James Peter Obremski, 22, died unexpectedly at his apartment in Evanston, Illinois on July 29, 2010. He was a student in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University. James was a gentle soul who was dearly loved by his immediate and extended family members, as well as his large circle of friends.
His older brother Michael says of him that James was always a loving and peaceful person, who radiated compassion whenever you were in his presence.
James was born in Beverly, Massachusetts on June 26, 1988, to parents Peter (deceased) and Kimberly (Shailor) Obremski. He attended North Beverly Elementary and Memorial Middle School. During his childhood years Jamie played golf, soccer, and most of all baseball. He shared a love of the game with his dad who was also his coach. He attended St. Johns Preparatory School in Danvers (2002-2006), where he was a gifted student. Through his participation in the Drama Guild, he developed his interest in sound production, and as a member of the elite Mens Choir, he toured Europe and developed his love for music. He was a soulful musician who composed and played on both the piano and the guitar. In 2006, James enrolled at Northwestern University, where he studied film, literature, and political science.
At the campus radio station (WNUR), he hosted two radio shows (one focusing on rock, the other on the most experimental music in the world). At WNUR he worked for a time as the Programming Director. James was also the Film Programmer for Sonic Celluloid an experimental music and film event. Doug Kaplan, station manager at WNUR, said that James had one of the best brains that I have ever known. He was a sponge for all music and film and digested media voraciously.
Tomi Mendel, one of James university friends, remembers him as a very talented musician who was generous with his talents James is survived by his mother, his brother Michael, his maternal grandfather William Shailor, seven sets of aunts and uncles, and many cousins.
His memorial service was held at on Sunday, August 8, at 2:00 pm, in the Ryken Center for the Arts at St. Johns Preparatory School, 72 Spring Street, Danvers, Massachusetts. For further information, call 617-899-9980. Arrangements by Campbell | Lee, Moody, Russell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly.
Donations have been made to Charity Music in memory of James Peter Obremski by:
Ann M Amatucci, Charlie Baker, Kathy Bilodeau, Brian E Boyle Charitable Foundation Carol Chapman, Sharon Corazzini, Michael Corsa, Caprice Crebar, Catherine Deely Thomas Erskine, Cara Gagliano, Stephanie MacGregor, Deacon Winslow Harris John Hettish, Stacey Hubbard, Deborah Linskey, Eileen Lang, Joy Nemitz Janet Norris, Kimberly Obremski, Friends at North Bridge Robert Orenberg, Lorraine M. Picano, Janice Sale, Nathaniel Smith Jonathan Shailor, Mr. & Mrs. Fritz Von Mering, Anna Whitlock
Albert N. Palmieri 1918-2010
Whether he was accompanying Hollywood stars on war bond tours during World War II or entertaining in nightclubs, Al Palmieri was happiest when he was on stage.
Domenick Palmieri of Hempfield PA said his father enjoyed performing throughout his life.
"Even after my father retired and joined a senior citizens group in Turtle Creek, he composed a song, 'We Are the Senior Americans,' which many groups consider their senior citizen anthem."
Albert N. Palmieri of North Versailles -- known professionally as Al Palmer -- died on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, in the Veterans Affairs hospital in East Liberty. He was 92.
His son said Mr. Palmieri, an accomplished accordion player and a member of the Army Air Corps during World War II, never forgot being on stage with such Hollywood celebrities as Donald O'Connor, Loretta Young, Betty Grable, Edmond O'Brien, Patti Page and Brian Donlevy.
"And yet as the war was coming to an end, my father, who served as a turret gunner on a B-17 bomber in Europe, was assigned to help with the mopping-up operations in Dachau, where he experienced the depths of inhumanity. He never forgot the horrors of what he saw."
Born in Steubenville and raised in Duquesne, Mr. Palmieri was one of six children in the family of steelworker Domenick Palmieri and his wife, Louisa Pala Palmieri, who emigrated from Italy.
Mr. Palmieri dropped out of school during the Depression and went to work in the steel mill with his father to help the family.
He entered the Army Air Corps in 1942, and upon completing his field training in Amarillo, Texas, was assigned to the 8th Army Air Corps.
Mr. Palmieri was discharged in 1946 and a year later married Judy Del Corso, a resident of Braddock. In 1950, he opened Palmer's Accordion Studio in Braddock.
As a member of the Al Palmer Trio and the Vagabonds, Mr. Palmieri was a regular in many of the area's nightclubs and ballrooms, including the Vogue Terrace in North Versailles and the Palisades in McKeesport.
In addition to his son Domenick, Mr. Palmieri is survived by his son, Nick Palmieri of Florida; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and two sisters, JoAnne Miholav of Venetia and Irene O'Bruea of Florida.
Mr. Palmieri was preceded in death by his wife, Judy, in 2006; three brothers, Carmen, Neil and Mundo (Herman); and a sister, Victoria Drylie.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in St. Jude the Apostle Church in Wilmerding. Interment with military honors followed at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Monroeville.
A donation from Mike and Sandy O'Malley has benn received in Loving Memory of Albert N. Palmieri
Doug Fieger August 20, 1952 - February 14, 2010
Douglas Lars Fieger, 57, lead singer of the rock group The Knack and composer of the 1979 #1 hit My Sharona passed away at his home in Woodland Hills, California on February 14, 2010—Valentine’s Day. Doug had battled lung cancer for six years. He outlived, for many, many years, his doctors' prognoses.
In person, Doug was brilliant, witty, with a wry and biting sense of humor. To those who loved him, his sometimes outspoken and argumentative nature (another Fieger Family trait) was recognized as a thin facade for a genuinely caring and gentle soul. Someone once remarked, tongue-in-cheek, that "Doug had more friends than he could shake a stick at, not that he didn't try."
In the Buddhist tradition, Doug was wrapped in a shroud and left to lie in repose for three days. His remains wilwere cremated. A memorial was held in Los Angeles for relatives and close friends. In lieu of flowers or contributions, the family hopes that you continue to fill your homes and hearts with music.
Doug is survived by his older brother, Geoffrey, his younger sister, Beth Falkenstein, his nieces and nephews, Freya, Gretel, Julian, Aidan and Quinn, and hundreds of friends. He also remained very close to his former wife, Mia who was with him continuously at the end.
On behalf of Doug, his family wishes to thank all of his loyal friends and fans for their years of support and well wishes. Doug did not suffer. He is in a better place. And wherever he is, his love and music will continue to shower down upon all of us who remain in this mortal coil, forever.
The above words were borrowed from Geoffrey Fieger from his law firm website.
An extensive collection of Sheet Music was donated in memory of John E. Cola. With love, from his children Jim, Kelly, and Chad
Laura E. Lancaster 1968-2009
Laura was born April 27th, l968 in Enid, Oklahoma while her father, Blake, was completing pilot training for the US Air Force. She moved frequently in her early years before settling in elementary school at Washington in Mt. Clemens, MI.. During her elementary days she started playing the flute and continued through middle school. Later, Laura attended Brighton High School (class of 86) where she continued her interest in music as a member of the Brighton High vocal choir. After high school Laura moved to Ann Arbor and graduated from U. of MI.. From her post high school years Laura enjoyed music by attending many concerts and musical plays at U. of MI.
Although Laura died suddenly on January 30, 2009 the memory and love for her lives on.
Blake and Sue Lancaster Brighton, MI
A flute and check has been received from the Laura E. Lancaster Memorial Fund.
Dennis (Denny) Martin 1976-2008
Dennis (Denny) Joseph Patrick Martin, 31, of Hartford, CT, lost his battle with liver disease on Friday, November 28. He passed away peacefully in the evening, surrounded by love. Born on December 27, 1976, in Falls Church, Virginia, he spent his childhood in Connecticut and moved to California when he was 20. At a very young age he took up playing guitar, and later drums and singing. His life revolved around playing, listening and critiquing music. He was fortunate to see more of this country and others than many will ever see, due to years of touring with different Bay Area Bands.
Denny was incredibly intelligent, endlessly talented and a ferocious supporter of the underdog. He showed both beautiful compassion and razor-sharp wit and he lived life to its fullest extent. He loved books and music and animals and good food. He felt passion far deeper than most of us will ever be capable of knowing. He leaves behind girlfriend Sarah Boehmke of Hartford, CT; mother Colleen Star of Portland, CT and father Dennis Martin and wife Lynn of South Windsor, CT. In addition two sisters Leah Martin and daughter Sofia of Valley Village, CA and Chrissy Martin of Rockyhill, CT; brother Brendon Martin and son Hunter of Portland, CT. Also many loving friends including dear friend Beth Monchun of Hartford, CT, Elizabeth Dutton of Chesterfield, SC, along with others in the Bay Area. Many will miss him.
John "Mystery Tramp" Jaczkowski 1954 - 2008
JOHN JACZKOWSKI, age 54, An enthusiastic supporter of independent musicians, passed away on September 2, 2008. Loving father of Debra (Lauren) Weber, Karen (John) Perkins and Tabitha Jaczkowski. Dear grandfather of Nico and Lucas Perkins. Survived by Christine Frostick, his wife of 24 years. Brother of James (Marilyn) Jaczkowski, Patricia (Jerry) Petkash, Elizabeth (Tim) Ayres, Joseph (Donna) Jaczkowski, Walter Jaczkowski and Catherine Senyko; Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and loyal friends. Holy Mass was offered for the repose of his soul at Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church.
John aka "Mystery Tramp" was an avid supporter of independent musicians in the Metro-Detroit area and beyond. He strove to support, encourage, advertise, and advocate their musical endeavors. He befriended a number of talented musicians, some of which became close friends. In response to his passing, and in support of the Charity Music program, a number of his talented musician friends will hold a "Mystery Tramp" Tribute Concert in his honor on November 22, 2008 at the Cadiuex Cafe in Detroit.
Karen Ruth Francis 1943 - 2008
Karen Ruth Francis, 64, resident of Santa Fe NM, unexpectedly passed away Monday, July 14, 2008. She is survived by her children, Julie Colclough, Michelle Lewis and husband, Matt, Samuel Francis III and wife, Lorrie, and Lisa Francis; parents, Bob and Ruth Neher; brother, Allen Neher; grandchildren, Brenden and Colin Colclough, William, Jake and Hunter Lewis, and Samuel Francis IV; boyfriend, Frank Wharton; and father of her children, Samuel Francis, Sr. Karen was born in Durango, CO and moved to Albuquerque as a young girl, where she raised her family and later in life moved to Santa Fe. She was a lover of mountains, music, and her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend and will be dearly missed by all. Memorial Services were held Saturday, July 19, 2008, 11:00 a.m. at French Mortuary, University Chapel. Should friends desire, please make contributions in Karen's name to Charity Music Inc., 14975 Congress Drive, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 or www.charitymusic.org. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE
"She loved music and children, and wanted her grandson and others to have access to instruments" Michelle Lewis
................. Kenneth Otto ............. July 6, 1973 - Nov. 12, 1996
Our son, Ken, started playing a coronet in elementary school.He loved band from the beginning and was eager to learn all he could.Throughout high school, he played a trumpet in the marching band, honors band and various ensembles, and often at church. At Michigan State University, Ken was thrilled to become a Spartan Marching Band member!He also joined the Air Force R.O.T.C. program at State, where he and his trumpet were called to service for many programs, memorials and ceremonies.He thoroughly enjoyed making others happy with his music.Ken was enthusiastic, fun-loving, caring and dedicated to the band and R.O.T.C. as he worked toward his degree in Electrical Engineering at M.S.U.
In March 1993, we were devastated to learn that Ken had leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant.After a year of searching, a donor was found and the BMT took place in March 1994.The recovery was extremely difficult, but Ken made it through and he did pretty well until the beginning of 1996, when he relapsed.In May, he underwent a second transplant.This time, there were more serious complications.Although Ken fought hard and long, we lost him on November 12 that year.
We were happy to learn about Charity Music and the wonderful programs offered, especially for military families.We believe it is appropriate to donate Ken’s first horn to this caring organization; we know Ken would agree and approve.Thank you for the blessing you are to so many in need as you allow them to experience the joy of music.May God continue to bless you for your compassion, love and concern.
George & Diane Otto Brighton MI
New York, NY...August 13, 2009...Les Paul, acclaimed guitar player, entertainer and inventor, passed away today from complications of severe pneumonia at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York, surrounded by family and loved ones. He had been receiving the best available treatment through this final battle and in keeping with his persona, he showed incredible strength, tenacity and courage. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the thoughts and prayers from his dear friends and fans. Les Paul was 94.
