John Charles Sly, 81, of Kirkville passed away Saturday. Devoted husband and father. Born in Syracuse, son of the late Charles and Margaret Sly. He graduated from E. Syracuse High School and earned a BA from Syracuse University.

John taught band and orchestra over a span of more than 40 years in multiple schools in CNY and in the Adirondack area. He was a judge for NYSSMA throughout NY State for more than 50 years. John also worked as a ski instructor, primarily at Song Mountain in Tully, NY.

A talented multi-instrumentalist, he was a former member of the SU Brass Ensemble, as well as Town of Skaneateles and Town of Lafayette Community Bands.

Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Patricia; daughters Erika (Daniel) Bokol, Michelle (Douglas) Olson, Lisa (Christopher) Strongosky, Shannon (Christopher) Battaglia; sons Sean and Brian Sly; grandchildren Mason, Jory, Nathan, Aaron, Elizabeth, Cameron, Madison, Benjamin; brother Jerome (Leonor) Sly; and three nieces.

Calling hours will be Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the R. H. Schepp & Son Minoa Chapel, 6530 Schepp’s Corners Rd. Minoa. A funeral service will be Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at White Chapel Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to: College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University, 200 Crouse College Syracuse, NY 13244, vpa.syr.edu, or to Symphoria, P.O. Box 1161, Syracuse, NY 13201, experiencesymphoria.org.