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Keohane Funeral Home - Quincy

785 Hancock Street

Quincy, Massachusetts

JOHN SALKOWSKI Obituary

SALKOWSKI, John A. Longtime member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, world traveler, and man of many talents, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, leaving a rich legacy of music, laughter, and generosity. He was born in Chicago, IL, to Adelle (Kavalauskas) and John J. Salkowski and raised in the Cicero and Berwyn suburbs. Driven by a deep love for music and performing, John earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in music education from Northwestern University, laying the foundation for a lifelong career in music. John's career began with orchestras in New Orleans, St. Louis, and Cleveland, which led up to his remarkable 40-year tenure as a bass player with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops, where he played with legendary artists that helped shape more than four decades of memorable music. Beloved husband to the late Helen M. (Ryan) Salkowski. Devoted father to John William Salkowski of Plymouth. Loving brother to Allan Salkowski (Gene) of Lemont, IL. Also survived by his nephew, Peter Salkowski (Marita) of Cold Spring, KY; and niece, Joan Robbins (Dan) of Winfield, IL. Visiting Hours will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 9-11 AM, in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. Funeral Service will be celebrated immediately following the Visitation at 11 AM, in Keohane Funeral Home, Quincy. Private Burial in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Community Connections, 261 Whites Path, Suite 1, South Yarmouth, MA 02664-1246.

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

Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 7 to Jan. 12, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN SALKOWSKI

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Timothy Connelly

January 13, 2026

John was a kind and generous man who helped those in need - notably at NEDS !!! He will be missed.

Clear Skies Bouquet

Hal Sandstrom, NEDS coach

Sent Flowers

Loving Light Dishgarden

New England Disabled Sports

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Flowers

Barbara P. White

January 13, 2026

I remember John as a consistently kind, steady tempered, encouraging, and always smiling adaptive coach. The perfect partner :). May our memories of him guide us in similar ways when helping others.

Rosalind Lowen

January 12, 2026

I fondly remember teaching with John for the NEDs program at loon mountain nh and skiing with him working to improve our own skiing. May he rest in peace.

Andrea Harney

January 12, 2026

Our deepest sympathies for your loss.
The Harney Family from New England Disabled Sports.

Peter Keller

January 12, 2026

John S R001

I remember John as a very giving and caring individual. He once took Ian C-S and me to Cranmore ski area for a day of fun on snow.

John will be surely missed by the people who had the opportunity to know him. Peter Keller

Lorraine Brehm

January 11, 2026

My memories of John and Helen are with their love and care for their son, John. John sr. was a wonderful musician and I had several opportunities to hear him play with the symphony and Pops. Sending my prayers.

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Memorial Events
for JOHN SALKOWSKI

Jan

14

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Keohane Funeral Home

785 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02170

Jan

14

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Keohane Funeral Home

785 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02170

Funeral services provided by:

Keohane Funeral Home - Quincy

785 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02170

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