John V. Baratta

Wantage- John V. Baratta, age 73, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025 at Overlook Hospital in Summit after a lengthy illness. Born in Brooklyn, New York to the late Ross and Phyllis (Di Sciorio) Baratta, John lived in Lodi before moving to Sussex County 35 years ago. He attended Jersey City State College, where he studied piano and organ, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education. He taught at West Essex Middle School and retired from Roxbury Middle School as band director. After retiring from teaching instrumental and vocal music in the public school system with thirty-two years of service, John served as the Minister of Music for The Old Dutch Church in Kingston, New York; where he was organist, choir director, and hand bell ensemble director. He had served as the house organist for the Middletown Paramount Theatre and Lafayette Theatre located in the state of New York. John also served as organist for the silent film series at the Grand Theatre located in East Greenville, Pennsylvania. He was the Minister of Music at Grace Lutheran Church for over 20 years. Most recently, John was the organist for St. Monica R.C. Church in Sussex. Other activities include, past chairman of education for the North Jersey Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. In the past, John has partnered with the New York Theatre Organ Society presenting organ demonstrations to students aged kindergarten through high school. In addition, he also provided organ lessons for interested students at Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park, New York as part of an outreach program sponsored by NYTOS. Some of John's past accolades include: recipient of the Music Talent Award and the Music Achievement Award given by the Garden State Arts Center. Also, during his tenure as a band director in the public schools, he was awarded the honor of conducting the New Jersey Region One Middle School Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble. As a result of the many years in public school education, John has written and published a method book aimed at middle school instrumental instruction. Some highlights of John's recital series include performances at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in New York City and at many of the local churches in and around the Tri-State area. John is survived by his husband, Robert G. Holler and his two brothers, Ross Baratta and his wife Cheryl of Clifton and Steven Baratta and his wife Lori of New York. Friends may pay their respects to the family on Sunday, June 22, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pinkel Funeral Home, 31 Bank Street (Route 23), Sussex. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025 at St. Monica R.C. Church, 33 Unionville Avenue, Sussex. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John Baratta's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.pinkelfuneralhome.com