John Robert Seppala

Dec. 5, 1961-Jan. 14, 2013

Resident of Walnut CreekJohn was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and moved to Walnut Creek in 1966. At an early age he began to play piano with a teacher (Edith Hamaker) who really encouraged him. As a high school freshman, she took him to a music theory class at DVC for four years. He played in bands, won many awards, and as a high school senior played piano in the All State Honor Jazz Band in Sacramento.

He elected to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, after having a summer scholarship there while in high school. There he met many famous musicians, won awards, played in bands, and made a living.

After ten years he returned to Walnut Creek, a place he always loved, and his family was delighted. He began playing piano and keyboard in many venues in the Bay Area and other parts of California. He became known as a skilled musician, composer, arranger and piano teacher. He especially enjoyed playing in a trio at the Montreal Jazz Festival. He was known well by musicians in many fields in the Bay Area.

John is survived by his mother, Wilma, and his two brothers, Karl and Eric, who miss him, his loving sense of humor, and his music.

His family church is Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4000 Clayton Road in Concord, and his family and friends are invited there for his Funeral Service on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m