Larry Louis DiPalma

Mr. DiPalma was my algebra teacher at Meeker Junior High in 1961. He was the reason I was able to later pursue math in college. I will never forget him smiling at my disastrous test and saying, "...just watch what I do. If you carefully follow these steps I know you can do this because I also know you´re good at math". That was news to me. I´ve never forgotten him and have told this story often, from about age 15 to 77. He was a gifted teacher.

Larry was my Principal at ST.Patrick School.He is the best friend that I have
ever had. We went to Sons of Italy, breakfast with other teachers, and
many other places.I did the Eulogy for Larry at ST.Patrick Church.

I was saddened to learn recently of Larry Dipalma's death last August and wished to express my heartfelt condolences to his family as well as to all those whose lives were enriched by knowing him. I was one of the fortunate students to have had him as a teacher at Meeker Junior High (class of 1961) where he taught English and Geography (7th grade) and led a small group of math fanatics all the way through Algebra III (8th and 9th grade) well before high school. He was a superb teacher and inspired each of us to reach beyond our limits. He was so popular and well beloved by our math class (Mary Bess Mann, Roger Cline, Dorcus Rushfeld, Sandy Tuell, Laddie Wickstrom--to mention but a few) that we spent several weeks during 9th grade writing out a googolplex on a roll of paper to present to him at the end of the term! He will remain in my memory as one of the truly great teachers I've known.

Larry was my principal for 10+ years. He was surely the best principal i've ever had and an exceptional human being! It was such a pleasure to know him. His positive influence has remained a part of my life. He will be missed.

Larry,

As I read the many tributes to you, it really shows what an exceptional individual you were to so many people.

I first met you and your wife in 1968 while we were both waiting for our hamburgers at Frisko Freeze, Double-burgers at that!

Shortly after that, I met your parents. It was really sad to see your father go. I remember hearing he passed away shortly after he received the flu vaccine.

Your mother Mary used to do her banking where I worked. She always made a point to stop by my desk and chat. Occasionally, your aunt (Joe's mom, whose name escapes me) would be with her. A few times, your mom and aunt would be visiting at the same time as I at your cousin Dominick's home. They were both lovely ladies.

When Lorenzo's restaurant expanded their facility, I would occasionally have dinner there. You made the place so enjoyable with your accordion playing. Those were the days, my friend.

Last time I saw you was at Weatherly Inn. Your charisma was evident: so many people flocked to wherever you were situated, whether it was in the lobby or the dining room.

Well, Larry, rest in peace. You are now reunited with your parents, your wife and other family members.

Arrivaderci, mi amico.
Bendito

Larry - your leadership and outstanding skills as Principal were present at St. Patrick School for many years... it was a blessing to my three children to have you in the role of principal during their many years at this excellent Catholic School! You always displayed the needed guidance and love, what a role model for all faculty and school leadership roles.
Thank you!

My heart felt sympathy to the family of Mr. Dipalma. Mr. D was my principal 40 years ago. He always had a smile on his face. He built students up, even if they had done wrong. He would try to rectify the situation in the best way possible and support all students in a positive way. He made students want him to be proud of them from then on out. What a gift he had and shared. This world is worse off without him. We need more Mr. D'S

My condolences to the family, what a loss. Mr Dipalma was a great principal and person who made an impact on so many young kids with his encouraging words and warm friendly smile. (Unless you were in his hallways after the bell)I always liked him and his ways, but never realized how much he really cared until about twenty years later I ran into him playing music at a restaurant and he greeted me remembered my name and asked about how I was doing. You will always be remembered as someone who made a difference in many young lives.

I had never seen a Vice Principal like Larry Dipalma. Face it, usually the Vice Principal is like the "Enforcer" for the Principal and usually they are feared. If they want to talk with you, you were in trouble. But he was the first and only one I met that you actually enjoyed running into. Every morning he was there with a smile and a great attitude, and it was infectious enough that grumpy people at 8am were smiling by the time they got past him in the hall. That's a great Super Power! He was such an impact that I remember his smile 40 years later. The world needs more people like him and it's sad to see him go. May God bless!

He was one of a kind. Well thought of by his students and especially by their parents. Mr. DePalma always worked towards a positive outcome in any situation. God bless his family at this difficult time.

Larry was a very kind and loving person. He always saw the good in everyone! I will never forget his smile. All of us at Weatherly Inn are heartbroken. He will be missed.

My condolences to his family. Mr. DiPalma was a wonderful, caring man and touch many lives. He will be missed dearly.

Deni, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your dad was a wonderful man.

Mr. DiPalma was McIlvaigh Junior High School's greatest, nicest, friendliest, thoughtful, supportive and caring Vice Principal / Principal. Always smiling, always joyful. So many wonderful memories of Mr. DiPalma. One of my favorites from Jr. High was his participation in a talent show. He joyfully played his accordion, smiling throughout his performance. That memory always makes me smile.

On a personal note, Mr. DiPalma was a wonderful neighbor. My family (The White Family) and I will always be appreciative of his and Mrs. DiPalma's welcoming spirit and decades long friendship.

Although very sadden by his passing, Heaven is a little brighter today. RIP Mr. Di, you will never be forgotten

So sorry for your great loss and for ours one of the finest human beings to ever be on this earth and so blessed to have as a Principal and as a friend to all the students. My heart is broken.

I remember Mr DiPalma well. He was vice principal of McIlvaigh Junior high then Lincoln Senior High when I was a student at these schools way back in the 1970s. He swatted a friend and me after our history teacher turned us in for talking too much. Funny then, still puts a grin on my face now. I always liked and respected Mr DiPalma who was always smiling...

I am so sad to read about his death. Over the years, I often thought about him and wondered how he was doing. And it turns out I wasn't the only one. At times his name would come up amongst his former McIlvaigh Junior High School students. He was a cool and fair principal--and good looking (smile).

It was a delight to share teaching time with Larry in the very early days of Meeker Junior High School as well as his accordion playing and humor when he played for us at The Harp & Shamrock. May the angels comfort you at this sad time of loss.

You were an inspiration to me as a coach and teacher...one of the most positive men I have known. I'm sorry I never told you how much I admired you...for you truly were one of a kind! You will be remembered and missed.

Restare bene il mio amico. I will miss your friendship and companionship. You made my time at Weatherly Inn that much better. Everyone at the Inn will also miss you. You made us smile. Vi vediamo dall'altra parte!

Tuo amico,
Salvatore