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John Potlunas Obituary
John F. Potlunas, 69, of Pottsville, passed away Tuesday, July 13, at his daughter's home in Bellefonte.
Born Feb. 18, 1952, in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Frank and Olga (Visintainer) Potlunas.
He was the widower of Michelle J. (Horan) Potlunas, who passed away June 20, 2009. In addition to his wife, John was preceded in death by his infant sister, Diane.
He was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, where he participated in the choir, served as a cantor and a eucharistic minister.
John was a 1970 graduate of Nativity BVM High School; and earned a bachelor's degree in music education in 1974 from West Chester State University. He earned a master's equivalency in music education from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
John had been employed as the high school band director for Nativity BVM High School, Williams Valley Junior Senior High School, and retired from Tamaqua High School. After retirement, he volunteered as an assistant for the Exeter Area Township Senior High School marching band. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and was the former director of Cressona Band, and former conductor of Schuylkill Youth Symphony. John played clarinet in the pit orchestras for local high school musical productions, and was a former member of Anthracite Philharmonic. He was a brother of Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity and Phi Beta Mu.
John is survived by a daughter, Michquelena, wife of Justin Ferguson, of Bellefonte; a grandson, Tiberius John Ferguson; a sister-in-law, Katherine Horan, OSB, Erie; cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, July 19, at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville. Public viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 18, as well as immediately prior to Mass from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday both at the church. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville. At the family's request, memorial donations in John's name may be forwarded to St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA 17901, Cressona Band, 12 Wilson St., Cressona, PA 17929, or Tamaqua Area Band Booster Association, 147 Race St., Tamaqua, PA 18252. To extend online condolences, visit www.gsesfuneralhomes.com. Ebling-Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona, has been entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Potlunas
Sponsored by Ebling Stabingas Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Cressona.
Ed Todd - NBVM '70
July 19, 2021
John, I remember you as a tall guy toting around that 'licorice stick' (clarinet) then hearing ta you returned to the Pottsville Area conducting both school and community musician groups. It 'sounds' like you were living your dream. Let's hope Benny Goodman made it up there and you can wail away in eternal happiness.
Dennis Rhoads
July 19, 2021
Micki- I was so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. He was a great friend and colleague and he will be greatly missed. We shared alot of laughs and good times over the years. He touched the lives of so many students over the years. He was so proud of your accomplishments and always kept us updated about what was going on in your life. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace, John. Dennis Rhoads
Jennifer Volpato
July 17, 2021
My sincerest sympathy to all of you. Although I only knew John through PMEA District 10 he was one of the kindest people I encountered. He was gracious and made me feel welcome as a new high school teacher attending District Chorus for the first time. His smile and genuine nature made a difference in all of us. My heartfelt prayers and sympathy go out to all of his family and loved ones.
Sincerest sympathy
Jenn Volpato
The Senter Family.....Debra, Clint & Travis
July 17, 2021
So sorry to hear of "Mr.P's" passing. My son played in the Youth Symphony and I worked with him at Williams Valley. Like someone else mentioned I thought of him after watching Mr. Holland's Opus. He touched many young lives over the years. Sympathy and prayers to his family.
Gwen Rodichok Parson
July 16, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Sue Kirby
July 16, 2021
My condolences to all His Family and Friends
Greg MacGill
July 15, 2021
I was so fortunate to talk (and, of course, laugh!) with John over the years as a fellow band director in PMEA District 10. He was always such a humble, class act, always so giving and willing to share his pragmatic expertise for the betterment of our organization and most importantly its students. At many of those PMEA functions, John talked proudly and lovingly about his family. A good man, with a well-lived life at home, at school, and in the community...Rest in peace, John; you will be missed by many.
Minersville Mother
July 15, 2021
So sad to read of Mr. P's passing. He was a true inspiration to my daughter and all music students. May your memories comfort you at this trying time.
Willis M Rapp
July 15, 2021
I am saddened to learn of the passing of a good friend dating back to our years together as Music students at West Chester State College. John's commitment to Music Education, his students, and PMEA District 10 over the years will be remembered. Mickey and family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ed Yarashus
July 15, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He was a very good man and I considered him a friend. He was so proud of you and your accomplishments. God bless.
George Heffner Jr
July 15, 2021
I knew John for many years. He was upbeat and family and community minded. We will miss him
Myrna Everly
July 15, 2021
So sorry to hear of John´s passing! Rip John.
Kathy Miller
July 15, 2021
I will always remember Mr. P's dynamic presence as conductor of the Schuylkill Youth Symphony (now Gabriel Youth Orchestra) He was adored by all members of the orchestra. He was humorous, patient and kind. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. May his light continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Douglas R. Bolasky
July 15, 2021
John's presence both as a director and an officer in PMEA District 10 was huge. His influence is still being felt by those of us who followed him and will continue to be felt by those who follow us. I will miss his wisdom and insight, and I think we will all miss his sense of humor, as one who was a "person of historical perspective."
Tom Kurtek
July 15, 2021
Dr. Mickey,
Your father was a true and steadfast friend of mine and I will deeply miss him. I have many good stories to keep in my memory with him both as a friend and as our summer rehearsal director at Nativity BVM High School my senior year, along with our time together in the Cressona Band, especially at the Firemen's Convention Parade in Port Carbon. May he join all his family in that heavenly reward that was intended for him above. I will surely miss him singing at Mass on Sundays and especially Christmas and Easter. May he rest in peace and enjoy his heavenly reward.
Tom Flamini
July 15, 2021
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. P. A great person is an understatement. He is a real life Mr. Holland ( Mr Holland´s Opus ). His God given ability to teach music to children is a gift. And, his calling to nurture children in organization and maturity was extra special. My condolences to his family. May God stay close to you through this difficult time
July 15, 2021
Mickey, Sincere condolences on the passing of your dad.
May he rest in peace
July 15, 2021
May God bless you and your family at this most difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Betty Trabosh
Beth Cerullo
July 15, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to Micki, Justin, Ty and John's family. John's musical talents and gifts were experienced and passed on to so many...and each and every one of us lucky enough to have known him have encounters we could share of his wit, wisdom and sound advice. The world is a better place for having had John in it...it's up to all those he shared his talent with, to continue his legacy. Thank you, Mr. P for all you've done for my family ...and personally, for your many
years of friendship and guidance. I envision you singing among the heavenly choir...happily reunited with Michelle and your parents.
Mary Jo Cerullo
July 14, 2021
My Condolences to Mickey and her husband and all of John´s Family and the many, many Friends and to the Cressona Band as well. John was truly well loved by so many. Listening to him singing at Masses and Family Funerals was always a Great experience. May he Rest In Peace! He will be missed by many, including all the people who played with him in various bands!
Lynn Sabol
July 14, 2021
Deepest sympathy to Michquelena and the family from Lynn Sabol and the Nativity BVM High School family.
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