John ‘Jack’ DiMuccio, 74, of Kingston
KINGSTON » John “Jack” DiMuccio, a lifelong Kingston area resident, died peacefully June 17, 2017, after a short intense battle with AML Leukemia. He was born January 11, 1943 to Mary and Ralph DiMuccio.
Mr. DiMuccio earned a master’s degree in bio chemistry at SUNY New Paltz and was a high school chemistry teacher for 29 years in the Wappingers Central School District.
He was an animal lover, naturalist and herpetologist professionally known as “Wildman Jack” who gave lively educational reptile programs for school groups for over 50 years. Jack was a licensed DEC NYS hunting and fishing guide and a US Coast Guard Merchant Marine Captain. In past years Jack ran for Town of Esopus Supervisor and although not elected, he always believed that his campaign was successful because of the many new friendships that were forged, particularly with the Bruderhof, friendships he cherishes to this day.
Jack was a colorful character who enjoyed fishing, hunting, memorable trips to Alaska, meeting his pals for Friday Happy Hour, and feeding his crow, squirrel, and woodchuck buddies. He truly was a “Jack-of-allTrades,” a skilled builder who did beautiful woodworking, artistic remodeling, electrical, plumbing--he did it all. He was an excellent cook and his forte was taking leftovers and combining them in creative ways to make entirely new amazing dishes. He also loved to grow things and took special interest and pride in his tomato plants. Jack had a work ethic rarely seen today and did everything to high personal standards. He believed there was a right and wrong way to do all tasks which we jokingly referred to as “the DiMuccio way.”
In 2015 Jack fulfilled a lifelong dream to “search for his roots,” visiting Alife Italy where his father Ralph DiMuccio was born. It was on this trip that Jack was able to connect with distant cousins who not only turned out to greet him, but treated him like they had known him their entire lives. Visiting his father’s hometown and seeing the old homestead was one of the highlights of his life.
Jack dearly loved his family and friends and particularly cherished his grandchildren. He is survived by his best friend and wife, Ginny Woych; his former wife, Susan DiMuccio; son, John DiMuccio (Liz) and their children Lizzy, Grace, Michael, David, and Alex. He is also survived by his daughter, Tammy DiMuccio-Knox and her children Erinn, Jared, and Giavanna. He is proud to have five great-grandchildren and has a special soft spot for his little buddy Annaliese, the joy of his life. Jack is survived by his siblings Richard DiMuccio (Rochelle), Linda “Bunnie” Stuart (Joseph), Ralph DiMuccio, Yolanda Werdel and many cousins and lifelong friends.
In addition to his parents, Mr. DiMuccio is predeceased by sisters, Caroline “Kina” Mills, Frances Bidwell, and Dolores Grier; as well as childhood friend, Jack DeKoskie; and cherished little neighbor, Jason Tyler.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Copeland Funeral Home, 162 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, N.Y. Final visitation will be on Thursday, June 22, 2017, at the funeral home at 9 a.m. The procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. and a service will be at 10 a.m. at the St. Remy Reformed Church,489 Main Street, Kingston, N.Y. The Rev. David Brechter will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s or the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Condolences may be made to the family at www. copelandfhnp.com