Birth date: Aug 25, 1934 Death date: Sep 10, 2018
John Michael Veleno, famous maker of the one and only all aluminum guitar of the 70’s and 80’s passed away at 84 years old, September 10, 2018 peacefully, surrounded by close family in St. Petersburg, Florida. Family, friends and Read Obituary
I was blessed to work with John and his wife as a guitarist for many weddings he officiated at and talked to him about his legendary guitars he made — he was a very humble man and was always complimentary to me on my guitar playing for his services — we will all miss him and my condolences go to his wife Joyce—God bless Joe and Lori Braccio
I talked to John about six weeks ago. We talked nearly two hours about my Veleno guitar, his life and family. Such a kind man who lived an amazing life. I expressed to him just what a guitar builder icon and hero he was to myself and many others. Now I am so grateful that I got to tell him. He was amazed that he was thought of so highly by so many. My prayers go out to his family and friends. God bless John and those that morn his passing.
Our time with Jack was always filled with love, laughter, and respect for one another. He will always remain in our hearts as the best big brother, and brother in law, that we could have ever asked for.
In 1974, John was moving his wonderful guitar project forward and I was trying to graduate from college. When I asked him for an interview pertaining to a research paper I was writing, he graciously accepted. He granted me a Saturday morning and was most generous with his time and knowledge. Looking back, I have no idea how he spared the time with all he was doing, but he did. From the few times I was around him I remember him to be understated, polite, bright and a true visionary. He leaves behind his wonderful family and a guitar for the ages. Godspeed.
Lamar Sprouse
