John G. Oblon, 82 of Meriden died peacefully after a long illness on Wednesday 10/7/15 with his beloved longtime companion, Bronwen Wrinn, by his side. He was the son of the late Vincent and Kazimiera (Pilch) Oblon. Mr. Oblon was a veteran of the Korean War serving as band leader. He was employed by the Meriden Board of Education for 39 years as a music teacher, administrator and Fine Arts Supervisor until his retirement in 1995. In addition to his career in education, John was a professional drummer for the majority of his life until his retirement in 1995. In the 1960's, while teaching in high school, he created the Kiwanitones, a local entertainment band. He was honored to play polka with musicians Walt Solek (King of Polka) and Frank Wojnarowski all over New England and surrounding states. In the 1960's he formed his own group, the Johnny Oblon Orchestra. In the 70's and 80's he and his former wife played nightclubs as the Janet We Three. From the 90's forward he created and really enjoyed playing with his big 17pc band. John's lifelong passion was music. He was very proud of his children's talents. He loved taking students under his wing and encouraging their own musical careers. He took great pleasure in his cars that he kept meticulous. He was known as a kind and gentle person. Mr. Oblon is survived by his daughter, Lorrie Tine, and her husband Anthony of Middletown and their three children, Mia, Marco and Anthony Joseph Jr. (A.J.); his son James (Jim) Oblon of Nashville, Tennessee. Also Janet Sztaba Oblon, mother to his two children. His sisters, Jeanette Buksa of Meriden and Irene Wells and her husband, Richard, of LaJolla, California as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph S. Oblon. A very special thankyou to Gail Diggle for all her love, caretaking and support these past years. Per John's wishes, a private Mass of Christian burial was held at St. Stanislaus Church and burial with military honors in St. Stanislaus Cemetery on Thursday, October 15th. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Stempien Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden. To send an online expression of sympathy please visit www.stempienfuneralhome.com Friends who knew him are invited to a Celebration of his Life at the Villa Capri in Wallingford on Sunday, Nov 1st, between 2 - 4:30pm. Bring your memorabilia and anecdotes. In honor of his passion for music, his family has established a scholarship in his memory. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to: John Oblon Scholarship, c/o Kim Fournier, Platt High School, 220 Coe Ave., Meriden, CT 06451. This scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Meriden who is seeking a career in music education. It will be a privilege to grant this scholarship in his name.