Paul P. Jankowski

1984 Charter Bandmasters Hall of Fame Inductee

     Our deeply loved Paul Peter Jankowski, Jr. passed away unexpectedly on January 20th, 2014 of complications following knee replacement surgery.

     Paul was born on July 31st, 1932 to Paul Peter Jankowski, Sr. and Albina "Molly" Sova. He developed into a gifted musician and "jobbed out" frequently with the accordion. Paul met Frances Kasprak while performing at a wedding reception. They fell in love and were married in 1959 and have 4 children, Dawn Larson (IL), Kevin Paul (UT), Todd Joseph (UT), and Roger Dennis (FL). Their descendants include 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

     Paul's considerable talent coupled with an affable disposition and uncanny ability to lead youth resulted in his appointment to Music Chairman for Thornwood High School in Illinois. He was later inducted to the Bandmaster's Hall of Fame--interestingly one could only find evidence of this prestigious award buried in a box in a closet. Paul's true "accolades" centered on making life happier and fuller for his family, students, friends, and associates. He was confident, loyal, and gifted-a man who rarely passed up a chance to either build you up or make you laugh. Above all he loved his family and we will miss him greatly.

Paul experienced one of his most difficult life moments with the passing of his wife Frances in 2009. To his great joy, he later met Diane Rizzo and was married to her in March of 2012. He treasured her love, kindness, steadiness, and intelligence. She will greatly miss him.

     Paul is survived by his wife Diane and sisters Dorothy Gurzynski and La Verne Kingsbury. We are confident that Paul is continuing his great work and has other missions although we will not see him for a season. We love him and miss him.