John Manuel Falzone

The most courageous, self-aware, wise, gentle, humble soul is now walking, running and leaping. He is now limitless as he was on earth in heart, so he now is in body, mind and Spirit. John was, and remains, an example of acceptance, never judging, and active attentiveness – always in the present – intentional and mindful in the moment.

After a tragic car accident in 1979, John became paraplegic, yet he was never defined by a wheelchair. His heart, forward motion and creativity remained always boundless. Immediately after physical rehab, he traveled independently to Florida and received his degree in Music and Recording, from Full Sail University. Now with added knowledge, he returned home and became the sound engineer at Mega Sound Studios, Bailey NC. Shortly thereafter, he built his own studio, On Fire Productions, in Raleigh.

He was a prolific composer and producer, often melding together color, sound and frequency before it was recognized on the forefront of music. His studio, On Fire Productions, was known as “sonic sculpting” where many local and international bands and artists created and produced music. Many musicians, and others in the industry, said that Johnny’s love of music ranged from Abba to Zappa and all in between. He had the gift of taking sound harnessed by humans and delivering it with generosity and emotions to create music.

John was invited to Duke Hospital Integrative Medicine to present a program to nurses and doctors on the impact of various sounds and vibrations upon the body. He created a music mix that was used in the labor rooms to encourage natural birth and soothe both mother and baby. He participated in Duke University’s program on Mindfulness and Integrative Medicine.

John was a poet of haiku, a short 3 lined poem that records the essence of a moment keenly observed that links nature to humanity. He followed this meditative practice for many years. He was present in pain, pressing into it to get beyond as he composed.

“along pain pathways -

finding relief -

deep in the furrows.”

John was preceded in death by his parents; Michael and Phyllis Falzone. Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife Barbara Busacca Falzone; sister, Catherine Sullivan, her husband Thomas Sullivan; and the niece he adored, Amanda Sullivan and fiancée Drew Robertson.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Daniel Mollin for his compassionate, excellent medical care for many years and Nedra Hobbs, John’s wound care nurse and above all friend.

Memorial services to celebrate Johnny’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 6, at 11:00 a.m., at the Raleigh Little Theater Rose Garden, 301 Pogue Street. Rain or shine we will celebrate. There will be a time of fellowship and refreshments after the memorial. (Please dress casually, wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella - just in case.)

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Amnesty International or the Association for Frontal Temporal Degeneration.