, 2010
Elizabeth, Cheryl and Scott:
It is with great sadness that I offer my condolences at John's passing. I will never forget the times we shared as educators, musicians and sometimes comedians. My time at TJ was enhanced by our close friendship. I pray for God's peace and grace during this time of loss.
Cathy Rowland
July 1, 2010
John was a wonderful Instructor to my daughter Heather the last 7 yrs. She and I both admired and respected him. He brought out the best in her musically and was a supportive friend to both of us as well. I have a wonderful email from John asking about Heathers senior thesis last month. She was planning to stop and see him before leaving for college. Our deepest sympathy goes to Elizabeth and his son and daughter - he spoke so lovingly of all of you
Cathy Rowland & Heather Rowland (SOA 2010)
Fred Hiscock
July 1, 2010
So sad to hear about my good friend John's passing. I remember his smile and all the fun we had playing golf together so many, many times. We had so much in common and I had just sent him some photo's and reconnected with him a few months ago. I just can't believe I'll never see him again.
Tim DeRouen
July 1, 2010
Elizabeth,
I am so sorry to hear of John's sudden passing. I enjoyed meeting and talking with him, and I especially enjoyed listening to the smooth jazz he played at one of Charleston's premier restaurants. My thoughts are with you.
Benjamin Nicholas
July 1, 2010
John Slate taught me how to play the saxophone. He was one of the most important teachers I've had during my life. He challenged me, made me laugh. I can attribute my life's devotion to the arts to this man in particular. John was the initial mentor. I'll forever remember his smile.
Bill Balas
July 1, 2010
John was such an amazing musician and an even more amazing person. He surely did touch many lives as an educator, mine included. I will always remember his infectous smile and his endless supply of usually stupid jokes. My deepest sympathies to John's family.
Melissa Mastin
July 1, 2010
To Mr. Slate's family: I'm truly sorry for your loss. I was one of the many students who were lucky to have him as a band/music teacher at West Jefferson Hills School District. He made learning/playing music fun and constantly had us laughing. Because of him, I went on to play in high school and college bands and want you to know he was truly an inspiration. I feel lucky to have known him. Sincerely, Melissa (student of Mr. Slate's)
Barbara Tilley
July 1, 2010
Elizabeth,
I have such fond memories of John. First and foremost, he was such a warm, friendly, and kind person. He was always expressing concern about how I was doing, even when he was having his own health problems. I also remember him as such an exceptional musician. The evening you and I and the wife of a fellow musician went to the Italien restaurant and the evenign when we went to the Citadel to hear him were my favorite times. I was able to hear him for an evening instead of just for a brief interlude. I still listen frequently to the CD you gave me. I wish I could be there tomorrow, but I must be at a funeral service early on Saturday for one of the faculty members in my Division. I hope to be able to see you soon. Please call me at any time if I can be of any help or comfort.
Barbara
Kerry Pauldine
July 1, 2010
Mr. Slate - you were a great friend to my husband and such a wonderful person to know. We will miss you so much.
Elizabeth and John's family - please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Much love,
Kerry Pauldine
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