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George DiBouno Obituary
George A., of Closter, age 75, died Sunday, October 16, 2016 at Hackensack Medical Center after a long battle with heart disease. Born and raised in Fort Lee, New Jersey, in the home his family owned since immigrating to the United States from Sicily, George graduated Fort Lee High School in 1959 and attended Montclair State College where he studied art education. Following his 1963 graduation from Montclair State College, George taught art and photography for 45 years at Holdrum Middle School in River Vale, New Jersey. George was a recipient of many local and national art educator awards: New Jersey Governor's Teacher of the Year, New Jersey Outstanding Art Educator, five-time recipient of New Jersey Governor's Excellence in Education, AENJ's Distinguished Art Educator (in which an award was established in his name), NAEA's New Jersey Outstanding Art Educator and also for the USA Eastern Region, and River Vale Art Scholars award was made in his name. In addition, he earned a Masters degree from Long Island University and for more than three decades George was the art director for Camp Hillcroft in the Hudson Valley; George was also was the costume designer for New Players' Summer Stock program in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Mr. DiBouno was a founding member and president of the AENJ and co-founder Bergen County Teen Arts Festival. As a distinguished art educator, George was proud to lecture at varied institutions like the Getty Institute, Teachers College, Columbia University, and other local universities. Aside from a rewarding professional life, George was an avid gardener, traveller, collector of art, and loved entertaining in his homes. His home and meals were abound with good taste and fun. His friends from college, summer camp, Cape Cod, work, and his theater days will remember his warm wit, conversation, and his love of ideas. George enriched the lives of his students and friends. He is survived by, his dear friend, June Cafarella of Dumont, goddaughter Rachel Iannacone-Bakirtsis of Cyprus, godson Joseph Iannacone of New York City, godson Gabriel Iannacone of Midland Park, cousin Lucille Petrozzelli of St. Lucie, Florida, and many close friends of longstanding. Viewing was held at Moritz Funeral Home in Closter. A Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, October 19th, at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Closter. Cremation will be private.
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Peggy Greenberg
October 14, 2022
Miss you always George...you did and still do hold a special place in my ...rest peacefully my friend.
Peggy Freeman Greenberg
Jan Alberts
October 13, 2022
I will never forget you my dear friend. So many memories to cherish. Love you and still miss you.
Bob Schell`
February 18, 2018
'Thinking of an old friend today, searching for him on the internet just hoping to say hello. Finding he's passed away is so very sad.
I was so fortunate to have met George so many years ago. He had such a light inside of him. And he was so good at sharing that, lighting the lives of others all around him.
Shine on George, shine on ~
GDB Nov 15, 2012
Joseph IANNACONE
October 9, 2017
Miss him a lot.
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Hal & Betsy Maxwell
November 11, 2016
George had a love of life, teaching, art, creativity and humanity - his brilliant passion and light will be tremendously missed. RIP
Ellen Dinerman
October 29, 2016
I met George when I was 8 in the Art Shop at Camp Hillcroft. I think he was 22. He was a fabulous teacher for me over the next 4 summers. When I was in art school I came back to Camp to work with him as a peer. We worked together beautifully and had a blast.
I credit him with teaching me how to teach art; I have been an art teacher in Pasadena, California for over 30 years. I will miss him and think of him as I warp looms, teach design, and pass along his many gifts to the next generations.
Pari Campbell
October 27, 2016
Dear Mr. DiBouno, You were my first art teacher, you opened my eyes to seeing beauty in many ways. I was the last of the 12 Ashleys. They were hard day's back then and you with your kind spirit made them a little lighter, thank you. May you rest in peace in a swirl of color.
Jim Ashley
October 23, 2016
George, you were the best educator that I've had the privilege to have had . Trips to museums on your off days with students to open our eyes to the world of art. A good Man indeed
Margie Ashley
October 23, 2016
Mr Dibouno, You were the one teacher who taught every one of the Ashley's and respected and inspired each of us. My Mom loved you. She often tells the story of when you told her " I never had a problem with any of the Ashley's - you simply do not tell them what to do - you ask them - and they will jump through hoops for you ." You were wise beyond your years back in the 60s and 70s. The creativity you sparked in me and my siblings was such a gift. We will see you on the other side George. With Love, Margie Ashley
Nancy Bell
October 21, 2016
I believe I was a student during your first year of teaching. You were always my favorite teacher in Holdrum as well as a favorite of many of my friends. You made art class interesting and fun. I wish I had known how long you taught, I would have come to visit. RIP Mr. D and Thank You.
Jennifer Bresnan Liddle
October 19, 2016
Thank you for encouraging my love of art, Mr. DiBuono. You were a great teacher who gave so much. I am proud to say I was your student. As an educator myself, I now understand the love and dedication you gave so freely to all of us. Thank you. May you rest in peace.
Jim McDevitt & Mitchell Price
October 19, 2016
We're both sad to hear of George's passing and remember fondly our visits to his Ft Lee home and his visits with Diana at 22nd St. and the famous "egg offs" on July 4th at Diana's in Atlantic Highlands. He was always an interesting person to converse with and told great stories. We'll miss him, and know that he'll now be "fixing that doorbell" in Heaven!
Todd Hassold
October 19, 2016
Mr. D I was one of your first students in 1964. I could not wait to get to your class!
Sally buttinger
October 19, 2016
All of us at Camp Hillcroft are saddened to hear this news. George took our Art studios and made them into the top quality program that still exists to this day. When I walk in the Art Shop I will always smile and think of George.
Edmund Moderacki
October 19, 2016
George was the best educator that I had the opportunity to work with. Forty years later, I can vividly remember the fantastic art shows that he mounted of student work at Holdrum School. It meant a lot to me that he always treated me as a valued colleague. I know that he touched the lives of thousands of students, educators and friends
Hank Nasee
October 19, 2016
Condolences to all Mr. D,s family and friends. I will miss him but just want him to know I still have the ring I made in his class back in the early 60's. it is still my favorite piece of jewelry. Rest In Peace
Nikolas Bakirtzis
October 19, 2016
Dearest George, it's hard to accept this. You've been a beam of hope, understanding, intellect and love in my life and I am going to miss you. Your kindness and friendship are deep in my heart and I will never let go.
!
June Cafarella
October 18, 2016
I will cherish forever the memories that we share. I will miss you forever. There is a hole in my heart that will never be filled by another. Thank you for allowing me the joy of your friendship. I love you
October 18, 2016
George was a person of great wit, good humor, he prized life and his friends. We shall miss him and his presence.
Lily and George Ismmacone
Peggy Greenberg
October 18, 2016
Oh wow, I can't believe this. I just visited George a few weeks ago. He was a friend,mentor and counselor to me and so many others. His heart of gold accepted everyone. Dreariest George, I will miss you so. Love you, Peggy Freeman Greenberg
Thomas leppert
October 18, 2016
George you were as fine a man as I have ever met. Rest in Peace
Hope Wyka
October 18, 2016
Mr. D., you will be truly missed, You were one of my favorite teachers. You had a great impact on my life. You were always around when I came back to visit and you always remembered your best students. Rest in pease!
Barbara Dohman
October 18, 2016
Remembering the years working with you at Holdrum and Ridgewood. May you rest in peace My Friend.
Dina Hunt (nee Eiger)
October 18, 2016
Knew him first as teacher, then as costume designer at New Players. He encouraged my artistic endeavors like no other.
Carol Theiss
October 18, 2016
Mr. DiBouno, I met you in 1981 at Holdrum Middle School where you were a wonderful teacher and mentor to me. I loved having the privilege of working on the Art Show with you and fellow classmates. You even trusted me the keys to the art case. My heart aches to know you are gone. Rest in Peace. Carol Theiss
Barbara (Rekow) Jones
October 18, 2016
So sorry to hear of Mr. DiBuono's passing. Condolences to his family and friends. I remember him well from art class at Holdrum, especially in his blue smock.
Jan Alberts
October 18, 2016
Best friend, you have always been a great inspiring and meaningful person for me, with whom I shared a deep friendship over the years, full of love and humor, of shared curiosity and understanding. I will always carry in my heart your friendship.
Tom Clark
October 18, 2016
Thank you, George. Mr. DiBuono was my art teacher at Holdrum School during 1968-69. I have never forgotten him and I never will. He made a difference! Love and sympathy to his family, friends and students. I still have two sculptures I made in one of his classes. One I would not glaze and George glazed it! He gave up his glaze but his work will continue on.
George at the Met Cloisters in the 90's
Jan Alberts
October 18, 2016
Roger Chong
October 18, 2016
I never got the privledge to meet you but I know you meant so much to joseph and his family. Rest In Peace and know that you will be missed.
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348 Closter Dock Rd., Closter, NJ 07624
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