Henry Uribe Obituary

Henry "Hank" Uribe
Jan.3, 1934-Feb.28, 2011
Resident of San Jose
Henry "Hank" Uribe, 77, of San Jose, Ca died peacefully on Feb 28th, 2011. Born Jan 3, 1934 in San Diego, Ca. He was preceded in death by parents Louisa and Raul, brothers Ernie, Rubin, and Rudy, and sisters Laura and Lupe. His family settled in SF in 1940. Hank was a graduate of Polytechnic High School in SF where, at 16 yrs, his talent as a jazz drummer began to flourish. He played numerous jazz gigs in the SF bay area during this time. After graduating he secured a job at Pacific Bell and continued to play the jazz circuit around SF when he was drafted into the army. He was given a 2 yr duty in Korea in the signal corp. Towards the war's end, his talent as a jazz drummer was recognized by the army and he was re-assigned to play in a jazz quartet to entertain overseas troops at USOs. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Pacific Bell where he stayed there with a commendable career working his way from the bottom of Pac. Bell's career ladder to a top engineering mgmt position where he retired after 30 yrs at the age of 49. This gave him time to focus on his successful career as a jazz drummer. He eventually settled in San Jose and married in 1961, and to his delight raised two joys of his life, Ann and David. His other joy was his grandchildren Kayla, Lauren, Jack, and Kate. Hank's musical career as a jazz drummer spanned over 60 yrs. His outstanding musical talent put him in demand by some of the most outstanding jazz musicians and vocalists on the American jazz scene. He backed up such stars as June Christy, Johnny Mathis, Vince Guaraldi, Red Norvo, The Brothers Four, Smith Dobson, Charlie Byrd, Billie Butterfield, Slim Gaillard, just to name a few. His was a caring, generous, dependable friend and father and will be greatly missed.
Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, March 5th, 2011 at 9:00 am at Queen of Apostles Church, 4911 Moorpark Ave in San Jose. The family asks that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association in lieu of flowers.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Mar. 4, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Henry Uribe

6 Entries

Phillip Aranda

March 12, 2011

Hank was a great friend. I knrw him as a fellow musician and as a woderful caring person. We were in close contact (email & phone) up to 3 months ago. Some physical problems kept me from staying in touch but now...it seems we are always late in letting others know how much we value them. I remember the first day I met Hank, I sat in with the Joe Davis trio. After I played a chorus Hank whispered (out loud),"The poor man's Stan Getz".

Phill Aranda

Ronald Uribe

March 10, 2011

My memories of Uncle Hank were always of genuine care and love for my Mon, Dad, brother & I. After my Dad died, Hank took care of my Mom in both practicle and spiritual issues. I treasured the moments He would "talk" jazz with my Dad & I. He was a great musician! He will be missed by all of us. Our prayers and God's Blessings go out to his family and friends.

March 7, 2011

Ann, David and Families,

May the memories you have of your dad carry you through the days ahead. You were such loving, helpful children and support to him. Take care of yourselves and remember the good times. Howard and Pam

March 5, 2011

I remember Hank in two ways. First, he was so caring & giving. He gave so much of his time to his friends and families. He would drive them to their Dr. appointments @ Stanford. He would take care of them & buy their medicines. He was one of a kind. Secondly, his musical sense put him as the top 3 in the bay-area! He spread joy on the bandstand and made the music sound even better. It was a pleasure to be with him on the bandstand and enjoy his talents. He can give many lessons wherever he goes. He will be sorely missed and our prayers to his family.

Victor Cortez, Santa Clara, CA

The Alberts Family

March 5, 2011

Hank was a caring man who we know cherished his family. We share grandchildren and he told of his love for them in e-mails that we exchanged. E-mailing this past year we saw a man who had a strong, quiet faith and had firm beliefs whether it was in politics or religion or whatever he was engaged in at the time. Hank and all his family are in our prayers.

Milton Uribe

March 4, 2011

All my memories of Uncle Hank are pleasant ones, even recent ones which involved his failing health. He was always like his musical persona-upbeat and full of life. He will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

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