John Weitzel, Sr.

John Ellis Weitzel Sr., 100, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 9, 2024, in Kalamazoo, MI.

Weitzel directed the Alliance (OH) High School Marching Band from 1960 –78, building the band into a nationally known organization that travelled across the country, performing at many NFL halftimes and major parades. His influence on the many students he taught is reflected in the numbers of educators, musicians, and other former band members whose memories of his dedication, leadership, and calls for “one more time” remain an important part of their lives. 

Weitzel was born on Feb. 23, 1924, in Aliquippa,, PA., where his musical life began. Along with his lifelong friend Henry Mancini , he joined the high school band in the seventh grade. 

Weitzel served in the U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II (1943-46), and then returned to Wooster College, where he met his life partner Annelu “Dixie” Hutson. While studying music at Wooster, Dixie and John wrote the College of Wooster fight song “Hail to the Black and Gold” which remains in use today.

After their 1947 marriage, the Weitzels moved to New York City, where John attended Columbia University, earning his master's degree in music education. He began his band director career in East Liverpool before taking the position of band director at AHS, while Dixie, an accomplished pianist, taught music in the Alliance Elementary Schools for many years. 

Upon retirement in 1985 John and Dixie relocated to Michigan to be close to son John, Jr., and granddaughters Jamie and Christie. 

In John, Sr.’s later life, he played baritone in many community bands and ensembles and was active musically until just before his death. He also was an accomplished keyboard player and spent many hours playing both the organ and piano.

John was preceded in death by his wife Annelu “Dixie” Weitzel (1924- 2003), and son Lorman Bruce Weitzel (1951-1973). He is survived by son John Weitzel Jr. (Katie), granddaughters Jamie Scripps (Dan) of Northport, MI, and Christie Merrill (Adam) of Bremerton, WA.. John, Sr., was also great grandfather to Jack Scripps, Nicol Scripps, Eloise Merrill, and Lenora Merrill. 

Services are pending and will be announced at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The AHS ALUMNI Foundation “Days Of Glory Scholarship.” (info@ahsalumnifoundation.org) , The “Days of Glory” scholarship was established in Weitzel’s honor and is awarded annually to AHS seniors who exhibit academic potential and reflect his lifelong values to assist in their continuing education.