Longtime John P. Stevens High School band director Andrew DeNicola known as “Andy” or “Dean” has sadly passed away. He was announced dead through a social media publication that read “I was saddened to hear the news last night that Andrew DeNicola left us too soon. He was a teacher, mentor and a friend. Praying for his family and friends and all whose lives he touched. We were all better people for having known him. He was one of a kind. Let’s raise a White Castle in his memory. Rest in Peace Dean.”
Who was Andrew DeNicola?
Back in 1973, 21-year-old Andrew DeNicola walked into Woodrow Wilson School in Edison as the new music teacher. As a young music graduate from Montclair State University, DeNicola was glad to take up the job in his hometown. Popularly known as “Andy” or “Dean” to his colleagues, DeNicola soon became the band director at J.P. Stevens High School. For 50 years, DeNicola has honed the talents of the high school band, turning it into an award-winning program.
After a stellar career spanning 50 long years, DeNicola finally retired in the summer of 2023, leaving behind a rich legacy and very big shoes to fill. After he joined Edison Public Schools, DeNicola married his neighbourhood sweetheart, Kathy. His retirement also coincides with his 50th wedding anniversary. In 2013, DeNicola was nominated as the top 10 finalists for the first GRAMMY Music Educator Award. In 2019, he was inducted into the American Bandmasters Association. A dedicated family man, DeNicola credits his wife Kathy for being supportive of him all these years.
