Obituary of John DiPetrillo

DiPetrillo John Anthony, age 72, died peacefully after a prolonged illness on June 15, 2011. Born in Providence, RI, John has been residing in Wyckoff, NJ for 21 years. John was an accomplished musician and gifted educator. His musical career began at an early age as first trumpet in the Rhode Island Symphony. He received scholarships three summers in a row to play at Tanglewood, where he played with the Boston Pops and the Boston Symphony. He received his B.A. at Boston Conservatory and two M.A.'s: one at Manhattan School of Music and one at Columbia University, where he also completed a professional diploma in Music Ed. John performed at world-class venues, including Radio City Music Hall. John went on to teach music at Waldwick H.S. in NJ and Hilltop Intermediate School in Nyack, NY, where he also served as department supervisor. He continued his teaching career at Cavallini School in Upper Saddle River, NJ, the Performing Arts Academy in Paterson, NJ, and Bergen Community College in Paramus, NJ. John was revered and cherished by his colleagues, students and friends. John is survived by his beloved wife Diane to whom he was married for 41 years; his two dear daughters: Marissa DiPetrillo of Wyckoff and Ashley (husband Scott Doty) of Hawthorne; his loving granddaughter, Alejaya; and his two sisters: Lucille (husband Nick Piti) of Providence, RI and Susan (husband Anthony Pate) of Cranston, RI. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Josephine Maselli of Port St. Lucie, FL, as well as three nieces and four nephews. John always said that, out of all the experiences of his life, "the biggest kick of all" were his two daughters, and, more recently, his granddaughter. John will be proudly remembered and forever missed. Friends may visit on Monday, 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home (vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ. Funeral Service is Tuesday, 10 AM at the funeral home, followed by entombment at Fair Lawn Memorial Cemetery and Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers and mass cards, memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942, would be appreciated.