Joseph Louis Dionisi

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Visitation Schedule
Gathering of Remembrance
Roller Funeral Home
Highway 5 North
Mountain Home, AR  72654
Thursday, March 5, 2015
6-8PM
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
First United Methodist Church
605 W. 6th Street
Mountain Home, AR  72653
Friday, March 6, 2015
2:00PM
Cemetery
Private
Hwy. 5 North
Mountain Home, AR  72653
Joseph Louis DionisiI am a Veteran.

of Mountain Home, AR

December 23, 1921 - February 28, 2015

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Louis Dionisi, 93, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015. His life was filled with love -- for God, music, teaching, his country, his church, and his growing family whom he inspired through strength, integrity and Christian conviction.
Joe was born Dec. 23, 1921, in Great Neck, New York, to Andrew and Maria Dionisi. He joined the Air Force during World War II and served in communications to guide military airplanes across the Atlantic Ocean. After leaving active duty, he continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves for many years before retiring as a lieutenant colonel.
After the war, Joe married Dorothy ''Jane'' Williamson and graduated from New York University with bachelor's and master's degrees to begin a long career in music education. Joe and Jane lived in Stony Brook, New York, where they raised their four children and were devoted members of Stony Brook Community Church. He taught in the Port Jefferson School District for 30 years as director of music, a band director, and the orchestrator of musical festivals on Long Island and in New York.
In 1978, Joe and Jane retired to Hendersonville, North Carolina, where he was active at Etowah United Methodist Church as lay speaker, editor of the local and district newsletters, president of the men's group and director of a brass ensemble and chorale. They moved to Midway, Arkansas, 12 years ago and joined First United Methodist Church in Mountain Home, where he continued his love of learning through Bible studies.
Joe is preceded in death by Jane, his wife of 60 years, and his brother, Charles. He is survived by two sons, Joseph Dionisi and wife the Rev. Debbie (Drash) of Lakeland, Florida, and Michael Dionisi and wife Devon of Wichita, Kansas; two daughters, Donna Smith of Stony Brook, and Patti Budolfson and husband Bob of Mountain Home; 10 grandchildren, Leah, Meg, Kerri, Brendan, Matthew, Manny, Christian, Brad, Brett and Brent; and five great-grandchildren, Cooper, Sophia, Isabelle, Mason and Cameron.


A Gathering of Remembrance will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at Roller Funeral Home. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church in Mountain Home with Rev. Rodney Steele and Rev. Randy Ludwig officiating. Interment will be in Private. Memorial contributions may be made to the music program or the building fund at First United Methodist Church, 605 West 6th Street, Mountain Home, AR 72653.

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16 Condolence(s)
Lily Myers
Surprise, AZ
Liked
Saturday, November 9, 2019

I am only learning of Mr. Dionisi's passing. I belonged to the orchestra at ELVHS, led by Mr.D. Even sadder than learning of his passing is looking back and finding that the wiles of youth sometimes causes us to miss just how fortunate we were to have such an honorable man to mentor us. RIP Mr.D - thank you for your service to our country and the devotion to your students.

Bill Crownover
Mount Union, PA
Liked
Saturday, June 1, 2019

You and your family are in my heart. My condolences on the passing of Mr. Dionisi.
We used to go to your house to watch TV when you lived next to Gladys Clark. I got most of my trumpet lessons from Joe. In high school he always picked me to go to events or concerts. I got to play in the Firemen’s band while he was directing it. I still play the trumpet in the Huntingdon County Summer Community Band and in the winter in the Juniata College Concert Band.
I think of you guys often.
Live long and prosper.
May the force be with you.

Laura Crownover
WEST READING, PA
Liked
Saturday, June 1, 2019

Condolences
My whole family never would have been the same; been so enriched and joyful without Joe and all of you in our lives; close friends forever!
We have a relative in Mt Home. She probably knew him!
Love forever
Laura Crownover 6/1/19

Lloyd J. Semmens
Huntington Station, NY
Liked
Monday, April 6, 2015

Dear Donna and Patty. Please let me offer my deepest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of your Dad. Though just a young teenager at the time, I still remember your dad (and his smile) even after all these years. He was a very understanding,kind and gentle man. As I write this, I realize you may not remember me as we have not seen each other since the late 60s (1966 or 1967); when I was barely out of high school. I went into the Air Force in 1967 and completed a 21 year career. Perhaps you'll recall I used to drive over to see you guys from time to time driving from Huntington to Stonybrook. I don't know why but to this day,whenever I hear "Monday Monday" by the Mama's and Papa's I ALWAYS think of you guys STILL; and how kind and warm both of you and your family was towards me back in those days. Again, please accept my sincerest condolences for your dad. It would be amazing to hear from either or both of you again after all these years. God Bless you both. Sincerely, Lloyd Semmen (Huntington Station, NY)
P.S. Should you care to reach me you may contact me on my cell phone at 631-612-8196

Susan Bennert
Port Jefferson, NY
Liked
Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Dear Patti and Donna; I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have so many good memories of your Dad, our ELVHS band director. My condolences to you and all of your families.

Sandy Loftis
, AR
Liked
Friday, March 20, 2015

Patti and family,

So sorry for your loss! May God give you comfort to know that he is rejoicing in heaven with your momma! What a great family you have! <3, hugs and prayers!

Bill Wade
Apex, NC
Liked
Monday, March 16, 2015

Very sorry to hear of Mr. Dionosi's passing. We just recently learned through fellow classmates at E.L. Vandermuelen High School (Port Jefferson). I was a percussionist in the band and orchestra for four years and will always remember his passion for the music and the students. I've no doubt that the discipline and hard work he insisted upon prepared me well for my eventual career in the Air Force. He is fondly remembered.

June Stein Kelly
Port Jefferson,
Liked
Monday, March 16, 2015

I was not in the band at PJHS, but I have wonderful memories of Mr. Dionisi and the fun he made for us students. Thank you Mr. D for making those. Emories so special. June Stein class of '66

Margaret Crichlow Lynott
Swanzey, NH
Liked
Sunday, March 15, 2015

Mr.D was my band teacher when I attended Port Jeff High. He was a great influence in my life. He gave so much to so many. My condolences to his family. You are all truly blessed to have had him in your lives for so long. May your wonderful memories sustain and lift you.

Renee Rodgers
,
Liked
Saturday, March 14, 2015

I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Dionisi's passing. I was one of his many students at Port Jeff and also did summer band with him. He was a great teacher, passionate about music and his students.

Richard McGowan
Indianapolis, IN
Liked
Friday, March 13, 2015

Donna and Patti,

I am sorry for your loss. It is a comfort to know that all the good things your Dad did were only seeds he planted. The good will grow and endure.

Mac

Arnold and Candace Stamm
Little Rock,
Liked
Monday, March 9, 2015

Michelle,
Arnold and I were sorry to hear of your grandfather's passing. May you find comfort in the knowledge that he is with our Heavenly Father. Sending our love to you and your family.

Terry & Kelle Kyle
,
Liked
Friday, March 6, 2015

Patty, we are sorry for your loss. You and family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mary Ann Morgan
Etowah, NC
Liked
Friday, March 6, 2015

So sorry to hear about you loss. We think of you all often and will keep you in our prayers! We miss all of you in Etowah.

Bobbi Brown
Mountain home, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 3, 2015

So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bobbi and Jim

Anna Mae Holland
Mtn. Home, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful father. What a joy to have known him, so much talent and love for his family. Truly a inspiration and a example to us all. Prayers to his lovely family.
God Bless Anna Mae Holland