John Stebal

JOHN PAUL STEBAL, JR., aged 89 years, beloved father of Melanie Skerl (husband Gary), Karen Matthews, John Paul III (wife Susan), Jack, and Lorna Ava, loving grandfather of Nicole, Lindsay, John Paul IV, Emily and Annalesia and great-grandfather of Alexus and Reef, fond brother of Robert (deceased) and LaVerne Gill (husband Wade).

Mr. Stebal was a U.S. Navy Veteran, founder of Stebal Music in Willowick, and a life-long teacher, author and performer. John P. Stebal Jr. started out on a Hawaiian guitar at the age of nine. He progressed to playing guitar in small “ Juke Joints” in Cleveland until he joined the Navy. It is a good possibility that music saved John’s life, as he was selected to perform in the Navy band just as his group was ready to ship out to battle in the South Pacific during WWII. Lieutenant Seevely noticed the talented guitar player, and asked John to play in the Naval Dance Band. They performed for many Naval officer’s functions, including those attended by Admiral Halsey.

After the Navy, John began his professional career in Cleveland. He played and toured with many of the top bands in the early 50’s. (most notable – Ray Anthony) John could have written his own ticket (had offers to go to Los Angeles) but decided to stay in Cleveland and start a family in Willowick. A very successful career ensued, and John was the top call guitarist in both studio and live performance. He took part in many recording sessions for commercial jingles and bands, including the Outsiders. John performed on local TV (Paige Palmer, Polka Varieties, Bill Randall) and at many performance venues including the Front Row Theatre, backing stars such as Johnny Cash, The Everly Brothers, Tony Bennett, Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gorme and Nancy Wilson, just to name a few.

John was also a highly sought-after teacher in many studio locations in the Cleveland area. (guitar technique, music theory and arranging) Many of his students have gone on to become professional musicians and music store owners in their own right. This successful teaching practice led John to open his own studio in the early 70’s, in an office space at the Shoregate Mall Arcade in Willowick. He outgrew that space and moved to a storefront at 32612 Vine Street (Willowick) in 1975. At this time the business (Stebal Music) was able to offer lessons and accessories for all instruments. John ran the store until illness forced his departure in 1995. His son John III took over at that time, and transformed the business to a Five Star Drumshop, still in operation.

John’s teachings will continue into the future through many of his former students (now teachers) and through the method books he authored: “Combo Chord Guitar Method” written in 1965 (M.M. Cole Publishing Co., Chicago) and the self published “Pro Chords for the Stage & Combo Guitarman” written in 1974.

“John P. Stebal Jr. has touched the lives of so many in a positive fashion for many years, and will continue to do so in their memories and those of future generations as well.”-JPSIII

In lieu of flowers, contributions suggested to The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation at mhopus.org. (818-762-4328)

Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014 at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church (Vine St. at E. 320th St., Willowick) at 10 AM. Burial following with Military Honors in Mentor Cemetery.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of John at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON RD. (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) FRIDAY 3-5 AND 6-8 PM.