John “Jack” Kramer, instrumental music teacher remembered for the bands he directed at Norwood Ave., Pulaski Rd. and Fifth Ave. elementary schools, passed away on July 20th. Jack is survived by Kathy, his wife of 56 years; his sons, Andrew Schiller, Ian Kramer, and Kyle Kramer; and three grandchildren.
Jack served in the US Army, performing with the Army Band and conducting a choral emsemble and composing march music for various functions. Prior to his career at Northport, he performed and toured with many musical groups, including the Guy Lombardo Orchestra, and played in the pit orchestra for productions such as The Sound of Music.
In Northport Jack prided himself on teaching Western Classical and Concert Music rather than pop music, seeing his role as broadening his students’ experience, rather than repeating versions of music which could be heard casually in the students’ everyday life. To countless students, he was more than a teacher—he was a mentor who nurtured confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Jack would be welcomed by:
The Foundation Fighting Blindness (https://give.fightingblindness.org/campaign/695812/donate) and The Newfield Public Library, 198 Main Street, PO Box 154, Newfield, NY.