Jon Bankert
Jon Bankert first contacted me when he wanted to perform our version of “ Christmas Carol”, which of course I gladly gave.
Over the years the contact stayed and we met a few times in Preetz where I saw his famous “Tales of St. Francis”, (John was a Franciscan) his “Sweeney Todd” and of course his version of “The Miller and his Men”.
Then his health declined and this year his performance at the Preetz festival was cancelled. He was terminally ill.
Then 2 weeks later I got this mail:
Dear Harry,
I am not sure if you or everyone knows but our dear friend Jon Bankert died early this morning. He will be very missed around the world,
Warm wishes
sr. just Lorraine DiDio, oef
The last few days of Jon's life were spent at home, and he died peacefully with his community of brothers gathered around him. Besides all the love that surrounded him, Jon received the best medical care so that his last days were made as comfortable as possible.
His funeral was held at Little Portion Friary, in Mt. Sinai, NY where he lived for many years, Thursday, 27 September 2007.
He was, 62 years old. We will miss him.
