Remembering John Thomas Alfieri
John Thomas Alfieri, 72, of Grawn, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at home surrounded by family.
John was born in Warsaw, New York, on January 18, 1953 to Suzanne Barber and the late Tom Alfieri. John was born the oldest of three children and graduated from Letchworth Central High School in 1971. He then went on to get a Bachelor's degree at Fredonia State University followed by a double Master's degree in classical and jazz music from the prestigious Eastman School of Music.
John led the percussion program at the Interlochen Center for the Arts for thirty-five years as well as teaching percussion at Kentucky State University and the National Music Camp. He was an outstanding percussionist, teacher, composer, and musician. As a performer, composer and educator, he has received numerous awards including the Notre Dame Jazz Festival Most Outstanding Percussionist Award for two consecutive years, the Notre Dame Jazz Festival Most Outstanding Composer Award; two Creative Artists Grants from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a Kennedy Center Fellowship for Teachers in the Arts; and a Christa McAuliffe Fellowship from the U.S. Department of Education. As a percussionist he performed with Interlochen Chamber Players and the Traverse City Symphony Orchestra as the principal percussionist.
As a freelance drummer he performed with many artists such as The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Mathis, Jerry Lewis, Don Menza, Maureen McGovern, Dionne Warwick, and with many local jazz groups. John wrote many compositions over the years including The Legend of the Sleeping Bear; Reaching (during COVID); Stars Over Wannakenobe, and many others that have been performed throughout the United States.
John Alfieri was a compassionate, loving husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. He leaves behind his loving wife, Pamela Alfieri, of 50 years; daughter, Tristy (Dan) Redmond, son, Timothy (Sara) Alfieri; grandchildren Audrina Redmond, Braydon Redmond, Ella Alfieri, Liam Reed, Kynslee Alfieri and Kennedy Alfieri, mother Susanne Barber adored her son; sisters, Jody (Dana) Skinner, Tara (Ian) McDougall and Tammy (Thomas) Noto; nieces and nephews, Lachlan, Chloe and Addie and father-in-law, Stephen Balmas.
He was preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Thomas and Sharron Alfieri, Stepfather-in-law, Leslie Barber, and mother-in-law, Lorraine Balmas.
John loved the lake where he would compose many compositions on the back deck and played with the grandchildren! He loved being outside and pursued his dream of building our beautiful family home on the water. Playing in the stock market, golf cart rides, spending time with his dogs, and woodworking in his shop were also some of his favorite hobbies.
His love for family and friends took them on many memorable vacations to Disney World, Florida Keys, Myrtle Beach, Mackinac Island, Marco Island, and adventures all around the home. His love, patience, humble disposition, non-judgmental mindset, and dedication to be the very best at whatever he chose to do, made him the most incredible role model a family could ever encounter! He will be missed by all.
A memorial gathering will be held 4:30 pm to 7 pm, Friday, February 7, 2025 at Life Story Funeral Home.
A celebration of life will be held 11 am, Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the funeral home.
Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of John for the benefit of his grandchildren by using the Venmo QRCode on the Life Story Funeral Home website or at Venmo using ID @Pamela526363- Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more.
