Mr. John Jedlan

LITTLE FALLS – John Jedlan, age 74, went home to the Lord on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, due to congestive heart failure. He leaves behind a loving family including his wife, Lauren; sister-in-law, Linda; niece, Juanita; along with many dear friends and relatives. In addition, he leaves his two beloved dogs, Rosie and Molly, who were always by his side during his long illness. John will be remembered for his love of music and his humor. Having experienced a challenging childhood and youth, he realized that everyone carries a cross of some kind. If he could help them carry it with a song or a joke, he was very happy. Amidst the years of his military service with the U.S. Army, during the Vietnam War, he taught himself to play the piano in the recreation room. He had a natural ear; he only had to hear a piece of music to play it. His kind soul expressed itself in his light, lilting touch on the keys and charming arrangements. Though he could and did play dixie-land songs at Mohagany Hall for a short time, he preferred the classic, standard songs such as “As time goes by.” He played for many years in New Orleans in five-star restaurants such as L’Escale, Louis the Sixteenth, and Begue’s. After seventeen years at Begue’s, the restaurant closed due to the ravages of Hurricane Katrina. It was around that time, however, that John’s heart began to fail. He couldn’t keep up with the heavy schedule of a professional musician. Missing the rapport he’d enjoyed with audiences, he decided to volunteer. He played for Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans and the Masonic Care Community where he played during Friday’s happy hour, entertaining many. His last performance as a volunteer was at the very nursing home where he was soon to be on Hospice, the Alpine in Little Falls. He was happy when the Activities Director there asked him to play Christmas carols for the other residents. Then, he made an unexpected request: he asked his wife, to whom he was devoted, to bring her violin and join him. Practically a novice, she felt unable to play more than one song with him in public, the Christmas carol “Joy to the World.” John played a host of carols from memory. The audience enjoyed his playing immensely. It was a blessed last Christmas for John, who loved Jesus and always kept Christmas in his heart. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend John’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday, February 25, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of the service. This poem was written by his wife in moments of her love for him, expressing her devotion… You were and are and always will be my North Star. If I am lost – not knowing where to go or where I am - I will look to heaven and find you gleaming, and I will follow you. Love always… Until we meet again… This tribute was affectionately composed by John’s beloved wife, Lauren.

Mr. John Jedlan

April 25, 1951 - February 3, 2026