John Quara

John Quara, born on June 24, 1924, in the heart of New York, emerged as not just a musical maestro but a man with a rich tapestry of interests that colored the canvas of his long and fulfilling life. One signature item about his playing style fairly unique was his ability to play song melodies using entire chords, not just the single notes of the melodies. It made for intricate and complex yet very musical and enjoyable listening. He knew literally hundreds and hundreds of songs.
Growing up on 149th Street in the Bronx, alongside his siblings -- older brother Gene (who later changed the family name to Quara) and younger brother Peter, John's formative years were influenced by the rhythms of his Albanian heritage. (A sister was born in between Gene and John that died as an infant.) Gene died in 2007 and Peter died in 2008.
The Quartarola family faced financial challenges, and to make ends meet, mother Mary (nee Arrone), a resilient and resourceful woman, opened their home to boarders turning their residence into a haven for those seeking shelter in exchange for financial support.
Possibly residing near 3rd Avenue and the IRT line, with the 4 train subway and Lexington Avenue line in the background, the family embraced the pulse of the city. In the 1930s, they moved uptown, adding a new dimension to their urban journey.
John's early years were marked by a transformative event at the tender age of five when a boarder with a guitar introduced him to the scales including the C G and A7 chords. This encounter sparked a lifelong passion for music. By eight, John found himself on the Major Bowes radio show, showcasing his harmonica skills and winning hearts with Tom Mix cowboy songs. Despite the victory, a cake eluded him due to a logistical misunderstanding. He won a cake but his mother couldn't figure out a way to pick it up.
A diligent music student, John Quara delved into guitar studies with Lennie Tristano in the Queens in 1947. Later, in 1967, he honed his craft under the tutelage of Billy Bauer for two enriching years.
World War II became another chapter in John's life as he entertained soldiers in France and Germany between 1945 and 1946. Embarking New York on a cruise ship in April 1945, it was a 10-day trip to Europe. It took almost a month to travel further to France. During his journey the war with Germany came to an end. Remarkably, his 4F draft status, earned due to a boil on his rear end, underscored his unique wartime experience.
John Quara's musical journey led him to the Shep Fields Orchestra, performing on army bases and even being in France when the atomic bomb fell in August 1945. The post-war era saw him touring extensively with Shep Fields, gracing cities such as Cincinnati, Cleveland, Buffalo, Chicago, Boston, Montreal, Philadelphia, and more.
Despite the orchestra's eventual breakup in 1950, John continued his musical odyssey, collaborating with renowned musicians like Tito Puente, Al Caiola, George Barnes, and Johnny Smith. John played with on the Perry Como Chesterfield Super Club. His journey included a stint with Deems Stando in Las Vegas in 1951 where he took over for Joe Pass.
However, the whirlwind life of a touring musician took its toll, leading John down a dark path of alcohol and hard drugs. In a transformative moment, he and a friend decided to quit cold turkey. Seeking support, they attended AA meetings at a local church. Since that pivotal day, John hadn't taken a sip of alcohol or indulged in drugs. John's trip to sobriety was triggered in part to a health scare of his brother Peter related to Peter's alcoholism. They also rehabbed together at one point.
Notably, John Quara's career spanned various musical landscapes. From performing with Hugo Montenegro and Michel Legrand to teaching music in studios and later at his home, he left an indelible mark.
In the realm of music education, John Quara's impact extended beyond the stage, as he generously shared his knowledge and passion with aspiring musicians. Beginning in 1960, he commenced his teaching journey at the "Mike Palomba Studio" on Gun Hill Road in the Bronx, offering lessons for a humble fee of $3 per hour. His commitment to nurturing musical talent and instilling a love for the craft was unwavering. At Palomba he met people that would become lifelong friends including Tardo Hammer and Richard "Richie" Giorgianni, who played music with John Quara until the last days of his life.
Later, he added teaching in Mamaroneck, New York at "Pat's" studio, earning $5 per hour. Eventually he only held lessons at Pat's studio. Throughout these decades of instruction, John not only imparted technical proficiency but also inspired countless students with his genuine love for music, leaving an enduring mark on those fortunate enough to learn from a maestro of his caliber. At Pat's studio John Quara taught Frank Rathbone, who became a lifelong friend and they played together also until the last days of his life.
In 1978, he and his brother Gene established roots in New Rochelle, purchasing a historic two-family house on North Avenue built in 1889.
When Pat closed her studio, John continued to share his musical wisdom with eager students who visited his home.
However, his multifaceted life extended beyond the realm of music. A sports enthusiast, John enjoyed listening to radio broadcasts of Yankees games and hockey matches. The NY Post became a cherished companion, providing him with a window into the city's happenings.
A creature of routine, even up to only a few years ago, John would embark on a daily stroll to the deli. There, he'd indulge in a breakfast of three eggs and two cups of coffee, a simple pleasure that brought comfort and familiarity to his mornings. Daily lottery ticket purchases added an element of chance to his routine, although he was prudent, avoiding the tickets with overly large prizes to sidestep unnecessary troubles.
Notably, John's zest for life extended to more physical pursuits. Even well into his 90s, he relished swimming in the Long Island Sound off the beach at Hudson Park in New Rochelle. His love for the water spoke volumes about the resilience and vitality that defined his character.
Retiring at 90, John Quara continued to embrace life's melodies, enjoying the camaraderie of lifelong friends, the thrill of musical performances, and the simple joys of sports on the radio, newspapers, and daily rituals. His story is not just one of musical accomplishment but a symphony of a well-lived life, harmonizing diverse passions and pursuits into a beautiful composition.
A man of singular focus and a firm believer in the secret to a long life, John Quara never married and had no children, a decision he attributed to his longevity. Students Frank Rathbone and Richard Giorgianni became very important friends at this stage of his life. They are talented professional musicians and regularly practiced guitar with him and provided companionship. Tardo, another professional musician and former student was also engaged and set up gigs for John when he could.
John Quara's legacy echoes through time, a melody composed of resilience, talent, and a lifelong dedication to the art of music, nurtured in the midst of family bonds and the rhythm of their shared journey. In his later years, his students became not just pupils but lifelong friends. Frankie, now living in Brooklyn at 40, played with John Quara once a week, while Richie, in his 60s, also joined in a weekly musical celebration. John continued to perform in various venues, including Club 75, a jazz club in NYC, a casual venue in Brooklyn, and most recently, in December 2023, in Manhattan, weaving his musical magic with the enduring camaraderie of cherished friends.
John is survived by his nephew Doug Quara of Mount Dora, Florida, his grand-nephew DJ Quara (and wife Janet), and their two children, Madison, and Logan. John leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories and melodies that will forever inspire those who were touched by his music and spirit.
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John Quara lived in a house built in 1898 in New Rochelle with his brother Gene. On the third floor was a woodshop where Gene would build things, such as accordions. They also kept an old TV up there where John would occasionally watch sports. He didn't want it to be too convenient or comfortable because he thought TV wasted time. Also, it wasn't well heated or cooled up there.
John Quara was a frequent lottery ticket player, even spending upwards of $400 per month on tickets. Once he won an $800 prize and John Hessel had to drive him to Long Island to pick up his winnings. He didn't reimburse for the tolls or gas and laughed about that for years.
Sometimes John Hessel would walk John Quara up to town during the summer. John Quara would like to walk up to Main Street to buy lottery tickets, buy food at Battaglia and pick up a piece of fruit at the fruit stand. When he got older, he was reluctant to walk up himself. He would eat the apple on the way home. It would take 3 hours.
John outlived his doctor, Doctor Clark.
John Quara loved to swim in the Long Island sound. He found it invigorating. After Hurricane Sandy the steps to the water were closed. These steps made it easier for him to get into the water because transversing the rocky sandy beach was tricky. As he got older it got harder for him to get in the water. One time Karen and John took him down to the and the lifeguards helped him out. I remember Frank took him swimming over the last few years and they returned from the beach elated. (He wouldn't swim in pools because he didn't think the chlorinated water was good for you.)
John loved physical therapy and went two days a week to Ivy Rehab until he reached his lifetime insurance limit.
Interesting tidbit: John ate 3 eggs every morning because he had heard an interview with a centenarian who said she ate that for breakfast every day. He survived to 99 years 7 months despite this regimen.