R.I.P. John T. Abney, 77 years of age. Poet, lyricist, audiophile, music aficionado and techno-tinkerer.
Born July 14, 1945, in Ada, Oklahoma, he roamed the USA after leaving Oklahoma in 1968, residing in Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona, eventually moving to New Jersey in 1992 where he held a customer service position at Prudential Securities in Edison. In New Jersey, he forged enduring friendships with the families of fellow musicophiles Mark Clifford of Hardwick and Ian McCarthy of Knowlton.
John was devoted to music across all genres, and from 1995 to 2008 was principal recordist and archivist for the Knowlton Riverfest in Columbia. John settled permanently in Blairstown in 2001 where he continued to write poetry and lyrics following his retirement from Prudential. He was trusted caretaker and recordist at Blairstown’s Roy’s Hall theatre from 2008 until his passing at Newton Medical Center on March 13, 2023.
John is survived by a sister, Carol Abney Humphrey, and a brother, David Abney, both of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
John has been entrusted to the care of Newbaker Funeral Home, 200 Route 94, Blairstown. In lieu of flowers please send tax deductible donations to Roy’s Hall c/o Blairstown Live-Arts, Incl., http://royshall.org/donate.