Longtime Wayne Valley Band Director Dies At 81

WAYNE, NJ — Friends and family gathered this weekend to remember longtime Wayne Valley High School Band director Gerald "Jerry" Tedesco, who died on Dec. 24 at the age of 81.

Tedesco served as Director of Instrumental Music at the high school from 1969 to 1998, connecting with thousands of students and creating "an environment of excellence" among his young musicians, the WVHS Bands said in a statement.

"The Wayne Valley Band sends their thoughts and prayers to the Tedesco family and, in his memory, will continue to make the Wayne Valley band program a transformative, loving, and musical experience for all students," a statement from the bands said.

According to his obituary, Tedesco was active for more than 50 years as a conductor, educator, and musician in the Tri-State area and had directed the Sussex County Youth Orchestras for 25 years along with his wife, Dawn.

He had performed for Tony Bennett, the Ringling Brothers Circus, and the new Glenn Miller Orchestra; performed and conducted with the NJ Pops Symphony Orchestra; and participated in two national Broadway show tours.

Tedesco is survived by Dawn, his wife of 58 years; their sons Drew (Kris) and Alan Tedesco; his sister Diane and brother-in-law Joseph; and other family members in New Jersey and California.

A number of former students and band members shared their memories and condolences in Tedesco's online obituary page, speaking of his dedication to his students and how he inspired them.

A funeral Mass was held Saturday at the Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church in Andover.