My dad was John's Tuba teacher in High School; I was in 4th Grade and we played chess while he waited for his lesson.  As an adult musician he played in the Alpiner's with my father-in-law, Jerry Olsen.  He was a fine man and a fine musician, and will be sorely missed.

To the Family 
Psalm 46: I... " GOD is our Refuge and Strength."  Fond memories beginning at Gwendolyn Brooks... that's where the music 🎵🎶 started as a Band...the honor for the students to attend the Jazz Fest in Atlanta, Georgia!!  They had the Honor of meeting many Greats!  "DIZZY"among them!  Priceless!  I was there among them as a chaperone a precious memory.  From Junior High to Thornton High School....🎵🎶  Many continue to  this day letting the music play 🎵🎶!  Excellent Teacher.  Giving these young musicians the knowledge to be great!  Thank You.  DgB ❤️ 
Parent of Larry Billups II

On behalf of Harvey School District 152, former students and community we celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. John P Weber. The impact Mr. Weber had on students in our District will never be forgotten. In a lifetime you wish to encounter someone that would have a profound impact on your career and professional and life decisions. District 152 honors his exceptional work and dedication to thousands of students in the Harvey community. We will forever cherish his memory. Be proud of your students, Mr. Weber!  Your labor was not in vain.

To the family of my band director, Mr. Weber, this is such a hard loss for the Harvey Grade School Band community. This man raised us. He taught us the importance of music, as well as responsibility and accountability. I will always remember him putting a Tuba in my lap in 5th grade and sticking with it until college. This is a hard loss, but we are here with you. I wish you peace and many blessings as we celebrate the life of Mr. John P. Weber.

Mr. Weber was an awesome music teacher. He was à giving man unlike any other man I have ever known.He fed us, took us on trips, and nurtued us like a true Father figure. He was a mentor and pillar to many African American children in a Community that could use more GREAT MAN like him. Thanks for making à différence in our lives. The memories you created will never be forgotten. Hugh Smith

Of all of John's many gifts, his greatest was taking care of people. He was selfless. We are so fortunate to have had him in our lives and we should all learn from him.

I played in the Lane Tech band with John in the 1960's. In the 70's, I was teaching band at the 8 Harvey, IL grade schools and when there was an opening for a 2nd teacher, I helped John get the job. He was the GREATEST to work with -full of ideas, always smiling and always happy. Over the years I played in bands with him and he even played Tuba at my wedding to Mary. He was teaching in Harvey for 30 years and brought so much music knowledge to his students. I'm so sad at his passing - he was always in the category of "The Nicest Person In The World."

My Condolences to one of the best Band Teachers to ever do it. Thank you for starting and guiding us on our musical journey. Rest Easy Mr. Weber, marching into heaven his baton in hand, hear that Joyful Noise🎶💖😘- Michelle (McEwen) Taylor & Fam*

I will miss you. You are so loved. 
Love, Sue

Prayers to the family and comfort of some kind in the days ahead. Mr. Weber was a god-send to many kids that he encountered. Thank you for your compassion, your love of music, and your spirit to care. You will be missed.

Mr. Weber was passionate about teaching music. He was able to see our potential even when we didn’t see our own potential. Working with young children can be stressful and draining at the very least, however, Mr. Weber made it look easy. He knew how to get through to us. Under Mr. Weber, we developed a love for music that will never go away. He had high expectations for all of us. He was a perfectionist; he wanted what he wanted, and HOW he wanted it. Hard work certainly paid off, as a tradition of excellence was established within Harvey School District 152. Countless first place finishes were earned at solo and ensemble contests, school concerts were always amazing, the Brooks Junior High Jazz Band was invited to participate in the NAJE jazz festival in January, 1987, which was a highlight for many of us, and the list goes on and on.

I’m thankful for the foundation Mr. Weber laid for his students. I’m currently a middle school band director, and I frequently ask myself, “what would Mr. Weber do in this situation?” He had a huge impact on my life, both personally and musically. I will miss him, just as all of us will. Rest in peace, Mr. Weber.

Mr.Weber was such a great man within our community. He introduced many of us to the art of music through playing instruments. He has guided many to successful music careers & if not that at least discipline in life. What an impact he had on us in Harvey, memories that will last a lifetime. I am currently teaching my daughters the trumpet & I started them off with that same mouthpiece technique we did to start our rehearsals.  
   This hurts me but it is the many memories that helps ease the pain. Mr. Weber you were apart one of my greatest childhood memories & you will be missed.

Rest in Peach, John.
We made some great music together in the band! 
You were always fun to be around, too.
Rich Tomasek

Mr. Weber was more than a teacher and I will be forever grateful for the way he shaped my journey. He saw something in me before I even knew it was there. He nurtured my love for music, patiently taught me to play multiple instruments, and truly became the heartbeat of my youth and education.

I met Mr. Weber in 2nd grade at Riley Elementary, where he gently convinced me to take a chance on music and join the school band, a decision that would go on to change my life forever. At a time when most adults dismissed or even shamed my love for jazz, a love I inherited from my grandfather, Mr. Weber did the opposite. 

He celebrated it and invited me to join the jazz band ensemble, where I stood as one of only two girls when I moved on to Gwendolyn Brooks for junior high. It was there that I found my place, my voice, and the courage to stand tall in rooms where I didn’t always feel I belonged.

To this day, every time I hear "Slippin’ into Darkness" by War, I’m taken back to him, his kindness, optimism, patience, and the way he believed in me, and in all of us kids from a community where people didn’t always see our worth.

 And every time I hear it, I remember the confidence he helped build in me, the same confidence I carried when I picked up the clarinet, alto saxophone, baritone clarinet, and drums and realized I was capable of more than I ever imagined.

Mr. Weber gave me music, but more than that, he gave me, me…and I will carry his light with me for the rest of my life. I honor his memory with love, endless gratitude, and a promise to keep the music alive.

John on post in the stern of our small craft.
Guiding us across a summer 1973 Saskatchewan lake.
And I, providing only propulsion from the bow.
(Or here it seems, shamelessly freeloading on John’s effort.)
When I am on the water, in reality, recollection or reverie, John will be there.
And around the cooking fire and the cloud of mosquitoes, John will be there.
And surely, in the perfect walleye spot, John will be there. 
John will be there.

Brent Dubach

John was a dear friend, mentor, an awe-inspiring musician, esteemed colleague and a master teacher who developed and nurtured several world-class musicians who are still active today. His influence on me was profound from the first time I met and heard him at Lane Tech Monday night band as an eighth grader, and hearing what fantastic Tuba playing really was. His playing and his humanity impressed me ever since and am profoundly saddened to lose him. Rest in Peace, John.
Richard Armandi

John Weber was truly a carrying person. During his yrs as a teac her he would extend himself to help out his students. Some great stories how he changed their lives. John will be missed by all who were fortunate to have him in their lives. Miss you John 😔 
.

Mr.  Weber was the GOAT of all band leaders.  He will be missed by all his students.  Brooks C/O 87

I am saddened to learn of Jojn's passing. He was such a fine musician and always enjoyed playing with him whenever I had the chance. 
Rest In Peace John

Buss Lakes with John holding a snowshoe we had found on our long canoe trip.

Our 5 week expedition in Northern Saskatchewan was a highlight of all four of our lives. I know John always considered it so.  It is fair to say that we depended on John’s leadership and knowledge on this endeavor. This picture taken by Jim is how we will always remember John.
Tom Southworth, Jim Bailey, Brent Dubach.

OBITUARY

John P. Weber

10 September, 1945 – 8 May, 2025

Glueckert Funeral Home

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