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JOHN J. PICKERAL Jr.

About

John Handley High School Catholic University of America George Washington University University of Maryland University of Virginia

FUNERAL HOME

Baker-Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center

10001 Nokesville Rd.

Manassas, Virginia

JOHN PICKERAL Obituary

PICKERAL John Julian Pickeral, Jr. John Julian Pickeral, Jr., resident of Sudley Springs, VA, passed away Saturday, October 17, 2015. Born on November 26, 1933, in Winchester, VA, he was the son of the late Dorothy Lee Wilkins and John Julian Pickeral, Sr. John was a lifelong resident of Virginia, where he spent his early years at Western View, the family farm near Middletown, VA and later moved to Winchester, VA, where he graduated from John Handley High School, class of 1952. His college education included a Bachelor's degree in both Music Education and Chemistry from the University of Virginia. He also did his graduate study at the University of Maryland, Catholic University, and George Washington University. Mr. Pickeral taught high school band for 42 years in Waynesboro, Front Royal and Arlington, VA. Upon retirement from the public schools, he started the band program at Seton School in Manassas, VA. During his career, John was the director or performing member of numerous regional and community musical groups to include the following: Kings Park Concert Band, Town of Vienna Concert Band, World War II Dance Band, Washington Redskins Marching Band, National Concert Band of America, and was the founder and music director of the Concordia Tri-Centennial German Band for the German Embassy. Along with his work and family, John played a very active role in the community as well. He served as the Associate Director for the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District and Secretary and member of the Technical Review Committee for the District. John was involved with the Adirondack Council, Arbor Day Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Republican Party, Adopt-a-Highway Program, Catharpin-Sudley Springs Civic Association and the Civil War Preservation Trust. His name was even included on a plaque in the visitor's center of Manassas Battlefield for his efforts to preserve the historic Civil War site. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his Wife of 33 years, Hilda Marie Rudacille Pickeral. John is survived by his sons, Dr. John J. Pickeral, III (Evalynne) of New Berlin, WI, and Dr. Charles W. Pickeral (Misti) of Gainesville, FL; step-daughter, Mary Sue Williamson Ritenour of Front Royal, VA; brothers, Robert Pickeral (Patricia) of Mclean, VA, and William Pickeral (Judy) of San Diego, VA; sister, Barbara Lee of Bluemont, VA; six grandchildren; eight nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors on Monday, October 26, 2015 from 12 to 1 p.m. at Baker-Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 10001 Nokesville Road, Manassas, VA. A funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Celebrant A.C. Warden officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service at Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery, 5308 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Education through music (etmonline.org). Please sign the guestbook at www.bakerpostfh.comwww.bakerpostfh.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Oct. 23, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN PICKERAL

22 Entries

Greg Gorham

November 4, 2015

John, I will miss you, you are an inspiration.

David Sirles

November 3, 2015

Uncle John was always a special person to me, not just a relative I visited often, he was an inspirational mentor who was much 'larger than life'....He will be loved and missed forever.

November 2, 2015

sorry to hear of the passing of john. He taught me to play the baritone horn at Mosby in 1963 and I still have it.. RIP. Ronnie Chrisman Front Royal, VA.

Diane (Myers) Weaver

November 2, 2015

From the moment that I entered Wakefield High School, as a member of the Class of 1972 I knew that "Pic" was a special person, teacher and mentor. He influenced my life in ways that went far beyond the experience of being a member of the Wakefield high school band. His love of music and enthusiasm for teaching truly taught us to go forward to achieve what was important to us. He gave us confidence and knowledge that we could achieve our goals if we practiced and didn't give up. He was truly a special man. May God bless him.

October 30, 2015

You were one of a kind, Mr. Pick. R.I.P
Vernon Roberts, Wakefield HS-'72

October 26, 2015

We'll miss all those fun times in the band room and on trips. You certainly had a large effect on my life. Jacqueline Orr, Wakefield HS '79.

Susie and Bruce Howard

October 26, 2015

I attended Gunston and Wakefield and new "Pick" as the conductor for the various plays I was in. In 1976, I was in a Cole Porter play "Anything Goes" where my husband and I fell in love to John's musical direction. In 1992, John bought the property next door to us. Small world. He was always quick with a fascinating story about history, the environment or animals. Got to know his brother Rob & his wife Pat along with John's son Chuck during the past months which was a pleasure. John's dog Riley is now a member of our family. RIP John.

Ritchie Mills

October 26, 2015

To the best teacher I ever had. You gave me the love of music that continues to this day. I will remember his talent and love for music. Band member at John S. Mosby Academy

Johnny Miller

October 26, 2015

Rest high on that mountain my freind,you will be missed.god bless.give my best to patsy cline.and rock on.

Maureen Cheetham Harris

October 25, 2015

Mr. Pick as we called him when in Wakefield High School back in the 70's was very much loved and respected. He put up with all the marching units silliness and goof ups and still had a smile on his face. And when I think of him now he brings a smile to my face.

Kris Ranganathan

October 24, 2015

He was a very special person, great music teacher, and a wonderful human being. It's hard to find people like him in this world and I am personally very appreciative to have had him as a music teacher and know him while at Wakefield. He will be missed. Pease accept my and my family's sincere condolences to his Wakefield and his immediate family. I will say a prayer for him and his loves ones. May god bless him.

Socorrito Baez-Page, MD

October 24, 2015

You stepped out and took in the world's most awful trombone player, just because I loved The Music Man movie and wanted to play the trombone in a marching band, just like the movie. I always remembered that kindness and how you didn't care how awful I was, you gave me your time and encouragement and I never forgot that. I go to every student concert or recital that I am invited to, even for kids I only know through others - to encourage is to believe in the future. I even teach music to kids who have been rejected by other teachers, even though I did not train as a music teacher. Because I know how much your kindness and belief that everyone can make music can make a difference. Play on, Pick!

William Pettus

October 23, 2015

My heart sank this morning when I read in the Washington Post about John's passing. I first met John during our first year at UVA, when he occupied the room adjacent to mine. Because we were both engineering students with a love of good music, we became suitemates in our second and third years at UVA. I learned a lot about classical music from John's extensive record collection while we lived together. We also played together in the UVA Marching Band and later in the Charlottesville Municipal Band. I spent a weekend at John's family home in Winchester during our first year as UVA students. He and another friend once drove all the way from Charlottesville to Orange, Virginia, to rescue me late one cold winter night when I had no other way to get back to our dormitory. After discovering where John was living a few years ago, I called him to renew our acquaintance. He had an excellent memory of experiences we had shared in Charlottesville. I will always have fond memories of him. My condolences to his brother Robert, whom I remember, and to other survivors in his family.

Randy Bryant

October 23, 2015

At Wakefield, Mr.Pickeral could play any instrument. He took music and marching band very serious and gave us goals to achieve and pride to have in our musical abilities. Play on good Sir.

Bonnie Pfoutz

October 23, 2015

Pick inspired more music lovers than he ever imagined. I am confident he is leading a wonderful, heavenly marching band,

Stacy Brasfield

October 23, 2015

Mr. Pickeral, by immersing us in music in high school, gave us some of life's greatest joys -- an appreciation of diverse cultures, people and history through music, lifelong friends and treasured memories, and the ability to tap our feet and hum along, no matter our circumstances. He believed in us and put us on stage when we had our doubts. I offer my condolences to his loved ones with gratitude for his legacy.

Nona Hemphill Rector

October 23, 2015

M. Pickeral, You were the fist teacher that I had that believed in my abilities. You added much to my life, both musically and personally. I will miss you. My prayers are with your family, friends, and former students.

William Maxey

October 23, 2015

You were a great teacher and band director, Mr Pick. William Maxey, Wakefield, 1971, Tallahassee, FL.

Richard Green

October 23, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss may the most high God comfort you during this time.
(Psalms 83:18).

Wakefiled High School 1976

Blake Velde

October 23, 2015

Thank you "Mr. Pick" for nurturing the gift of music in my life. You helped me in so many ways and through music gave me gift that I still work to share with others every day. The heavenly band has a new member on trombone or your beloved "burtone". Life well lived. Condolences to all your family - please know that he touched many lives. Blake Velde Gunston '73, Wakefield '76

Rose Flick Shaffer

October 23, 2015

I so loved Mr. Pick ... from middle school (Gunston) thru high school (Wakefield)! I always looked forward to band and marching band. He had a contagious love of music and kids. He'll always hold a special place in my heart and my memories of him will always bring a smile to my face. Earth has lost a great man, but heaven's band has been blessed.

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