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John Rey Obituary
Nuff Rey, 94, passed away October 4th, 2016.
When he was a young child, his mother recognized his love of music and went out and scrubbed floors for $.25 to buy him his first guitar. At the age of 13, he was in a band called the Rhythm Rascals and ended up being an accomplished jazz musician with his own band - "The Nuff Rey Combo"; which was well-known in the Akron area. He taught guitar to many students from ages 8-80 privately and for Kent State.
He joined the armed forces, became a pilot and flew a B-26 during World War II. He was shot down over Germany and was a prisoner of war (POW) for six months. While he was a POW, the Red Cross sent him a guitar and he entertained the other prisoners. After the war was over, he married and had two children. Nuff attended the Cleveland Institute of Art and had a 34-year career as an illustrator-artist at Goodyear Aerospace. He was a talented watercolor artist and a member of the "Whisky Painters of America" association. He taught his children art and music and was the best father ever! He was a kind man who was loved by all and will live on in our hearts forever. Congratulations Dad, Husband, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, Cousin, Uncle, and Friend for a full and joyous life that touched so many people.
Special thanks to Eileen and Dan at "Eileen's Assisted Living" for taking such good care of him and making him comfortable during the last months of his life.
Nuff was preceded in death by his parents, Rosa and Carmelo, and his brother, Joseph. He is survived by his wife, Corinne; daughter, Carole (Tim) Weber; son, Jim (Marcie) Rey; grandsons (Jimmy and David) Rey; great-grandchildren (Lance, Allison, Jason) Rey.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 16th at the Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 130 Broad Boulevard, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio (330) 928-4847. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the "SAVE THE STEEPLE" fund at Pilgrim United Church of Christ. (www.pilgrimcf.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Rey
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
R Fulton
February 23, 2020
Mr Rey was my guitar teacher for a brief period in the early 70s when I was about 14-15 yrs old. Im 60 now and still remember him fondly. I live in Georgia now, and some years ago I met a man while fishing in the mountains of north Georgia. We got to talking and I learned he was from the cuyahoga falls area and I said me too! We talked a bit more and come to find out he was related to mr Rey. It was very cool meeting someone in the middle of nowhere that had a connection to mr Rey. My memory is not as good anymore but I want to say this meeting happened somewhere around 2000-2001? Might have been earlier though. Anyway I have very fond memories of the lessons I had with him and want to offer my condolences. God bless to the entire family.
Linda Gatian
October 27, 2016
My heartfelt condolences to the family of Nuff. Rey. He taught my brother and my son to play guitar - a gift that has brought them both great joy. To think that it started with his mother and her generosity to encourage his love of music. We are blessed to have known him!
October 20, 2016
I'am so sorry to hear about Nuff. I had worked with him for many years at Aerospace. He was a gentle man with a great gift of music and art. I will never forget him. Sincerely Bob Pittinger
Joey Marino Jr.
October 16, 2016
I played numerous gigs through the years with Nuff both of us as sidemen on jobs and I at times with his Combo consisting of Liz, Lee, Chet Danny and Pip. A true artist, musician and gentleman. I will miss his smile, musicianship, professionalism and most of all his nod of approval for all the members of the band when we were performing. My condolences and deepest sympathy. May God Bless John Nuff Rey and his Family.
Fran Bittle
October 14, 2016
In addition to being a great musician and talented artist, Nuff was a kind and gentle soul with a zest for life. He was a great pal of my late husband, Ed Bittle, who shared their love of jazz. But after I met Nuff 25 years ago, he became my friend, too. He shared stories with me about his time as a POW, as well as stories about his greatest treasure, his family. I'm better for having known him, and treasure the paintings of his that are proudly hung in my home.
My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. We've lost a true gentleman and amazing artist.
Rosie Vadasz
October 14, 2016
Jim and family,
What a legacy your Dad left you all! Now I
know where you get your musical talent from! Our hearts and prayers are with you
and your family at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Rosie and Paul Vadasz
Rocky Kurchak
October 13, 2016
What an inspiring and kind man. He taught guitar to several of my friends, as well as to my stepdaughter. I so enjoyed talking with him before and after her lessons. He was such a gentile teacher. Once, he showed up at a gig I was playing. It made me very nervous to have him observing my playing, but he was nothing but supportive. A great loss. Sincerest condolences to his friends and family.
October 12, 2016
Corky, Tim and Carole,
Thinking of you all, and comforting to know you have each other,and other family and friends for support. Al and I will cherish the memories, from the stories we heard to the limited but treasured one liners and quips Nuff delivered.
Cheryl & Sparkey :)
Al Spencer
October 12, 2016
Leon LaMonica introduced us to Nuff Rey and his music. We loved spending an evening listening to the group play and sing. Thanks for the memories. I am sure he saw Leon when he entered the pearly gates and had a great reunion.
Sending thoughts and prayers to the family.
Al & Judi Spencer
Tim LaRose
October 12, 2016
Well, I'll gladly start this about my old pal...Nuff, what such a great guy !!! Although I haven't seen Nuff in many years, I always will remember his great smile and genuine regard for all he encountered. Always that smile !!! Lucky I was beyond his friendship, to have Nuff as my guitar teacher early in life, as so great he was !!! Lucky I was to be around this great player, who also new how to guide a young guitar player. For all I wanted to learn were Beatles & Stones songs. This wise teacher made a deal with me. It was this...I'll teach you one of your songs, if you'll learn one of my songs !!! That wise tact my pal used, forever altered my total knowledge of music, which is so much a part of my life today. What a gift it was this encounter. Also I must thank my parents, who were such fans of Nuff, as they took me to Nuff to learn guitar. Funny how things in life happen...no coincidences there are !!! To all of his family & friends...what a great guy he was...Nuff, our pal !!! By the way...I just heard this great guitar player just showed up in heaven, and he's killing it...and there's this cute girl named Corky, sitting down front, snapping her fingers and smiling away !!! Thanks for being in my life pal...for lucky I was !!! XO !!!
Judy Giannini-Boyle
October 12, 2016
Deepest sympathy to the family on their loss. My Aunt Anne and Uncle Bill Scafidi were friends of Nuf Rey. I have one of his paintings that I hung in my office at work prior to my retirement. If you would like to have it, please feel free to contact me. May God give you comfort in this difficult time.
[email protected]
Hennessy Funeral Home
October 12, 2016
We would like to offer our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
The Hennessy Family
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