John E. Drotleff, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025. He was 81 years old.
Born in Youngstown, Ohio, on March 3, 1944, John was the third son of the late Erwin and Henrietta Drotleff. He graduated from South High School in 1962 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree at Youngstown State University and a Master’s degree at Columbia University.
For the next five decades, he worked as a music teacher at various schools in Ohio, including East High School in Youngstown, Glenwood Middle School in Boardman, Youngstown State University, Avon Lake High School, Kent State University, and Lakewood High School, where he was Fine Arts Department Chairman. His high school choirs achieved recognition through their tours and appearances at several professional conferences. From 1980–1994, his top ensembles at both Avon Lake and Lakewood High School received 15 consecutive superior ratings in the AA Division at the OMEA state competitions. Along with his teaching career, he spent forty years in various church music programs as a soloist, organist, or director.
In 1984, he became the Artistic Director of The West Shore Chorale and Orchestra, a position he held until 2021. Under his direction, the Chorale performed the music of more than 150 composers and introduced a Choral Scholars program, encouraging local high school singers to continue participating in community music ensembles after graduation.
In the fall of 1998, he joined the faculty of Hiram College, where he conducted the Hiram College Choir and Madrigal Singers and taught choral conducting, music theory, and secondary choral methods. His college ensembles performed in 15 states, with notable appearances in New York, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and at the Kennedy Center and The National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
John was a member of many professional organizations and was especially proud of his association with the Ohio Choral Directors Association, where he twice served as president and received the Distinguished Service Award. He also found joy in mentoring students, many of whom went on to become professional musicians and music educators across Northeast Ohio.
Outside of work, John loved spending quality time with his family and friends, reading, exploring new restaurants, traveling, and cheering on Cleveland sports.
John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Judy. He is survived by his son Stefan and daughter-in-law Misty; his beloved grandson Max; his brother Jim (Catrina); sister-in-law Mary Lou; and many more extended family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held on June 7, 2025, at 11:00am at Rocky River United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to:
The West Shore Chorale
P.O. Box 770765
Lakewood, Ohio 44107-0036
I have kept the wonderful memory of Mr. Drortleff in my thoughts throughout my life. He was my music teacher at Glenwood Middle School. An awesome encourager, he taught us how to blend together musically, as well as socially. It was my start to love music and singing all of my life. I am 65 now… Thank you, Mr Drotleff for all you did for so many of us! You are with the Angels now helping to create beautiful, resonating blends in Heaven. Great memory of you and job well done, Sir. Fly high!❤️😇
I had Mr Drotleff for choir at Glenwood Middle School in Boardman. I adored him! He was so engaging, and demanded our best. What 13 year old doesn’t need to learn how to give their best?! I’m 70, now, and he remains on my list of one of the best teachers ever! RIP, Mr. D ❤️
I also was among the fortunate to have been taught by Mr. Drotleff at Glenwood Middle School. I don’t recall having many teachers who had his natural acumen for connecting with, and leading, students. I particularly remember learning to sing songs that were popular at the time, and then listening to artists like Simon & Garfunkel with greater appreciation. (“Hey, that’s the part that I KNOW HOW TO SING NOW!) Mr. Drotleff clearly found his calling in life early on, and then lifted countless spirits through the mastery and love of his craft. My condolences to all family, friends and students who benefitted from his expertise and influence.
Mr. Drotleff made me realize how much I loved to sing. As a student at Glenwood Middle School, he introduced me to the beauty of sophisticated choral music and brought out our very best. I sang with his Orpheus Chorale. I lost touch with him until about ten years ago when, as a member of The Wade Raridon Singers, I sang with a combined choir under his direction in Ashtabula. I continue to sing a great deal to this day. I never would’ve begun to sing but for him. Thank you, Mr. Drotleff and may choirs of angels sing you into paradise.
Mr. Drotleff was my music teacher at Glenwood Middle School. He was the first teacher to encourage me regarding music and to strive for excellence. I am still very involved in Choral music to this day. He was a Godsend to myself and thousands of students along the way. His spirit lives on in every note we sing. Fly high Mr. Drotleff. You truly made a difference!
John Drotleff instilled a life long love of music in my life. He knew how to bring the best out in his students. He also taught life lessons in those crucial teenage years. ALHS was lucky to have him. May the Lord Bless you and Keep you ! Mermaids forever.