Michael 'Mickey Dell' J. DelGiudice
Michael J. DelGiudice ''Mickey Dell'', 80, loving husband of Phyllis Hesselmeyer DelGiudice of 56 Westcott Rd., Hamden passed away August 12, 2001 after a brief illness. He was born in New Haven, Sept. 7, 1920 a son of the late Joseph ''Banjo'' and Margaret Canosa DelGiudice and had lived in Hamden since 1956. He was a well known orchestra leader and strolling musician with the ''Mickey Dell Orchestra'', entertaining in the New Haven area for over 60 years, most notably at the former Colonial House and the New Haven Country Club. He also taught music in the Prospect and Beacon Falls Schools for many years retiring in 1989. Mr. DelGiudice was a member of the St. Thomas Episcopal Church of New Haven and was an usher for over 30 years, he was a 50 year member of the Day Spring Lodge # 30 A.F. & A. M. of Hamden, a member of the American Legion Post # 88 of Hamden, the National Education Assoc., the CT Education Assoc., the CEA Retired Teachers Assoc. and the New Haven Retired Teachers Assoc. He was a lifetime member of the American Federation of Musicians, the New Haven Federation of Musicians and the Hartford Federation of Musicians, and a former member of the Governors Footguard Band of New Haven. Mr. DelGiudice served in the Army during WW II with the U.S. Army Band # 326 and after the war, he traveled with countless entertainers with the U.S.O. Band from New Haven to Chattanooga, TN. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, David M. DelGiudice of Hamden, Stephen J. DelGiudice and his wife Felicia of Sandy Hook, CT and two grandchildren: Nicholas and Brianna DelGiudice. He was predeceased by 2 sisters, Jeannette DelGiudice and Eleanor Carlstrom. Funeral service will be Thursday, Aug. 16, at 10 AM in St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 830 Whitney Ave., New Haven. Friends may call Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Service by American Legion Post # 88 at 6:30 p.m. Masonic service by Day Spring Lodge at 7 p.m. Burial with Military Honors in Beaverdale Memorial Park. Contributions in his memory may be made to Cancer Research Institute, 685 5th Ave., 12th Floor, New York, NY 10022, for prostate research.
My sympathies to you and your family. I took accordion lessons at Mickey’s studio on Dixwell Ave. oh so many years ago and will never forget his smiling face. He also played at my wedding 39 years ago. May he rest in peace and continue to make beautiful music.