Obituary for John Colucci

"So sad to hear about this and our thoughts are with you. Always loved seeing John - especially when he was in the UK. He was an amazing person."

"Dearest Colucci family,

I was so saddened to hear of Johns passing, and as I'm sure you all are, taken off guard. I've been mulling over for some time what if anything, is helpful or appropriate to say and I'm still in square one. So here's my best: No energy is ever created or destroyed, so in a sense, regardless of any spiritual belief, the scientific opinion is that some part of John will always exist. I do not presume that this offers you any solace, but I do think it's worth sharing. Also worth sharing is the fact that I have to this day clear, vivid, wonderful memories of him; mine is one of many lives he enriched, and that's something that goes on forever as well. So while I did not get to know him nearly as well as I would've liked, I know first hand that he was an incredibly hard-working, generous, brilliant, loving, jovial, and generally awesome patriarch and human being. I'd also like to thank and remind you that that generosity did not begin or end with John. Your family showed me patronage that extended to students who have instruments or the inspiration to take lessons because of you all, Jake, and John. Thank you.

I cannot imagine how you must be feeling. They say time heals all wounds but I can't imagine that this will stop stinging anytime soon. So please, know that I am here for you in whatever capacity is comfortable whenever you would like. Know that the gravity of this loss is not lost on me, or anyone who even grazed John.

All the love and warmth of my heart,

Jamie Serow"

"Sallie...I was so saddened to hear of John's death! Such a shock for you and your family!"

"Sallie, I am so sorry for your loss- my prayers are with you all!"

"Sallie, Jake, Annie, Gracie and the Colucci clan , we were shocked, devastated and so very sad to hear of John's death. It does not seem possible we will never see him again, laugh with him, talk politics and listen to the tales.

I first met John on my very first trip to NY as a naive 19 year old arriving from England for a summer waitressing job . My first impressions was A mischievous (and maybe a bit wild back in the day?!) sense of fun, a love of meeting and chatting with new people, a story teller par excellence and a kind and generous soul. In over 40 years the essence of John never changed, and how lucky we were to have John, Sallie and Gracie in London with us for a couple of years so recently....Everyone John met took him to their hearts and his English friends will not forget him.

One recent story I remember was Johns tale of sitting next to the Donald at a dinner one night and being pressed by the Donald to agree that Melania was the best looking woman in the world. Quick as a flash John begged to differ - to the Donald's evident displeasure! The best looking woman in the world, says John, is my own wife Sallie.

We are so sad we ourselves could not be with you to mourn John;s passing and share memories with you, but so glad that at least one Parker could be there . We hope the day we can be together again will come soon. Meantime you are all in our hearts.

Shelagh, Phil,Sam and Lulu Parker
London"

"Dear Sallie, Jake, Annie and Grace: John was a great father, husband and an extraordinary person. He inspired everyone he encountered! His kindness and brilliance will be greatly missed!"