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Joseph DuciBella Obituary
Joseph R. DuciBella, A.S.I.D., 62, died peacefully Friday evening, at home, surrounded by loving family and friends, following a long fight with cancer. Beloved son of the late Sam and Doris DuciBella, Joseph was a founding member, in 1969, of the Theatre Historical Society of America, the foremost organization of its kind in the country. Born and raised on Chicago's West Side, he had an early opportunity to understand theatres when his neighborhood theatre, the Paradise, was demolished. He would visit the site almost daily, and observe, as demolition progressed, how large theatres were constructed. That led to his interest to be an architect. He studied under Mies Van Der Rohe at the Illinois Institute of Technology and eventually decided to pursue a more humanistic approach to design. He graduated from the Chicago Academy of Fine Art with degrees on Interior Design. He went on to become one of Chicago's most sought-after interior designers, residential, commercial, and theatrical, heading his own design firm for more than a quarter of a century. He designed many famous homes and theatres throughout the region, including the 36,000-square-foot Palace of Music for the estate of Jasper and Marian Sanfilippo, housing not only Sanfilippo's immense collection of musical instruments, but an enormous theatre pipe organ and seating for several hundred. It remains today one of the foremost venues for theatre organ music in the USA. He was widely known as one of the most important American theatre historians and has published several books both here and in Europe. Thousands, through the years, have clamored for spaces on his tours of theatres throughout the country, and his Theatres of Chicago (1973) is still a base reference in many libraries. His final book, The Theatres of Chicago: The Complete Illustrated History, is due to be published next year and is the history of nearly every theatre that ever existed in Chicago from the 1840's to the present day. His personal collection of theatre fixtures, historic photographs, writings and memorabilia was perhaps second-to-none, and he lovingly welcomed thousands over more than thirty years to visit and tour his unique home. He was a member of many organizations, including the American Theatre Organ Society, The Organ Historical Society, Chicago Area Theatre Organ Enthusiasts, and many more. He received scores of honors, commendations and awards from all walks of the Interior Design and Theatre History fields. He also was one of Chicago's most respected architectural historians and led many city tours of Chicago's legendary architecture and was a leading figure in the preservation of such important buildings as the Chicago Theatre, the Congress Theatre, and many others. He also worked tirelessly at the center of the project to have the nighborhood of Wicker Park designated a Chicago Landmark District. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Dianne & Bob Pajeau of Batavia, IL; his aunt, Marie Palmisano of Chicago; cousins Jean Roti of Weston, FL; Gloria Taylor of Chicago; and S. Joseph and Melinda Formusa; nephews and nieces, Michael and Kristina Pajeau, Rosemary Pajeau, Dan and Sara Pajeau, Lois Pajeau, Dan Pajeau, and Amber Pajeau; Linda Jo and Lolita Christenson of Rochester, WI; along with many grandnephews and nieces. Visitation 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, July 6, 2007, at Church of the Ascension, 1133 N. LaSalle Blvd., Chicago. Solemn Requiem Mass on Saturday, July 7, 2007, at 10 a.m., also at Church of the Ascension, where Joe was a current member of the Vestry. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to: Cathedral Counseling Center of Chicago, 50 E. Washington, Suite 301, Chicago 60602.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph DuciBella
Sponsored by Anthony Sacco.
Judy Yonk
June 29, 2019
Joe was and is still my first cousin. (Cuz Joe) He has wisdom like no one else and would be there for you always. I still talk with him, just in a different way. I know he continues to be there sharing his advice, his smiles, and his contagious laughter. Thank you, Joe, for your continued guidance. You always had time for me no matter how busy. Love always, Judy
Robert Magnus
February 23, 2011
I never knew you Joe but I've recently become aware of your work. I saw the documentary about The Uptown you were in and actually teared up. I can't believe a theater documentary got me so inspired. You seem like a great man and we lost you too soon.
August 26, 2010
Dearest Joseph: Thinking of you often, and remembering all the great times we had crawling around the movie theatres at THS. Wondering what happened to the book you were writing The Theatres of Chicago??? Missing you all the time, Love, [email protected]
sharon lindy
August 19, 2010
Always thinking of you Joe and the great times we had at the Theatre Historical Society. May you rest in peace knowing you were greatly admired and loved. [email protected]
James A. Pierce
June 26, 2009
JRD: Two Years Gone
I am remembering friend and mentor Joe DuciBella, who passed away June 29, 2007. A tireless historian and preservation advocate, Joe also maintained a successful indpendent interior design firm and maintained friends who shared his interests across the country. He's truly missed here in Chicago, where he always gave us good advice.
Here's one of many tributes that were published:
http://arcchicago.blogspot.com/2007/07/theater-historian-joseph-ducibella-dies.html
Here's information on prostate cancer screening:
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/informed_decision_making.htm
James A. Pierce
April 19, 2009
SAVE THE DATE!
A special day at the Sanfilippo Estate
2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009 (Rain or shine)
Friends of the Uptown will host a special day of sightseeing and musical
amusement at the one-of-a-kind Sanfilppo Estate in Barrington Hills, Illinois,
in honor of the late designer and theatre historian Joe DuciBella, of Chicago.
We are fortunate to be able to offer this opportunity because Mr. Sanfilippo was one of Joe's two dream clients; the other being Willis and Shirley Johnson of
Tivoli Enterprises/Classic Cinemas.
RSVP to [email protected]
Your participation is requested. We can think of no better way to celebrate Joe
and his work than to enjoy what he helped restore and create "for all time" at the Sanfilippo esate.
Related links:
http://www.placedelamusique.org/index.html
http://www.uptowntheatre.com/Pages/JoeDuciBella.html
http://www.classiccinemas.com/
--END--
James A. Pierce
March 9, 2009
I noticed that there were no entries yet for 2009, so I thought I could take the opportunity to be the first. There's not a day that goes by that I do not think of Joe and recall him fondly. I also recall his quirks and sharp comments. I think I can speak for several of his friends when I say that we miss him more and more, and we are coming to know just how much we learned from his examples.
Daniel Pajeau
March 19, 2008
Uncle joe was my best friend. I could talk to him about anything. He could always guide me with his wisdom and advice. He will never be forgotten. He has made me the person I am today and forever. I love you Uncle Joe! Thank you
Daniel K Pajeau
November 9, 2007
Uncle Joe, meant more to us than some will ever know. He was one to turn to for advice, and guidence through the quandries of life. He was highly regarded and respected in life and after, by those who were close to him. As I earse his phone number from my speed dial, I will never earse him from my heart. He was always busy, but could find time to talk when I called. At times, I thought he was the only one who understood me.
Thank you for being there, Uncle Joe!
Nicholas Sommers
July 21, 2007
We were saddened to hear of Joe's untimely demise. Joe was a good neighbor and helped us when we moved into Wicker Park 30 years ago. When my wife Carol admired draperies in his house, he asked us if we wanted more material. He gave us over 50 yards of the wonderful velvet material which had been part of the Uptown theater curtain. The draperies are around our canopy bed and in all the upstairs rooms. Whenerver we receive visitors we tell them about Joe and his untiring efforts to save Chicago theaters. We will miss him as a friend, advisor and as a neighbor. He was a good person and we are so glad he counted us among his friends.
Rennaye Marshall
July 11, 2007
Dianne,
I am so saddened to hear about your brother's death. "Uncle Joe" had such an incredible inpact on me. He knew how to make everyone feel special. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Linda Jo Christenson
July 9, 2007
"Cuz Joe" has been a special person to all of us. We didn't see him as often as we would have liked but when we did our time together was wonderful. Joe spent a summer evening introducing my family to the wonders of Riverview Park. He and my Dad, his Uncle Howie, spent many evenings going over their coin collections. We enjoyed long afternoons over Cherry Kringle reminising about family and listening to stories about Chicago and his work. He could tell the most interesting stories. Even when Joe was ill he took the time to come up to Milwaukee to spend an afternoon at St. Luke's Hospital witn my sister, Betty when she was battling cancer. Joe gave so much to all his Wisconsin cousins. We all loved him and will miss him very much.
Bob Warsham
July 9, 2007
Through all the messages to this and other web sites one things shines through – “He was one of the few people, that no matter how busy his life was, he always had time….”. Be it family, friends, the casual acquaintance or the stranger who had been given Joe’s number and called wanting to see some of the theaters(or churches, or great buildings) of Chicago land, Joe always had time. And I might add, seemingly limitless energy to give marathon all day tours – many times leaving me exhausted in his wake.
Over a lengthy lunch some two years ago, we reviewed some 36 years of friendship with laughter and joy and a bit of remembering some of those who we both had know who had passed away. The work on the upcoming book with David was important to him, and I believe helped him deal with and battle the pain and discomfort that he felt due to his illness.
When I last spoke with him in early April, he was tired and weak and aware of his condition, but in good spirits. We had good conversation and left it open ended…good byes were not needed. As Father Fertig remarked during his homily, Joe has just gone on ahead of us.
The Solemn Requiem Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated with all the dignity, solemnity and care that is the norm for the one hundred fifty years of Anglo-Catholic witness at Church of the Ascension. Let me not forget the outstanding choral music under the direction of Messrs Schrader and Wikman.
A glorious farewell for Joe’s home going!
Sheri Adelson
July 7, 2007
May you rest in Peace You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Sheri
Robert Schein
July 6, 2007
R.I.P. Joseph R. DuciBella
Laura Day
July 6, 2007
With Prayers and deepest sympathy.
Brian Durack & Laura Day
Dolores & Jerome Kenney
July 6, 2007
Our sympathy goes to Joe's family. We met him on a trip to Costa Rica and saw his interesting house when he hosted a group reunion party. He certainly had an interesting life.
Bruce Hannover
July 6, 2007
While a student in Dekalb, in 1972, I met Joe through our mutual interest in Theatre Pipe Organs. I was part of the JATOE bunch at the Joiet Rialto, yet wanted to learn more about the grand movie houses that had been created during the halycon years of the Golden Age of the Movie Palace. There was, and will never be, a greater authority on that subject than Joe Ducibella.
He was living in Oak Park at the time, and did not have a car. I would borrow my parents' car (I was 17) from Homewood,, drive to Oak Park, and then the two of us would spend hours careening through Chicago's streets, barnstorming wonderful old theatres; the Capitol, the Southtown, the Diversey, the Belmont, the Admiral, the Piccadilly, these are just a few of the gone but not forgotten theatres that I was priviledged to have seen with the incredible Joe.
He once summoned me in from DeKalb because he had obtained free (of course)tickets to see Phil Silvers in "A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum", which was playing at the McVickers' theatre downtown. Of course, we were not going there just to see the show. We explored every nook of the wood panelled interior of the McVickers, which had (according to Joe) been painted "Pepto-Bismal Pink".
We also explored the Granada, the Chicago, the Oriental, Congress and the BIG one: the Uptown, where we relamped much of the cove lighting for some THS convention. We also transported the original 8x10 glass negatives of old theatres from the offices of the Chi. Arch. Photo. Co.
During my summer college break, Joe had me work at Creative Studio, an interior design studio at 747 N. Wabash, where he had worked for some time. He was on leave from there, working at Marshall Fields, in the store design department, so I was shown the State Street store, by Joe, from Top to bottom, long before the current "modernization" occurred. Tiffany here, Tiffany there...and so on.
Fast forward about thirty years. In summer of 2005, my family was treated to a personal tour of the Sanfillipo installations, including the Victorian Parlor Train Car, designed by guess who. Our day with Joe was, again, absolutely incredible.
Joe: You ARE one of a kind. You will always be an important part of my history and the hidden colored cove lights of the world's Rapp and Rapp designed balcony ceiling are dimmer without you, never to return to full intensity.
Do us all a favor please:
Make sure you use Cobalt Blue on your next assignment so it looks good when we get there... and the ceiling mirror trick is a good one too.
With the profoundest admiration,
Bruce R. Hannover
Dania Beach, Florida
Golconda, Illinois
James Macy
July 6, 2007
With deepest sympathy,Paramount Wire
Chrystal Hameau
July 6, 2007
I have many memories of my Cousin Joey(that's how I knew him). The times we visited him, how his home amazed me. The staircase with the vase, and no railing, the player piano, the beautiful music he would share. I remember the Christmas cards he would send, all hand made with such detail. I also know how important he was to my family, especially my mom, Judy. He was one of the few people, that no matter how busy his life was, he always had time for us. I feel so very lucky to have been a part of his life, even if it were only a small part here and there. He was a great man who left his mark wherever he went. I could only hope to be half of the person Joey was. I thank God for sharing this angel with us.
Forever your "up north" cousin
Chrystal
Carrie Obry
July 5, 2007
It’s hard to speak to the extraordinary influence Cousin Joe had on so many people. His understanding of architecture, Chicago, history, aesthetics, and design was a constant delight, and the way he talked, told stories, and listened could keep me entertained for an entire evening. One night, Joe and I went out for dinner at a restaurant close to his place and had one of those conversations. On the walk back home, he looked down at his feet and started laughing out loud. When I asked what was so funny, I looked down to see that he still had still his house slippers on.
Looking back, that was just like Joe--always so remarkably at ease in his neighborhood and in his world. He brought so much value into so many people’s lives. It’s so ironic that he always said, “It doesn’t make a hill of beans worth of a difference.” Joe made the biggest difference in my life, and obviously in the lives of so many people. He will forever brightly color the way I look at the world.
Judy Yonk
July 5, 2007
I knew as soon as I heard your voice, Dianne, that as you put it "It's our sad time.". Joe did so much for so many. I'm blessed to have had him as my cousin and friend. We had what he called a special connection. If I was having a bad day, out of the blue the phone would ring and there was Joe. Remarkable. His words always gave me strength and before our conversation would end there was laughter and of course Joe's love. He would always tell me, "You just never know." Now my phone is silent and the e-mails full of his wisdom will come no more, but I have warm memories of the way he touched my life.
Our visits always began and ended with a hug. Hugs to you Joe. You are a giant among men and will never be forgotten.
Good catch Joe!
Regina Nally
July 5, 2007
Joe entered my life only a few short years ago, yet his presence is so large and my memories are so strong, I feel like he has always been close to me. I thank Charles for having been his friend, so that through him, I too could come to know Joe. I wanted to share one of my most cherished photos of Joe. It is from my wedding day. I blew Joe a kiss and this is him catching it. I love you Joe! The following is a poem I offer in Joe's Memory:
The Movie Palace Marquee
Oh, what a view
From a mid-row center seat
Surrounded by the hum
Of a full house
Drinking in the glamour of the theatre
The evening-scape of an Arabian village
Balconies crowned with ogee arches
Adorned in the arabesque and
Aglow with the flickering light
Of faux torcheres and
A star-sprinkled midnight sky
The torchlight dims to a mere glimmer
The music sweeps us away
To the dream world unveiling
Itself before us, framed by the opening of
Velvet drapes beneath a gilded proscenium
The drapes have now drawn and
We are left with our memories
Laughing, crying, suspense and hope
They are real, we feel them, and they are part of us.
Leaving, we turn to catch a final glimpse of the marquee
It reads simply, “to be continued…”
Joan & Barry Goodkin
July 4, 2007
I (Barry) have known Joe since 1985. He has been a guest in my homes in Connecticut and Arzizona. We have share meals on the many conclaves that we have attended. Joe and Brother Andrew were the heart and soul of the Theatre Historical Society. Times may change but much of what Joe and Brother Andrew brought to THS will never change. We will miss the Joe that we knew.
Mark Herman
July 3, 2007
I have only known Joe for about two years now, but over the past year especially, I am forever grateful for the time he spent with me sharing his amazingly vast knowledge on many of our common favorite subjects: historic theatres, architecture, and theatre organ. I will never forget the day this past winter when he took me on a personal grand tour of the Chicago Theatre and a few other places in the Chicago Loop. In addition, anytime I would visit his home, he would always think of something in his collection that I "needed to see." He had an amazing personal collection of architectural and movie palace artifacts, and an even better personal knowledge with thousands of interesting stories. He truly loved what he did and was a kind and gracious friend whom I respected very much. I'll miss our visits greatly. Thanks Joe.
Kris Mecha
July 3, 2007
I will always remember my "Cuz" Joey. As a young girl, I marvelled at his electric train set. He had it suspended in his bedroom and would bring it down for closer inspection. He was patient and kind and a gentle soul. His words always brought a story to life, and his laugh was contagious. He made it a point to open his heart and home to you when you were in town. His knowledge and love of Chicago was inspiring. Being from a small town, I was always amazed how he drove thru Chicago with ease, narrating the entire way! Joe was the keeper of our family tree. He made sure he had the details of every family birth and death. No leaf was left unturned! I would like to personally extend my thanks to Diane, his extended family and friends. Your love and care allowed Joe to live out his final days in his beloved home. Your compassion and dedication provided him the opportunity to die with dignity. That truly is a gift that can never be repaid. Diane, know that I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure Joey is enjoying quite a reunion with Sam and Doris and the entire family.
Peace,
Cousin Kris
Terry Wade Monohan
July 3, 2007
So long my friend Joe. As a member of THS I'd send him things about the San Francisco CA theatres with a new Castro Theatre flyer every few months. He was one of the few that said thanks for the theatre info mail I'd send him. What a loss you won't fiend another person in the world like Joe. He had a name for the Cinerama Theatre paint job all the big Cinerama theatres had in the 50's. I will miss his stories of the movie palaces and the fun times with showmanship that is misssing in the multiplex theatres of today.
Maureen Kelly
July 3, 2007
In his quiet way, Joe was a faithful supporter of the work of Cathedral Counseling Center. I had the opportunity to talk with him a bit at our events, and he was always gracious and understanding. We are deeply appreciative for his commitment to keeping mental health services available and affordable, demonstrated by naming Cathedral Counseling Center as the recipient of memorial donations. A good and kind man's loss leaves a big hole in the world. Blessings on Joe, his friends and family.
With sympathy and gratitude,
Maureen Kelly, Executive Director on behalf of the board of directors, staff, and clients of Cathedral Counseling Center
Stanley Hightower
July 3, 2007
Not only did Joe know every theatre building in Chicago, he also knew about the people and personalities behind them. When I came to town in 1979 to take on the daunting task of managing the Chicago Theatre, Joe provided a great deal of back story. He knew why, how, and by whom those Loop theatres were built and how they became what they were in the last days of the movie palace era. Joe related many stories about Balaban & Katz/ABC/Plitt Theatres, information that was useful to me in trying to navigate the labyrinthine politics of “The Company,” as we called it.
In recent times our contact was limited to Sunday coffee hour in the parish hall, and I don’t know whether I ever properly thanked Joe for his valuable insight. If I didn’t, I do it now: Thanks, Joe, it was a big help.
Margie Janus
July 3, 2007
Many will remember Joe for all his great accomplishments in the theatre and design business. I will remember him for how he touched MY life. Joe had a magical way of turning a plain ordinary condo into a beautiful home on a limited budget. Some of my favorite Joe-isms are: "I left the ugly ones at home" or "that chair wants to be there". Joe never made me feel my job was too small for him. He was one of the kindest, sincerest and classiest guys that I will ever know. I feel blessed to have known Joe and will miss him very much.
Bob Bates
July 3, 2007
Condolences to Joe's family and loved ones. His contributions to the theatre organ world are beyond estimation, and he will be deeply missed.
Bob Bates
President, Land of Lincoln Theatre Organ Society, Rockford, IL
Joe receives the Theatre Historical Society's President's Award from Karen Noonan 6/25/05
John Kiesendahl
July 3, 2007
I met Joe during my first Theatre Historical Society Conclave in Detroit in 1974 and he has been a wonderful friend ever since. I was always amazed at his vast knowledge of theatre history not only in Chicago but nationally and internationally. His passing is a tremendous loss. I will always treasure the memories of the times I spent with him and learned so much.
Ward Rapp
July 3, 2007
Joe was a great friend with a superhuman knowledge of theatre history. He understood the Rapp & Rapp architects and their work better than anyone. We all miss him.
Lyn Larsen
July 3, 2007
Joe was one of the most unique, caring, and creative people that I have ever known. We first met about 1965 (when we were both just starting of our careers) and we remained friends through the years, and had a chance to work together a number of times, including the creation of the wonderful "Place de la Musique" at the Sanfilippo home in Barrington Hills. I will miss you Joe.... and by now I know that you have told God that "the scale of that one cloud isn't right for the room!"
Joe DuciBella, NYC THS Conclave 2002
July 3, 2007
Karen Colizzi Noonan
July 3, 2007
We at Theatre Historical Society of America are saddened by the loss of one of our Founding Members and a strong figure in our development and success since 1969. We also take joy in the deep and abiding legacy that he left to us in the form of Theatre Historical Society.
Through Joe's encyclopedic knowledge of theater history, architecture and design and his great sense of humor he taught a new generation to love and respect this unique form of America's architectural history. His pupils will now proudly go forward to carry his message and his mission to the next generation.
Joe DuciBella will be greatly missed and certainly long remembered.
Karen Colizzi Noonan, President
Theatre Historical Society
Elmhurst, IL
Don Hall
July 3, 2007
While I am sad that I won’t be able to visit with Joe next time I’m in Chicago, I celebrate a wonderful long weekend that I was able to spend with him at his home in August, 2005. I “found” Joe through the Theatre Historical Society when I helped to host their conference in Western New York state. I liked his sense of humor and his wealth of knowledge about theatres. I promised to get in touch the next time I was going to be in Chicago so that we could hang out together.
During that weekend Joe took me on a personally conducted tour of Chicago theatres, we explored some local cemeteries (another interest of mine) and together visited Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Wingspread” and his office and tower for S.C. Johnson in Racine, WI. While Joe was receiving cancer treatment then and knew that his life was winding down, he was an accommodating host and fun guy to be with. He left me with warm memories of him and our time together.
Russell Rowan
July 3, 2007
The world of those who are interested in Theaters and Theater Organs will miss the likes of men like Joe. He was a Leader and Pioneer in those Areas.
Nicole Meracle
July 3, 2007
For all of the important things Joe did with his life, and in light of all of his accomplishments, he still made time to be our "Cuzzin Joe" and so that's how I'll remember him. The side of him that would sit and tell stories of how things used to be, the man who made time in his busy schedule for lunch during what would have been a lonely lay-over in Chicago, for a shirt tail cousin who didn't know anyone else. The sweetest, funniest, most caring person I've had the pleasure of knowing. Someone who's left a hole in the place where he used to be. To those who were closest to him: I know (all too well) what it's like to have your world turn into a much different place due to the absence of one person. He's in a better place, where he's happy, healthy and whole; and it's our honor to miss him - and all the ways he touched our lives.
Rest well.
Anthony Sacco
July 3, 2007
Joe Ducibella was my high school friend. I met him in our first years at the St Mel High School on Chicago’s west side. He and I, along with John Richard Dove and Philip Oswald, became fast friends. I left Chicago immediately following our graduation in 1963 to live in California. I saw Joe sporadically during the intervening years, but I saw him more frequently in the last 6 or 7 years as I increased my visits to Chicago.
The last time I saw Joe was on Holy Saturday of this year, 2007, when he graciously gave me the entire afternoon for our visit.
We spent most of the afternoon on his white fabric couch in the living room facing the gracious mansions of Caton Street. (Did I know that Marshall Field’s wife was a Caton? ) It was a leisurely visit, with time to reminisce about our friend Dove, and our days at St Mel. To my surprise, Joe told me how influential and important our teacher, Bother Denis, was to the formation of his spiritual beliefs.
Joe was dying of prostate cancer, and at the time I was awaiting the result of my recent prostate biopsy. We talked of things that needed to be said, and of topics we might not have broached under other circumstances: God, death, dying, and afterlife. The really important stuff that you don’t want to talk about because being that candid about your own mortality and the imminence of your own death is too uncomfortable. Yet we did talk at length of this and other things that matter. Joe was completely candid. Yes, he did believe in God, and in an afterlife, because “God is not wasteful.” Joe was reconciled to his death, and took comfort from his faith. He was also reconciled to life with illness, and he only hoped to be productive until his end.
At some point, Joe suggested we walk to a neighborhood café for lunch. He doffed the bathrobe and dressed in denims and a regal purple sweater. At lunch his conversation was sparkling, and he was enlivened by the outing. He looked much better to me now, but the pain he experienced climbing back up his front stairway on our return reminded me of how sick he really was.
But by the time we concluded our visit a couple of hours later, I stopped seeing Joe as a sick person. I saw him as a radiant being – strong, courageous, and possessed of a spiritual essence that transformed his physical body into a thing of beauty and holiness.
The next day was Easter Sunday, the day Christians celebrate as Christ’s triumph over death – the Resurrection. I had long ago stopped believing in that article of my ancient Catholic faith, but Joe is the best reason for thinking that it might all be so. What else can explain the beauty that I saw in him that day?
Joe lived a life that achieved all his ambitions – creating beauty in art and architecture. He made his life’s work in the areas that he loved, and in the process enriched the lives of countless people. We all are better for his life, and poorer for its passing. Farewell, my sweet friend.
John Shanahan
July 3, 2007
Joe and I met shortly after I removed the WurliTzer pipe organ from the Chicago Marbro Th. in 1959, (his favorite theater) for Byron Carlson in St Paul, MN.. Over the years we remained friends and often met at Theater Historical Society volunteer work events in Elmhurst, IL above the York Theater.
Linda Furgason
July 2, 2007
During our founding years in the early 1990s, Joe was instrumental in shaping our organization. He shared freely so much of his love for these period buildings it was infectious. May Joe's legacy of the love of the Theaters throughout the continent live on to inspire others as it continues to motivate us.
Linda M Furgason
Vice President
Michigan Theatre of Jackson, Inc.
Donald Walker
July 2, 2007
I had met Joe more than twenty years ago as a result of my involvement in the American Theatre Organ society and the local chapters of that organization in Chicago. Although we were not close friends, he always shared a friendly greeting whenever our paths crossed. I'll never forget seeing him in April 2006 in Boca Raton, Florida during the ATOS national convention, and the great chat that we had. At that stage, he knew his health was failing and was planning a vacation with friends. I'm sure he knew this was to be his last trip abroad, but I believe he had accepted that fact. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Rita Schilling
July 2, 2007
To the family of Joe,
He was a wonderful man who always made time to talk to anyone about theatres & architecture. I only knew Joe for a few years, but he will be sorely missed. I will always remember his wit and wisdom and especially his love of Chicago and the theatres he was able to save.
Tom Jeffery
July 2, 2007
I first met Joe in 1969,at a meeting of CATOE, the Chicago Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society. At that time we both lived a few blocks apart in Oak Park, Illinois. Through Joe I became active in the Theatre Historical Society. It has been a joy to be a friend of Joe's for the past 38 years, and I will greatly miss our friendly phone calls and e-mail exchanges. May God grant him Eternal Rest and may Light Perpetual shine upon him.
Dulcie Gilmore
July 2, 2007
It was with great sadness that I learned of Joe's passing. Early in my career, I attended Joe's 1980 Movie Palace Conference in Milwaukee. I was already keenly interested in the Movie Palace era, and was general manager of the then-recently restored Paramount Arts Centre in Aurora, IL. Joe showed the attendees a documentary of Loew's Kings Theatre in Brooklyn that still makes my spine tingle. The film covered the life of the Kings through the eyes of one of the original usherettes, including her poignant 1970s return to the decayed building. Joe touched my life, and inspired me to respect and treasure great theatres . . . to feel the persona of these wonderful spaces. Thank you, Joe, for your boundless contributions to our field of historic theatres.
Dulcie C. Gilmore
Persident, League of Historic American Theatre
Director, Arie Crown Theater at McCormick Place, Chicago
Joe and Friends, Christmas Dinner Party, 1998
July 2, 2007
Daniel Spadoni
July 2, 2007
Joe and I grew up together on Ridgeway Avenue, using the street and local empty lots as our playgrounds. We attended both Ryerson Elementary and St. Mel High Schools, and worked together as ushers at the Marbro Theater on Chicago's West Side. I had the privilege of watching Joe's love for theater architecture and history and for theater organs grow and mature from youthful exuberance to world-class expertise. I fondly remember all the excursions Joe took me on to see theater palaces in the Chicagoland area and to hear pipe organ concerts. More recently, Joe joined other friends and I for annual dinner parties during Christmas week, and delighted everyone with stories of theaters and his work in interior design.
Humanity is poorer today, but Heaven is far richer. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
Chris Carlo/ Bob Chaney
July 2, 2007
It was with great sadness that we heard of Joe’s passing. We first met him through Theatre Historical Society in 1976 and became friends when we moved to Chicago in 1981.
Joe did the interior design for our 1906 two-flat on Logan Blvd as one of his first independent commissions. His design was elegant. Our numerous road trips (two to New York City) around the Midwest and points East were theater intense but was a side trip to a parking lot in Toledo, that was the site of the Paramount, necessary?
If it weren’t for Joe we probably wouldn’t have taken on the task of the Music Box Theatre. What we didn’t realize was how much the theatre, a business that we all dreamed of operating, would take over our time and lives. We lost contact with even our closest friends. As long as they lived in the same city there was always a chance to reconnect. The last time we saw Joe was two years ago. Our last exchanges of written reminiscence were just this spring. Joe never alluded to his decline. That wasn’t his style. The last three times we were in Chicago to visit friends, Joe was not feeling well enough to receive visitors so we missed seeing him. Now we’ll miss him in another way.
Joe was the only person we’ve met who could have wall-to-wall red carpet, yellow woodwork and a “French Country” kitchen with broken plaster and exposed bricks walls. We were so dumb that we thought he was in the middle of rehabbing the kitchen. And only Joe would set an elegant table, complete with “fish forks” and both sugar and soup spoons, to order in pizza! We did use the “pie forks” for the apple pie we brought.
Joe had character.
Lois Molinari
July 2, 2007
Diane -
I was saddened to read of your brother's death. Of course I remember you both very well. I have thought of you many many times over the years. It sounds like your brother really made something of his life after those days on the West Side of Chicago. My brother, Roy, has been ill too. He was diagnosed with leukemia last year and thankfully is in remission at this time. My brother Ralph has a restaurant in WEstmont, if you're ever in the area it's called WEstmont Brat House. Again, my sympathy to you on your loss.
Sincerely,
Lois (Kamradt)
Molinari
Richard Sklenar
July 2, 2007
The Board of Directors, members, and staff of Theatre Historical Society of America mourn the passing of founding member, past president and Chicago area director Joseph DuciBella. We will miss his wit, charm and vast knowledge of America's historic theatres.
Richard Sklenar, Executive Director
Theatre Historical Society
Elmhurst, IL
Terry Hochmuth
July 2, 2007
I was privileged to know Joe for over 30 years both as a friend as well as advisor. He made many useful and valued suggestions in the design and layout of our theatre organ studio in New Lenox, Illinois in the early 1980's and was always so very complimentary on the Wurlitzer located there and its overall success both tonally and visually. We were able to stay in touch frequently over these past years via the Internet and shared many chuckles and stories about past events - a particularly fun-filled evening at a meeting of the Helen Crawford Fan Club at his home during the ATOS Convention of 1977, cocktail parties with Pearl White at the piano and many other special occasions. Joe was the ultimate Theatre Historian - when I had purchased some theatre fixtures for our studio from a Chicago company, Joe not only knew precisely which theatre they came from, but also know exactly where they were located in the theatre - then, to top it off, produced a photograph showing their presence! I'm glad to have known Joe and value the friendship that we had. May you find peace, be freed of pain and may the Angels welcome you Home, dear friend.
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