Joseph Cepuran Obituary

Joe was a wonderful teacher and kind human being. He taught me how to be the piano teacher I am today.
Cathy Cuzella Hanson

I have recently learned of Joe's death, and was delighted to find this guestbook today while searching for his obituary.

Joe was my piano teacher from 1965 until 1976. His inspiration and supurb instruction led me to a degree program at Illinois Wesleyan University in Piano Pedagogy. For over 30 years I have instructed students of all ages from the same piano I received instruction from Joe in my East Side Chicago home. While teaching my students, sometimes when I open my mouth, Joe's voice actually comes out, and often I have to pause to share a story about him with whomever happens to be sitting on the piano bench. When preparing student recitals, I always think of him and smile as I remember how he scampered all around the recital hall, making sure everything about the program was just perfect.

Joe and I corresponded through letters every year at Christmas, and he always loved hearing my family updates. I looked forward to his beautifully hand written notes and was sad to hear the reason they had stopped was because of his passing. I still have every one of those cherished letters!

Rest in peace, dear Joseph. You were dearly loved here on earth, and now Heaven has gained another fine muscian!

For all who read this guest book, Terese gave me the gift of giving me and my daugher Joseph's piano. I had the piano transported to California in February. It arrived in excellent condition. I had it tuned twice, and it is as exquisite as when I played it at Joseph's home on Exchange Avenue in Chicago. Joseph always told me that his heart and soul lied in California. The piano took a month journey to arrive, and I would like to believe and I do, that somehow, Joe accompanied the piano on its journey to Southern California. When the truck arrived in February I stood in the driveway of my home, and felt that Joe finally arrived. I cannot express how heart wrenching it was when the movers first unwrapped the bench and then the piano itself. I lifted the bench myself and took it through the front door. I felt as if Joe came into my home with his wonderful heart and soul. My daugher and I play the piano, and I want all to know who read this entry that whenver I play, I can truly feel Joe's hands guiding mine on the keyboard. How I know, is that somehow my hands have a magic on the piano, that I never had. Anyway, the piano is in California, in good hands, and because of its presence here, children have started taking lessons. I believe Joe's piano legacy lives on through the children. In July, I went to Chicago, for a family reunion. I went to Holy Cross Cemetery to find Joseph's resting place. While I was unable to locate the actual site where Joseph lies, I did bring some seashells, and soil from California. I put in as close as possible to where he lies. I hope he knew I was there.

From Irvine, California

Lisa Hervatin, Josephs' student

Joe was my piano teacher, when I was growing up in Calumet City, Illinois. He taught me and my three sisters the piano. I wish then that I could have appreciated the lessons, and with the passage of time, I regret that I could have developed the talent Joe tried so hard to tap into. Joe was more than a teacher, he was a dear friend. My family and I moved to California, and I believe I took Joe's spirit with me here. He will always be in my heart and soul, and the world lost a true musician. With the deepest sympathy and kindest regards to his family. There was nobody like Joe, and his words were gifted.

Lisa Hervatin

To the Cepuran Family,

I am so sorry for your loss of a wonderful man.

I knew Mr. Cepuran from Sacred Heart. He as well was my piano teacher for many years and also a good friend. I have many fond memories.

Even though time has passed Mr. Cepuran and I continued to keep in touch. I always looked forward to his letters that were beautifully written. I have some gifts from him that will always be cherished.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

So Sorry, Therese. Carl

We will truley miss Joe. He was my daughters piano teacher here in Ottawa, Il. I enjoyed her lessons and learned so much from Joe and his travels,his and love of music. Our deepest sympathy to his family. I will say a special Prayer for his family.
God Bless you Joe we will Miss you.

To the Cepuran Family,

I am saddened at this news. I knew Joe from my days at Sacred Heart and St. Jerome. He was dedicated and loved music.

I'll remember him in my Masses.

Fr. Matt

Dear Cepuran Family, I am truly sorry for you loss. Mr. Cepuran was my piano teacher from 1969-1979. He was such an inspiration to me. He taught me to be so passionate about music.

Dear Cepuran Family,

Mr. Cepuran was my piano teacher from 1974 to 1984. He so clearly loved music, and his exuberance for the arts was an inspiration to me. He was a patient teacher, and I think of him often when trying to assist my own two sons with their piano and guitar practice. He will truly be missed. You have my deepest sympathy, and your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Cepuran Family,
Please accept my sympathy and prayers to each of you. Joe was a wonderful human being and great teacher to my three children. He left a lasting impression on all of us.

Dear Joseph Cepuran Family,
Mr. Cepuran was a fun and wonderful person who was my piano teacher in the mid to late 1970's. I so enjoyed my Saturday morning piano lessons at his house with his beloved dog jumping up and down in rhythm with the music. Accordingly, when I wasn't in tune, Mr. Cepuran's beloved pet would give me a disapproving yelp, while he would nicely scold me as to why I didn't practice my piano lessons! Moreover, I will never forget his wonderful books about music, travel and the arts that I would read while I waited for my lesson. I am sorry for your loss, and I know that he is now playing the piano for the angels in heaven to enjoy. God Bless you all.