In Memoriam: Andrew Denicola (AKA "Andy" & "Dean")
NJAJE remembers Mr. Denicola as an educator extraordinaire and Director of Bands at JP Stevens High School in Edison. Shortly before his passing, Andy was able to present "The Secrets of My Success" at our annual jazz conference. May his memory be for a blessing and a comfort to all who mourn him.
After many years of battling heart disease, Andrew S. DeNicola rejoined his loving family in heaven on May 20, 2024. He lived a remarkable life, with a celebrated 50-year career in music education during which he was awarded innumerable accolades as Director of Bands at John P. Stevens High School in Edison, NJ. Andy delighted generations of students with his tough love and practical jokes. He also held many titles, including Finalist for the first-ever Grammy Music Educator Award, inductee of the invite-only American Bandmasters Association (considered the highest honor in wind studies), and his self-proclaimed, “World’s Best Third Trumpet Player.” However, to those who loved him and were fortunate enough to be taught by him, he was known affectionately by many other names: “Pop pop,” “Grandpa,” “Andy Boy,” and most notably, “Dean.”
Dean was a die-hard fan of Maynard Ferguson, Tower of Power, and the New York Yankees, but his greatest love was reserved for his beloved wife of 50 years, Katherine “Kathy” DeNicola, as well as his two incredible children, Albert (Michelle) DeNicola and Katie (Jay) Roman, and his four grandchildren, Jalen, Albert, Maggie, and Gianna. He is also survived by his siblings, Albert (Gerry) DeNicola and Patty (John) Owens; his brother- and sisters-in-law, Lou (Robyn) Zandomenego, Gayle Schlett, Beth Vittor, and pre-deceased Amy Sub. He also dearly loved his nieces and nephews: John and Courtney DeNicola; Micaela and Molly Owens; Brianna (Scott) Olesen, Tyler and Matthew Zandomenego; Niki and Dan Schlett; Zachary and Gabby Vittor; Sadie and Julian Sub.
Dean was a die-hard fan of Maynard Ferguson, Tower of Power, and the New York Yankees, but his greatest love was reserved for his beloved wife of 50 years, Katherine “Kathy” DeNicola, as well as his two incredible children, Albert (Michelle) DeNicola and Katie (Jay) Roman, and his four grandchildren, Jalen, Albert, Maggie, and Gianna. He is also survived by his siblings, Albert (Gerry) DeNicola and Patty (John) Owens; his brother- and sisters-in-law, Lou (Robyn) Zandomenego, Gayle Schlett, Beth Vittor, and pre-deceased Amy Sub. He also dearly loved his nieces and nephews: John and Courtney DeNicola; Micaela and Molly Owens; Brianna (Scott) Olesen, Tyler and Matthew Zandomenego; Niki and Dan Schlett; Zachary and Gabby Vittor; Sadie and Julian Sub.