Memorial event for musician Jarry Presko to be held Oct. 7

A non-religious memorial service will be held for Jarry Presko on Sunday, October 7, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at Café Des Artistes, 103 South Main Avenue, Fallbrook (inside the Art Center at Fallbrook).

Jarry, a magnificent musician who thrilled many an audience with his mastery of both the guitar and violin, was a very dear friend to many of his followers and is already a significant void in their lives.

Jarry Presko was born in Munich, Germany, on February 3, 1946. His parents survived labor camps after being taken as POWs in what is now Ukraine. They were refugees until ’49, when they obtained passage to the US. Jarry spent his early years in the lower east side of New York City.

Much to his distaste, Jarry began to study violin at the insistence of his mom. However, he was quickly recognized as a prodigy, studying under several teachers, including an instructor from Julliard Music Academy. He was a soloist from the age of 9, performing Handel and Mozart.

Jarry was a man of many talents, requiring only motivation to display them. He loved the stage and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City as well as at Columbia University.

In the ’60s Jarry’s interest in the violin began to fade and he began to learn the guitar, to which his musical ability quickly transferred. As his guitar skills improved, he practically abandoned the violin, as he began playing in local bands with his younger brother, George. They played together for about eight years in various bands, with moderate success. In his early 30s his ability as a composer started to emerge with a clearly unique style.

Jarry moved to California in the mid-1970s, following his brother, who had moved there a few years earlier. Jarry began connecting with several local musicians and played in several bands.

Eventually he teamed up with Larry Robinson and they had a loyal following in North San Diego County. He became a general manager with a local painting contractor, but he lived for his musical performances.

Jarry was diagnosed with terminal cancer in January of this year, but he continued to play despite the accompanying pain and gradual disability. He played publicly until one week before his death on September 1, 2007.

Jarry considered himself blessed for the wife and friends he had over the years and for the music that was so much a part of his life. His human qualities were equal to his musical talent, and he was loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his mother, Valentine, and his brother, George.