{"id":9210,"date":"2015-11-22T15:36:33","date_gmt":"2015-11-22T21:36:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/polkaconcerts.com\/?p=9210"},"modified":"2015-11-22T15:36:33","modified_gmt":"2015-11-22T21:36:33","slug":"legendary-musician-vocalist-song-writer-and-polka-music-hall-of-fame-member-john-furmaniak-announces-his-retirement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/polkaconcerts.com\/?p=9210","title":{"rendered":"Legendary Musician, Vocalist, Song Writer and Polka Music Hall of Fame Inductee, John Furmaniak Announces His Retirement!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"John<\/a>One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. This has been building up for awhile. The Medical problems the last 2 years have taken a serious toll on my body. After over 40 some odd years of “On the Road Again” it is time to put that Accordian in the case for the last time. The Fooman has officially retired…..<\/p>\n

I will cherish the friendships made throughout the years. I still see people at functions that I met 30 years ago at venues now. Those Friendships will never die.<\/p>\n

To all the “Brothers of the Note” that I had the pleasure of sharing the bandstand with….I Love You Guys and enjoyed every minute of every gig. We have a special bond.<\/p>\n

To Tony Blaz Thank You for asking me to perform with New Phaze……. 5 years ago at a time when I needed to keep going…You are like a “Son” to me Tony…..Thank You<\/p>\n

A Special Thank You to Stan Wilgocki for riding in the Ambulance with me to the Hospital and staying by my side the whole time and keeping me calm..You are a “Special Friend” I will never forget and never will be able to repay you Thank You. You treated me and Cheryl like Family…..<\/p>\n

To Jeff Yash who came to the Hospital every nite to give Stas a break and keep me and my wife company what great stories about baseball and music…….and great shakes too………. Thanks Jeff<\/p>\n

To Tony, Melvin, & Brian….. Thanks for making sure I was taken care of..A Special Thanks to Melvin my “Roomie ” for the night, who took care of me in the room as if I was part of his family.<\/p>\n

A very special “Thank You” to my wife Cheryl who found a last minute flight and came to Albany NY to be by my side as soon as she could.<\/p>\n

To Dave ..Thanks for your help…….To my Daughter Christy Thank You for Co-ordinating things and the calls.<\/p>\n

To my sons and their spouses, my son-in law and my Grandkids Thank You all for your support over the years<\/p>\n

I have sadness in my heart because I will miss the people more than anything but I will try to come out to events as often as possible.<\/p>\n

Keep the “Music Alive” and remember “It’s for the Love of the Music”.<\/p>\n

~ John Furmaniak. Sr.<\/p>\n