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John Pearce Obituary
John is survived by his wife, Elvina; a brother, Frank G. Pearce of El Macero, CA; and eight nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Irene Pearce; a brother, Milton Pearce; and two sisters, Genevieve McWIlliams and Dorothy Shea.
During his tenure at NCHS, Pearce brought a series of musical "firsts" to Naperville, which included the first local high school production of a complete Broadway musical, the first summer music-theater workshop, the creation of a double madrigal chorale, which was invited to demonstrate their rehearsal procedures before a national convention of music educators in Cincinnati, appearances at several other regional and national conventions, appearances on the Chicago Public Library's Noon-Hour Concert Series and twice on the Chicago Sunday Evening Club on Channel 11, and four Olde English Madrigal Feasts done in the style of an Elizabethan Christmas tradition. When he joined the NCHS staff in 1965, the choral department consisted of two mixed choruses. By the time he retired in 1985, it had expanded to include seven choruses with a total membership of nearly 500 students.
John Pearce will be remembered by many for his love of music and young people, his boundless energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to excellence in the performing arts, his maintenance of the highest of standards in music education, and above all, for his belief in the potential of the young people with whom he worked, always encouraging them to not just "dream the impossible dream" but to strive to make it a reality!
A memorial visitation celebrating John's life will be held on Friday, June 13, 5:00 until 9:00 PM at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in John's honor may be made to the Interlochen Center for the Arts, 4000 Highway M-137, Interlochen, MI 49643. Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home
44 S. Mill Street, Naperville, IL 60540
Info: 630/355-0213 or www.friedrich-jones.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Pearce
Andrew Morgan
November 25, 2008
I only just learned of JPs passing, and am so saddened that I never had the chance to let him know just how profoundly he affected my life. I'm still performing as much as I can, but I'll never ever forget my years at NCHS, in particular my senior year - three musicals including The Mikado; independent study for music theory, keyboard harmony, and conducting; concert choir; madrigals; swing choir. I mean, who gets that kind of experience in a public high school?
EP, my heart goes out to you for your loss. You two were the perfect team. One quick humorous anecdote: I'll never forget the rehearsal (one of many you graciously came to accompany). Mr. Pearce was chiding us for our posture and he said something to the effect "you'd never see Mrs. Pearce slouching or crossing her legs during a rehearsal." And there you were at the playing the piano with your legs crossed. What an odd thing to remember so vividly, but I do! I'll also never forget performing the Liebeslieder Waltzes with you and one of your amazing students at the keyboard.
Mr. P, you made us reach for the stars and we are all the better for it. Thank you.
Andrew Morgan
Tenor/Stage Director/Fundraiser (who knew?)
NCHS Class of '83
Karin Catania (NCHS Class of 1979)
June 20, 2008
I was blessed to have had such a wonderful teacher!! Mr. Pearce knew my love of the stage and musical theater. He saw my passions and nurtured me. He gave me the opportunity to begin choreographing for the Swing Choir, Fall Show and even had me come back my Freshman year of college to help choreograph a production of "Oklahoma". I'll never forget when he took me to see a production of "A Chorus Line" at the Schubert Theater. It was exciting and thrilling! I was able to perform in a produciton of the show myself making it a full circle. I went on to received a degree in Theater Arts and worked for many years in the theater working as an actress, singer, choeographer and even as teacher of the arts using some of the things he taught me. He influenced me in ways that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
He is now singing with the Angels!
Mike Harkins
June 17, 2008
Elvina... I just heard of John's passing fom Joan Gerken... Soooo... many memories came flooding back. My most fond high school memories are pretty much centered around my experiences with both you and John. I learned my work ethics from him and they have served me well. Memories of our musical adventures Li'l Abner, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Riverwind, The New Performers with Jerry VanDyke... Madrigals... the Minstral Show with his parents performing.. all things that shaped my life experiences at NCHS and continue even today... all due to his teachings... his shared life experiences... things that make me reflect and smile. The NCHS "John Pearce Family" will miss him sorely...
I even miss his famous "sshht" to quiet us down.
As King Kaspar would emote... "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you, John... for being a special part of my life"
My thoughts are with you Elvina...
Take care...
Mike
Mary (Koch) Taour (1978)
June 16, 2008
Mrs. Pearce--I cannot quit thinking of you. I just want you to know how saddened I am and how sorry I am that I missed the visitation. I truly wish I had the words to express my sincerest sympathy
george goetschel (73)
June 15, 2008
Elvina,
When we talked on friday, I seriously meant what I had said. I have spent my whole life thinking of what great fun and great fortune it would have been studying privately with you. Whenever we rehearsed with you either in the orchestra, shows, madrigals, whatever, you and I always found a reason to laugh and laugh until jp asked us to stop laughing.
Aside from being a professional trumpet player with bands such as the Chicago Symphonic Wind Ensemble and as a studio musician in Miami and Chicago,and aside from working as an emmy recognized actor/musician/conductor/ tony recongnized composer and grammy recognized pianist and for members of the cso, sgi, jazz showcase, broadway shows, film and tv and working as a high school choir, orchestra, band director and working on my 2nd masters in education I have always wanted to study with you.
Why? Because we should all drink a toast to you for being the bow to jp's arrow, the other wing of the bird, the water for the great whale he was. We should all sing a song of absolute praise with resounding voices to you with lyrics of knowing it was always your radiant compassion that had encouraged our lives. What a bold and noble path you have lived and live, continuoulsly striving to do your best for your students. You have never lost and will never loose your fighting spirit. You two were and are pillars of the Naperville commuinty and hero's in our hearts. You were never reluctant to act in our behalf. You knew what I know now, that prestige and fame, titles or position have nothing to do with genuine happiness. You confronted reality, turned us into stars, musicians, performers, actors, and gave us guts, wisdom and strength to challenge everything that lies ahead and continues to lie ahead. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your eternal home runs for I will be calling you about that lesson; even if you won't accept a struggling life long learner. Sincerley george goetschel (one of a myriad of JP's behavioraly disorderd students)
Barb (Small) Akan
June 15, 2008
In everyone's high school life, there is one teacher who stands out above all others, and JP - that was you. So often you still just pop into my mind! When I think back to high school, it is the musicals, and madrigals, and the trip to Cincinnati that I remember most. You will be missed, but never ever forgotten. Thank you for having such an impact on my life and of so many others.
Michelle (Hayes) Hynson
June 15, 2008
I began at NHS the same year JP did (class of '69), and was nurtured by Elvina and him all 4 years, as singer, accompanist, person. My life IS forever better because of these two people. Music is still and always will be my life's work, and my joy. Thank you, Elvina, and my love to you in this difficult time.
george goetschel
June 15, 2008
Without exception, great people throughout history had a great teacher they held dear during their youth- a teacher that served as a guide, a source of encouragement, a close friend, a mentor.
John Pearce taught us to unite and fight toward making our dreams a reality.He taught us to enjoy and appreciate our dreams. How liberating! To enjoy listening, challenging ourselves and nurturing our talents.
John Pearce had a magnanimous heart. Even while I was busy making foolish teen aged decisions Mr. Pearce would always give me hope, another opportunity, and encouragement.
John nurtured us in whatever way appeared best for each individual. This is very rare especially with a student roster of at least 200 or more , 2 major productions and over 50 performances each year.
Thank you Mr. Perace for teaching me to have my own voice and blend (rare). Thank you for nurturing my single minded desire to continue on and succeed as a musician/teacher. Thank you for being a successor and raising successors.
You gave us hope, nurtured our capabilities,and mentored us in the truest sense. We were a family in those few short years in the truest sense.
Now as you continue your journey, we continue ours. I only pray to bring out the best in others and myself as you had brought out the best in us.
The foundation you built within our lives will never be forgotten. Thank you for all that you have done to support our dreams and in turn we live our dreams in your memory.
Cynthia Robertson
June 14, 2008
I was the pianist for Mr. Pearce's Choir during 1967 - 1969. It was a particularly difficult period in my life, and knowing that I had choir with Mr. Pearce was the ONLY thing I looked forward to every day in High School. He would ask me to sight read four staves, practice accompaniments, and I'll never forget when he would ask me to transpose! I tried to do my best, and wanted to please him. I didn't want to let him down, and when I would make a mistake, he would smile at me, and nod his head with encouragement to continue. He would never show his frustration at me, but would gently encourage me to work harder and try to do my very best. I was also studying private piano with Mrs. Pearce at the time, so I'm fairly certain they talked about me during dinner, and collabrated on how to best guide me.
I particularly remember Mr. Pearce asking me to accompany the auditions for "Little Abner". I was scared to death, having never read a musical theater score before! But, I was honored that he asked, and I remember trying to do my very best! Little did I realize that every year since 1974 I've been involved in a musical of some sort and in fact spent 5 years as Director of Musical Theater at Interlochen Center for the Arts. I think I could play 'Little Abner' NOW!
As I said, this was a very difficult time in my life. I look back on those two years with Mr. Pearce (and more years with Mrs. Pearce) as 'saving my life' and giving me the love and guidance to continue in the music field. I went on to study piano at Interlochen Center for the Arts, and became a private piano teacher and an accompanist. The accompanying skills I learned from Mr. Pearce have stayed with me, and have served me well in my chosen career. (Although I don't think I can transpose as well as I did back then!)
I write this with tears in my eyes.....for a man who I will
NEVER FORGET!
Kim Frost (Reavley) '84
June 14, 2008
My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Pierce and family. I was just telling a student the other day about the amazing musicals we put on under Mr. Pearces' direction. There'll never be another like him...
Mark Thoman Class of '72
June 14, 2008
My deepest sympathies to you, Elvina, and my deepest respect for what your husband and you gave myself and thousands of others.
At a critical juncture in our development from children to adults, JP expanded our comprehension of, and spiritual nourishment from, the very music he taught us to sing.
For me personally, John Pearce took a geeky, stage-shy, goof-off, taught me how to breath properly, taught me how to project, pushed me to work at both, pushed me on stage, and convinced me I could overcome my fear and do it. I was only one of the many. That personal, individual attention was common to the man and his mission. Everyone mattered, and everyone was treated that way.
You both gave us all the gift of song, and for that we will all be ever grateful.
Bev Frier
June 14, 2008
John, Thank you for bringing out the best in so many young adults. You gave them the opportunity to be proud of accomplishments they never dreamed possible. Rest in peace knowing your imprint on lives will last many years to come.
I always treasured the many visits you made to my music store. We would laugh so hard together we would get tears. You had a wonderful sense of humor.
Elvina, you and John were such a great team. You had a wonderful life together. I know you will miss him tremendously. May you find comfort in the knowledge that we all loved John and will miss him too.
Bev Patterson Frier
Marguerite Amer (class of 1974)
June 14, 2008
Dear Elvina: I have read all the entries in your guest book so far, and there isn't much I can add to this outpouring of love and respect for your wonderful husband. I owe you both a deep debt of gratitude for your love and generosity and soft shoulders. He knew how to crack the whip and get me to strive to be my best and you always had a warm hug or cup of tea at the ready. Thanks to both of you. For everything you know that you did. I still remember the long red skirts and the Christmas carols at the Wil-o-Way Manor....
Susan (Owens) Hanus-Class of '71
June 13, 2008
I was privileged to have been under the tutelage of Mr. Pearce for three years at NCHS. My memories are filled with fun, learning, competitions, musicals, selling tickets and World's Finest Chocolate (yes for a prize) friendships and lots of hard work! As others have said, he was the best of the best! He demanded perfection, and would settle for nothing less from his students. We respected and loved him. One of the memories I will always treasure is of Mr. Pearce telling a shy, insecure freshman musical student that I could sing!
I was hooked. Mr. Pearce ~ you will be missed. Thank you for giving me confidence in my abilities.
Elvina, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult and sad time. May you take comfort in knowing of the literally thousands of young lives that were made better for John's influence in them.
Bonnie Owens
June 13, 2008
Oh my gosh. I'm one of the "older" students who had the privilege of working with Mr. Pearce during his first 2 years at NCHS. It has been said that a teacher is successful if he can remain objective & treat all his students the same. John Pearce was not like that. He had a unique talent-he treated each one of his students differently-and they loved that. He brought me to tears (of joy) more than once when he praised, pushed, and convinced me that there were no mountains I couldn't scale. Over the years, when things weren't going well, I would hear him saying "everything you need to succeed is already inside of you-just bring it out." He will always remain the finest teacher, mentor, and educating friend I have ever known. The choirs of angels are at attention-raise the baton, John.
Bonnie Owens, Class of 1967
Thom Parrott-Sheffer
June 13, 2008
1968 - a young man enters into a arena full of vinegar and the assurdity of youth - knowing everything. He engages a force - a force of creativity, of expectations, of a drive not just for perfection but for growth and the best of what is possible - not unreasonable. The boy becomes a man under his tutelage.
John Pearce was a force of nature in my life. He spent time with me, saw in me what could be - and yet allowed me to be the thorn in his side that often is the teenager in the midst. He had a strange mixture of acceptance and intolerance that made you know that you were accepted but that more was expected of you.
I know that much of what I am today is linked to what he help me become - he will always be a part of the fabric of my life.
Thank you John, for the many gifts you have given me - the love of music and dance; a belief in what is possible and a roadmap that I can follow to make what is in my mind and heart come into the reality of my life. You will be (and are) missed.
Mary (Koch) Taour (1978)
June 13, 2008
How do you sign a guest book for a man like John Pearce? A man whom I definite had a love/hate relationship with! I adored him yet he pushed me to my emotional limit. He helped make me strong. He teased me unrelentlessly, he taught me how to receive teasing. One of the most important things he taught me was that I had to reach for my dreams and desires. We have all seen movies like Mr. Holland’s Opus and Dangerous Minds where the teacher makes all the difference in these student’s lives. J.P. was that for many of us.
He and Mrs. Pearce brought us so many experiences that we would never have had without the two of them. I get a vivid picture of JP in my mind when I am directing our high school musicals… When I have no budget at all I think about the wonderful Brooks Van Horn costumes we wore. 30 years later and I am still impressed by the costumes we were honored to wear. He brought many diverse people into our very un-diverse Naperville lives…. Think about what Naperville was like… he really opened many doors for us.
I have often felt sorry for the children that he and Mrs. Pearce never had but in another way (a selfish way) I was glad. Glad because they ended up with hundreds of children…
maybe not of their blood but of their hearts.
Mrs. Pearce… I am sure that JP has said his Bye, Bye Birdie to all of his students while ascending to his Camelot somewhere past the Carousel in his own South Pacific island paradise where he will have a magnificent eternity.
Cindy Halgrimson-Walzer
June 13, 2008
To my mentor and friend,
God truly blessed me the day I walked into his classroom. I never learned so much from anyone as from his guidance and teaching. He was the one who taught me about hard work and perfectionism. He gave me chances to be what I dreamed about and taught me how to be strong enough not to give up. I am proud that he was my friend after school and will be blessed with the memories of beautiful music- making the rest of my life. To my friend Elvina, I send my undieing gratitude and sympathy. You have been a shining light for so many, including me, and again I am thankful to call you my friend. God's peace and love be with you until I get home to give you a hug.
Much love,
Amanda Halgrimson-Walzer
Opera singer - Wife - Mother
(Cindy Halgrimson Class of 1975)
Linda (Holt) Bender
June 12, 2008
How does one begin to put into words the effect of a teacher like John Pearce? I am just one more of the multitude of lives touched by this special man. You confirmed my decision to pursue a career in music and provided me with the skills to become a music educator and accompanist. From the wonderful choral experience to the musicals, NCHS was never better than under JP!
John, you touched my family’s lives as a teacher, a friend, and a neighbor. (I have many memories of sets being built in our basement even before I was a student at NCHS! It was such a thrill to finally be “old enough” to go to high school myself and sing under John Pearce.) My brothers and I are spread out across the country, but we have never forgotten our wonderful times spent with you.
A very special thank you, Elvina, for the amazing support you gave to us, from your accompanying and your calm spirit, to your generosity for allowing us to take so much of John’s time. You are in our prayers.
Pat Rivait
June 12, 2008
Not everybody touched by JP was an aspiring, talented musical star.....many were like myself, just kids who liked to sing and be part of musical theater in some small way. That love of music and theater has propelled me through my life as a 2nd grade teacher for 32 years in East Aurora #131. I cherish the times I spent in MiXed Chorus and later in Concert Choir back in 1968-69. Not everybody is destined to be a "Star" in the music arena, but it doesn't mean that we weren't influenced, touched, and forever changed from being taught by someone such as John Pearce. He would tell us that everyone in any production matters and is important in their own special way, and this is something I hope I have passed on to the many 2nd graders that I have taught these many years. Each of you is SOMEBODY, and go out and make the most of whatever that is!
Pat Rivait, Class of '69
with fond memories of John Pearce
David Stewart
June 12, 2008
To my teacher and my friend. John, you were both to me—during the high school years and far beyond. You always demanded excellence and thereby brought out excellence in your students. Thank you for your honest and unwavering support, and for opening your heart and home to me. Your impact as a teacher reached far beyond the confines of school buildings, concert halls, or the musical stage. I will always value our friendship. Although in these later years we didn’t see each other often, you were regularly in my thoughts and the life lessons you taught constantly guide me. You will be greatly missed, and your memory will last throughout my life and the lives of countless students. Elvina, thank you for sharing John with us, and for your enduring support and kindness. I’m confident that you know how much John meant to me and to so many people, and I hope you know how much you both are loved. Ruth’s and my prayers are with you.
David Stewart
Julie McConnell Holt (class of 1974)
June 12, 2008
I have so many fond memories of J.P. that it's hard to know where to begin. He and Elvina (who I was privileged to study under for 4 years) made me the the musician I am today. I have never stopped accompanying John! J.P. instilled in me a love for music that will never be quenched. He was one of those teachers who not only expected the best from you, but made you WANT to give your best. I've been an accompanist for many choral programs in many different states and none have even remotely come close to the one we had at NCHS under John Pearce. God Bless you, Elvina. My prayers are with you.
Lori Janiec (Jorgensen)
June 12, 2008
Having had Mr. Pearce through all four years of NCHS Choir, I am saddened by his passing. He was an excellant director who never took less than than what he new we were capable of.
Mark Hawbecker
June 12, 2008
J.P. - Just thinking of the initials brings an image of a shock of dark wavy hair and perhaps an ascot tucked neatly into a crisply ironed striped shirt. And that walk - filled with energy at every step.
Quick wit, a full throated laugh and an amazing dedication to the possibilities and potential that both an individual and a group could accomplish. That was always the essence of J.P. as teacher and director. When J.P. saw the potential in my artistic ability - he made it possible for me to be the first non-choral member to work on a J.P. musical at NCHS - then of course saw to it that I was drafted into chorus for my senior year!
My love of music, design, performing and especially the ensemble efforts of musical theatre was enriched and encouraged by both J.P. and the brilliant Elvina (tireless champion of so many students). Memories of Pfeiffer Hall, the choral room at NCHS and also friendships formed that hold fast to this day are all due to the love and dedication that J.P. brought to his profession. A taskmaster - indeed, but never asking more than he knew you were capable of giving - just pushing you to realize what you could achieve. I am honored to have had both J.P. and Elvina in my life with their examples of support and guidance well after graduation from NCHS that inspired me to move on to a professional performing career and to carry life lessons that I know I can still tap into today.
I'm sure the choirs of angels are better in tune and in glorious voice for having J.P. and his baton at hand.
Mark Hawbecker (NCHS Class of 72)
Tom Bursh
June 12, 2008
All of us eventually remember one teacher as the best and J.P was just that. No one else was able to get the most out of me like J.P. A professional that did not stand mediocrity and a friend - who will ever forget the laugh! Plus I can still see his look from the pit when I strayed from the script, and Elvina's incredible support that could make any of us sound good! Elvina our prayers are there for you.
Jennifer Hagemann Berthold
June 12, 2008
Our Dearest JP was not only our teacher, he was our inspiration, he took us to places most teens could never imagine. Mr Pearce gave us the gift of music with all the lovely Broadway shows. We cherish all the songs and still sing them to each other when we meet 30 plus years later. And of course, costumes from Brooks Van Horn in NYC. Who else but our "beloved" Mr Pearce could have brought such class to Naperville. He was and always will be, our "Music Man". He even got me on an airplane for the 1st time when he arranged for the Madrigals to perform in California and he charmed the entire American flight by having us sing to the passengers. He was ever the top notch performer! "Stellar" is what he would say...
I thank God for the blessing of having him my life. And Thank you Mrs P, for sharing him and so much or your lives with all of us.
I could go on forever but he would tell me "schhh"
etc. etc. etc.
Jennifer H.
Sue (Gleason)Walk
June 11, 2008
Without the support of both J.P. and Elvina I would not be the person I am today. J.P. pushed me to be the person he knew I could be. His leadership and inspiration will never be forgotten. I am blessed to have known him, and to be touched by his strength.
Suzanne (Caesar) Ring
June 11, 2008
I will be forever grateful to have known Mr. Pearce and to have studied with him. A teacher like him can be had only once in a lifetime, if you're lucky. He put a little music in all of us and may his family have comfort knowing he rests with God's loving choir.
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