John Jerome Slate

John Jerome Slate, of Charleston, SC, jazz saxophonist and educator, died suddenly June 27, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Elizabeth Howard Slate, daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Paul Jones of Richmond, VA, son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Kristy Slate, grandchildren, Kendall Alexandra and Stephen John of Pittsburgh, PA, and sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Gene Petty of Pittsburgh, PA.  He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Slate of Clairton, PA, and sister and brother-in-law, Audrey and Jake Burns of Munhall, PA.  A memorial service will be held Friday, July 2, 2010, at one o'clock at J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL. John's family will receive friends during a reception following the service at the chapel.

John was a gifted jazz saxophonist and touched countless lives through his performances, song arrangements, studio recordings, and perhaps more importantly, by educating future generations in music performance and appreciation.  All those who met John were struck by his charisma, which shined through his music and quick wit.

John grew up in Clairton, PA, graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA with a Bachelors of Music, and obtained a Masters Degree in Music Education from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA.  He was a long-time educator in the West Jefferson Hills School District in Pittsburgh, PA and performed frequently in Pittsburgh with the Towne & Company ensemble.  Upon relocating to Ithaca, NY, he energized the music community as an Adjunct Professor at Cornell University, directing, performing and recording with local musicians and directing the Ithaca Ageless Jazz Band.  John most recently resided on James Island, entertaining and teaching until his sudden passing. 

The family requests in lieu of flowers, and to continue John's passion for nurturing young musicians, donations in memory of John J. Slate, may be made to Berklee College of Music, 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215, or to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, 2700 Chestnut Street, Chester, PA 19013.