John Henry Redgate, 64, of Bridgeport, died peacefully on Saturday, October 3, 2015, with family around his bedside. He was born in Bridgeport on October 29, 1950, the fourth child of Russell and Mary Redgate. He was predeceased by his sister Ann. He is survived by his brother Russell Redgate (and wife Laurie) of Marstons Mills, Massachusetts, his sister Patricia McAuley (and husband James) of Trumbull, and his sister Alicia Harris (and husband Steve) of Cheshire. He also leaves seven nephews, three nieces, three great nieces and one great nephew. John loved and was loved by his numerous Redgate and Connelly cousins, aunts, and uncles.
John graduated from Bridgeport's St. Augustine's school in 1964, and then from Fairfield Prep in 1968. He obtained a bachelors degree in fine arts from Georgetown University in 1973.
His musical talents were evident at a very early age. He had some help from other musicians in the family, but was largely self taught. He had the gift. Since his teen years he concentrated on piano and stringed instruments, mainly guitar. While at Georgetown he played on campus and around town, first with his band Bread and Water, then with the vocal group Lazy River. He performed more than once at the Cellar Door in Georgetown, opening for and sharing the stage with Doc Watson and Emmy Lou Harris. In 1973, Lazy River landed a recording contract with a west coast label, which took them to Hollywood. John was back east in the late 70s, based in Boston and Cambridge, playing at clubs and lounges. A Beatles fan since he was twelve, John landed the role of Paul McCartney in Beatlemania, which included runs in Tokyo and Las Vegas, and even a stint at the Wintergarden Theater on Broadway in New York. More than once John switched from Atlantic to Pacific. He was the house pianist at the Comedy Store in Hollywood for ten years. While in California John studied songwriting with some of the greats, including Jack Segal, Tom Paxton, and Hugh Prestwood. He also worked many years at ASCAP's office in Manhattan. He found the most rewarding part of his career in the last years, entertaining seniors at nursing homes in Connecticut. The SummerSongs camp near Woodstock, New York, where John taught songwriting classes, had a special place in his heart. He formed strong and lasting friendships there. His visit in August of this year was a joy to him. Besides musical abilities, John had many other natural gifts. He was a fine young athlete, fast and agile. He had a winning personality and a great wit. He was at ease with the young and the old. Better still, he cultivated the great virtues. His strong Catholic Faith was informed by much reading of the Fathers and Doctors of the Church and was nourished by prayer and the sacraments. Calling hours are from 4 PM to 8 PM, on Friday, October 9th, at the Redgate-Hennessy Funeral Home at Main Street and Gorham Place in Trumbull. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered for the repose of John's soul at St. Augustine's Cathedral on Saturday, October 10th at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to SummerSongs at www.summersongs.com, or sent care of the founder and director, Penelope Nichols Rothe at 446 Arcadia Ave, Morro Bay, CA 93442. To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com