John R. DelMonte's Obituary
John Robert (J.R.) DelMonte, age 100, of Bethel Park, PA, passed peacefully early Sunday morning, October 26th, 2025, surrounded by his family. (Since he lived through 25 leap years, technically, he turned 101 on October 4th). John was born in McKees Rocks, PA, the son of Dominic Marco DelMonte and Elvira (Cianchetti) DelMonte.
John leaves his loving daughters, Laura (the late Frank) DeLuca, Anne (Gino) Tavoletti, and Claudia (Josh) Brehse; and his grandchildren, whom he adored, Marco and Antonio Tavoletti, Dominic DeLuca, and Ayla and Alani Brehse.
His beloved wife, Jeanie, passed just last month on September 23rd.
In addition to his children and grandchildren, he is also survived by his youngest brother Vincent (Ellie) DelMonte. He was preceded in death by his brother, Frederick DelMonte and sisters, Rina Allen and Eva Gould.
John had an exuberance and zest for life throughout his century here on earth. He was an inspiration to thousands of individuals as a friend, family member, and/or teacher. He graduated from Miles Bryant High School in McKees Rocks, PA. He was in the Navy for three years, stationed in San Diego, CA among other places during WWII. He studied at the Art Students League in New York City and at other schools on scholarship. He taught at several schools, including The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, the Ivy School of Art, and Carnegie Mellon University. In later years, he taught at St. Vincent's College. In 1969, he established Creative Art Studies, an art school in Lucca, Italy. For 47 summers he taught students from around the world drawing, painting, sculpting, fresco, etc. He could often be seen riding his bike around Lucca, up until the age of 93. A student once remarked, "Professore DelMonte, you are not only a teacher of art, but a teacher of life." He encouraged everyone to seek the best: fine friends, conversation, food, art, music, etc. He was larger than life, with a charisma that drew people to him.
His art, which he showed internationally, has been compared to that of the great masters, both realistic and surrealistic, often with a focus on spirituality. He was prolific in all art mediums and constantly creating, right up to his last days.
Early in his career, he worked as a commercial illustrator. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, residing and working at times in Italy and Copenhagen, Denmark.
While living in New York City, he met up with a former student, Jeanie, and they fell in love. They traveled by boat to Assisi, Italy, and married there, followed by an eight-month honeymoon...and 63 years of a beautiful life together.
John was both serious and fun-loving, philosophical and goofy. He relished deep conversations. He truly never worried about anything; his faith allowed him to accept life as it unfolded, always finding something beautiful and positive to focus on. He was also unabashedly and refreshingly honest, always stating, "Truth is happiness".
We find some solace, and even joy, knowing our parents are together again.
Relatives and friends are invited to join with the family for visitation from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. A service in honor of John will be held at 12:30 pm in the chapel at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Jefferson Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to any organization of the donor's choice.
To leave online condolences please visit www.jeffersonmemorial.com
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?