Joseph Angelo DiCosimo, 98, of Houston, and formerly of Pampa, passed away on May 15, 2024, in Houston.
A celebration of life memorial mass will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Pampa with Rev. Guadalupe Mayorga, pastor, officiating.
An inurnment will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.
Today, we celebrate the incredible life of Joseph Angelo DiCosimo, “Papa D” to his family, and “Mr. D” to his band students. While our hearts ache at
his passing just two days shy of his 99th birthday, there’s also a sense of peace knowing that he’s finally reunited with his beloved wife, Ann, and many dear friends.
A Life Filled with Music and Service
Born in Mount Union, Pennsylvania in 1925, Papa D’s passion for music blossomed early. He picked up a clarinet at 14 and played in his high school band and various jazz bands. World War II called, and he proudly served as a United States Marine in the Pacific. After his service, he explored various paths before landing at Western New Mexico University to pursue his true love: music.
From Classroom to Community
His first teaching job after graduation took him to El Paso Bowie High School where fate intervened. There, he met the true love of his life, Ann McNamara from Pampa, Texas, and they embarked on a shared journey in education. They taught middle and high school band and PE in El Paso before moving to Pampa in the summer of 1955 where he taught until 1986.
In Pampa, they reared two children, Annette and Vincent, and were involved in St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church and school.
Papa D’s dedication to Pampa band program was instrumental in his remarkable success. His bands consistently achieved superior ratings at UIL contest, and the Pampa program performed at prestigious, events like the Rose Bowl parade, and brought joy to the community through countless concerts. Mr. D was a pillar of TMEA, TBA and Phi Beta Mu.
Born on May 17, 1925, in Mount Union, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania to Angelo DiCosimo and Antoinette DiCosimo (Corda).
Preceded in death by his loving wife Ann in 1987, and his brother James in 2003.
He is survived by his sister, Marguerite Bellucci and husband Lewis; son, Vincent and wife Francine; daughter, Annette Godziebiewski and husband Allen; brother-in-law, James McNamara and wife Carolyn; a number of grandchildren and spouses, great children, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the National MS Society or a charity of your choice.
Please sign the online registry at www.carmichael-whatley.com
