For 18 and a half years my music room looked directly into John's music room. I could practically write a book about everything we talked about or all the things he taught me. Last night I had a dream that I was telling him about what my daughter Tara was up to. When I awoke I realized my other daughter Paige recently got an apartment on 88th st and rushed down stairs to look up John's old address. It wasn't the same building but very close by. In searching the internet I just found this website and absolutely loved viewing all the pictures and reading the comments.  In my mind I could piece together the people and places he talked about and finally saw the pictures that went with the stories. But I never knew he was a ballroom dancer! Anyway, thanks John for all those years and all the enriching conversations that made the workday even more fun than it already was - from terry Pavone... terrypavone@hot mail.com

I hadn't seen or heard from John since I was last in the United States in 2012. He usually sent me a Christmas card here in England.  But, strangely enough, it is only today (July 7, 2015) that I thought of him and decided to go online to see if he would appear.   I had a suspicion that he might have died as I knew of his severe heart condition.   He and I were army buddies in the West Point Academy Band and were roommates for about a year and a half while there.  He had a nice happy go lucky disposition and could have been a professional trumpeter in a symphony orchestra.  He chose not to go down that road.  I will miss seeing him on my future visits to New York.   He was only 5 months younger than I.  I do hope his family reads this.  my email is jamesdangelomusic@gmail.com.  May he rest in peace.

Your laugh was like no one else .... I can still hear it....through the years, we always shared the same view of who and what was preposterous and deserved a good chortle.  A fine gentleman whose memory I will treasure.  Be in comfort and at peace.  God bless.

I met John about 3 years ago as a fellow resident in his building on the upper east side of Manhattan.  Shortly after,  his health began to be more of a challenge.  He was clearly in pain, but never let on.  Instead he would ask how  i was doing.  A true gentleman, and loving, brave spirit - he would venture out on his own to the end (we even met on the bus not too long ago!).  During this recent cold snap, I was so saddened to hear he had passed - fnding out from his next door neighbor when I went up to check if he needed anything.  Safe journeys, old soldier, I'll miss our brief hallway conversations.  Glory and happiness to you in heaven with your loved ones.  - HMZ 506

When I came to work at the Film Music Company in 1981, John was that kind of co-worker who made an already fun place to work in a paradise. I kept in touch with John even after I left the company in 2006. The long conversations always included new jokes and side aching laughter. He was a great man, musician, mentor and true friend. Our last phone conversation was a day after Thanksgiving. By golly, I am going to miss him. May I convey my most sincere condolences to the family and friends who were privileged to be touched by John's loving friendship.

I am just hearing about this now a day after John's memorial service. He was a a mentor to me and a good friend at de Wolfe Music. After his retirement, we always kept in touch and I would sneak out of the office office or twice a year so that we could meet at Met's Stadium to watch our beloved team together and share some laughs. Just one of the warmest people I was lucky enough to call my friend. I'll miss you John.

Uncle John I miss you so very much. You were always there when I needed someone to talk to and you always made me laugh when you told your jokes. I know you are no longer in pain and are home in heaven with grandma and grandpa. I love you forever and always.

John will be dearly missed by us all.  He was such a talented person, a strong person, and a gentle soul.  He will be especially missed at all our family gatherings.  Our love to Ann, John and family.

We send our deepest condolences for the loss of your brother. Our prayers are with you as you remember and celebrate John's life. The pictures are a wonderful glimpse into his life.  We know you will miss him.  Anne and Robert Manning

The pictures posted bring up such great memories and shows how John lived life well, and to the fullest, up until the very end.  May the memories and good times comfort all of John's family and friends. With our deepest, and heartfelt condolences.

OBITUARY

John J. Lettis Jr.

20 August, 1939 – 22 December, 2013

Edward F. Carter Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services