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John Porrazzo Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Porrazzo
Sponsored by Family Of John Porrazzo.
Dad (Johnny) and brothers and sisters
Cathy Porrazzo Johnson
July 27, 2016
John and Al Paluzzi
Cathy Porrazzo Johnson
July 27, 2016
John and Matt Spinello
Cathy Porrazzo Johnson
July 27, 2016
Jack Wolworth
October 1, 2009
My heart felt condolences to Johnny's daughters Betty Ann and Cathy and their families, and all the Porrazzos out there. I last spoke to him when he called to touch base sometime last July and just today discovered that he had passed.
The first time I performed with John was in the early 1980s. I was invited to sit in with Dave Remington’s band in Fontana WI. The band that day included Chuck Hedges, Guy Fiorenza and I think Matt Spinello (?). I had just gotten a Joe Pass model guitar by Ibanez and after the first tune Johnny wanted to try my new ax. So, we exchanged guitars and we were grinning back and forth admiring one another’s guitars. Well, when Johnny kept mine till the end of the set I knew he was enjoying it. So then I asked him how he liked it and he laughed and said “I might have to have one cause it already has my initials on it”. The headstock of this guitar had a big JP inlayed in it, and of course now it stood for Johnny Porrazzo! We both agreed to that! I loved his playing!
Some years later, I was searching for an old DeArmond pickup for my guitar and had mentioned to Johnny I was looking for one. He sent me one that he had laying around with a little hand drawn diagram on how to attach it. I was bowled over by this little piece of fine art he drew. He just wanted to show me how to put it on my guitar and in doing so created fine art. Man, what kind of a talent he was! I still have this stuff.
We had been talking more this year when I noticed a Porrazzo guitar for sale from the estate of an east coast collector. These folks in NY didn’t realize that the NY/Boston Porrazzo guitar building family, still had a surviving family member, John Porrazzo living in Rockford IL. When I contacted the folks out east and mentioned that John was a friend, they were interested to know more about these fine instruments. The way I understand it, Matt Umanov who’s shop is on Bleecker street in NY city has assembled a collection of Porrazzo instruments and artifacts. The last times I spoke with John he was filling me in on his family string instrument history. He sure made history in my book!
Peace
Dorothy Paige-Turner
September 8, 2009
Dear Betty and Johnnie's family:
I called Johnny "My Teddy Bear" because of his "huggable" nature and he allowed me to do that. I truly enjoyed the times we made music together over the years. I will miss him.......I also will continue to keep all of you in my prayers and thoughts!
Kelly Engaldo
September 3, 2009
To Betty Ann & Family,
Your father left us a great legacy - he created a great family. It was his spunk, his personality, his love of music and life that shines through each of his children every single day. He gave us laughter, great memories and those will continue down through the generations through the beautiful children, grand children and great grand children. His spirit lives on in each us - celebrating each day with this great family he created for us to cherish.
Sincerely,
Kelly Engaldo
NICKIE ARBISI
September 3, 2009
GIRLS IAM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME OF SORROW.
Toni (Porrazzo) Mann
September 3, 2009
To Betty Boop, Cathy and All of Uncle Jawn's Family and Friends,
Uncle Jawn was the most unique person that I have ever met and I'm proud to have known him with the extra bonus of being related to him!
I cherish MANY wonderful memories of our family's visits to Rockford and your visits to our house in MA through our early years. When my dad (Uncle George) and Uncle Jawn got together, the "Porrazzo Humor" flowed endlessly (!) throughout every visit! One of those special memories - most recently - is of my coming to Rockford as an adult (all by myself) after 30 years since our last visit!! Numerically, this may seem like a long time, but from the moment I let you know that I was coming, you made me feel like I had just seen you last week! It was fun "catching up" and comparing some of our memories of those childhood visits! My time with you (all!) during that visit were memories that I keep alive - always! My son, Robby had the opportunity to visit with you while in Navy Boot Camp. You didn't know him at that time, but welcomed him with open arms because he was part of our family! He will never forget your generosity and your passion for music that you shared with him!
You know that you will always have that special place in my heart - forever!
Cathy and Betty: Please take comfort in knowing that in time, the pain and sorrow will fade into precious memories and the fact that he will be with you always in everything you do. You will always hear his many endless jokes, his comforting voice when you need it and his not-so-comforting-voice when you screw up!!
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers that He may comfort you as needed for as long as it takes!
Love and Stuff,
Your Cuz, Toni (Ellen!)
September 1, 2009
Cathy & Betty ann
So sorry for your loss
I cant imagine how much you must miss your dad. I miss him so much myself. Talking, Playing, or our favorite pastime,eating... I miss it all. Luv you both ( and you too chooch! )
"timmer"
Larry Bergquist
August 17, 2009
To the Porazzo family,
Our deepest sympathy to you BettyAnn and Cathy on your fathers passing. Some of my best memories come from next door to Ferris grocery store. My family sends love and prayers in this time of sorrow. The true way to tell how good a man he was is to just look at the way he was loved by all who knew him.
The Bergquist Family
Joanne Corirossi
August 17, 2009
To the Porrazzo Family,
We were sorry to hear of your loss. Johnny was a very sweet and talented man. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob & Joanne Corirossi
Louis Porrazzo
August 16, 2009
I once had the great fortune of playing drums at the hilton in Chicago in 1968 that just happened to be across the street from where Uncle Johnny was playing guitar. On my break, I walked over to watch him play, I was honored when he asked me to get on stage and play drums with him and his band, that was the greatest musical thrill to this day.
After work, we went to his home and stayed up till 3:am drinking wine, I think we killed about 3 bottles that night.
Most times I can't remember where I put my keys, but after over 40 years, I'll never forget the night I spent with my Uncle John, I also won't forget the headache we both had the next day.
Rest in Peace unk, and say hello to my dad.
John Lichtenberg
August 13, 2009
Johnny, the strongest guitarist and most gentle musician I ever had the good luck to work with will be remembered well and missed by everyone who knew him. He was always ready to help make a gig better and give a smile and solo on the bridge.
David DeTota
August 13, 2009
To All My cousins (The Porrazzo)
My heart & love goes out to to all on my wonderful hip, youthful J.P...We had many long phone calls ,him playing the guitar he made ..talking over good times Uncle Johnny was one of a kind...I sent him many old pics I had from my mothers remains like grandpa & grandmas store ,etc. My mother was uncle Johnnys oldest sister Elvira . He is was all his family now...loved going to boston to see them , Uncle Jimmy ,Frank, George..... Aunt Ida, Mary, Helen ClaraI miss them all & sending my love to all my living cousins. On the DeTota side only Al $ I are living Joe & Bobby passed...Uncle Johnny you was my inspiration ..your kind compassionate nature made you shine out..God Love you
Frank and Tonetta Guzzardo Jr
August 13, 2009
We will all miss Johnny; He was one of the living legends of the Rockford jazz community and a great friend to all that knew him. Such a kind man.He was very special to our family.
Betty Ann (Porrazzo) Manalli
August 13, 2009
Dear Daddy-0,
I have called you that since I was a little girl. Cathy and I have always been your little girls. Everytime I saw you, right up to the time you passed away you always kissed me and said I love you Boopie. I am almost 62 years old and I still call you Daddy.
This afternoon is the visitation and tomorrow, the funeral, the final good bye till we meet in heaven. I love you oh so much. Please give hugs and kisses to mommy, my litttle Markie, and my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and all my other loved ones and friends.
You were the best father one could ever had. You were so loved and aprreciated by everyone. You helped so many people and you were always there for me.
Like you told me once, I will try to keep my chin up, both of them! Your a chouze!
I will love you forever and you will always be in my heart.
All my love,
Boopie
SUSAN & LONNIE JENNINGS
August 13, 2009
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Bettina Laverriere
August 12, 2009
Our Dear Dear Uncle Johhny, We are going to miss you so much. You were one of the greats and such an inspiration to all. I loved our long phone conversations listening to your wisdom, humor and wonderful stories growing up with my Dad, being his older brother, and your many experiences being such an accomplished musician...what a full life you had and blessed with so many who loved you. And now you are with all our loved ones, especially with 'your' Mary!
I can still hear you saying....how 'is' you, Boopie? You will always remain in a special place in our hearts!
Bettiann, Cathy and family, stay strong, you have such wonderful memories of Uncle Johnny! He will always be unforgettable!!
Luv to all,
Cousins (Your Neice) Bettian (Bettina), Don and family
Lawrence Morton
August 11, 2009
I.m going to miss you my friend
Amy Antczak
August 11, 2009
We are very sad to hear of Johnny's passing! We just loved him! He was the first face we looked for during Sunday Mass. Johnny became sort of another grandpa to us over the last few years. He would come with us to breakfast after Mass sometimes..and oh how we loved to hear all of his stories. He had so many :D Johnny will be greatly missed by all who have had the pleasure to know him! Our Thoughts & Prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Much Love, Thad, Amy(Garnhart), Nolan, & Natalie Antczak
Ed and Trish Ramsten
August 11, 2009
We will miss Johnny like so many other musicians; he can not be replaced. Our condolences to all the members of his family.
GARY GUZZARDO
August 11, 2009
To The Porrazzo family , Saddened to hear of the passing of johnny . John was a big part of the Guzzardo family , From mentoring my father ,and just being a great friend and fellow musician.. John was a cool Cat and the younger musicians loved hanging out with john, We loved to hear him tell Story's of the old days and what it was like to be a musician when he was coming up . All the younger guys really respected John and he had a huge impact on all of us , Tell my Dad to behave himself for me ..We will truly miss you John
David Parziale
August 11, 2009
Knowing you the way I do, not just
growing-up with you, or because you are my uncle, you were always so much more, my friend, my mentor,advisor, and truly a man before his time.
In a dry-routine of a work-a-day-
world, you brought life and laughter,
music and happiness to many.
You have mastered and conquered your assignment on earth in an admirable fashion.
Now GOD has called you. HE has given you another assignment, for HE
knows that you are the perfect choice.
Of course we all love you and miss you, but you know that.
So my Dear Uncle John (Our Guardian Angel), Spread your Wings and....FLY...to the Heavens Above.
Your nephew David, Dolores, and family
Rose Paluzzi-Layne
August 11, 2009
The Paluzzi family will miss John dearly, especially our dad Al. He and John were such close friends for as long as I can remember. I can recall John being at my 8th birthday party (40 years ago). He was and always will be a part of our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Betty and Cathy and the entire family during this difficult time.
debbie bambino
August 11, 2009
To the Manalli family & Johnson family , I am so sorry for your loss. The memories you have of him are more precious.
Debbie Bambino
Kim Wennmacher
August 11, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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