I guess I must be really Catholic, because the first two people who came to mind were a priest and a nun:

Sister John Bosco, O.P., my choir director from fifth to eighth grade. I remember her saying that Ron Benedict and I were "really sharp," and thinking that a compliment. She taught us Gregorian Chant "the right way," and she also organized a harmonica band. I never got much past "O Susanna," but I sure can play that one well.

Father Robert Mueller, who taught me German and music in high school and junior college. I understood he was born in Milwaukee, but I'd swear he was born in Germany. He taught us German drinking songs, and walked the halls in the evening talking German with his students.

These people instilled a love of music and language in me, and that has made a huge difference in my life. And besides that, both were wonderful, loving people.

-Joe-

I have a friend named Marge Lev who speaks of her guitar teacher Frank Hamilton as a major influence in her life - and she is a major influence in mine. She and her husband were my "honorary parents," sitting in the first pew at my wedding.