80, of Cranston, passed away peacefully at home in Cranston on Sunday, October 8, 2017.  He was the beloved husband for 55 years to Verna (Carbone) Pezzullo.  Born in Cranston and raised in Johnston, he was the son of the late Louis and Angelica Pezzullo.

Mr. Pezzullo was a 1955 graduate of LaSalle Academy.  Upon graduation, he pursued his love of music and obtained both a Bachelor of Music, cum laude and a Master’s of Music Education from the Boston Conservatory of Music.  He also held a certification for secondary education in history from Rhode Island College.

Lou taught for over 35 years in the Rhode Island public school systems.  He began his career in the North Kingstown school system.  He was supervisor of music and high school band director at Scituate High School and later became Instrumental Music Director at Bristol High School.  He completed his public school career in the Jamestown school system where he instructed elementary, middle and high school students in vocal and instrumental music.  He was an adjunct professor of Low Brass Instruments and Music Education at U.R.I., Salve Regina, and R.I. College.  He was also a private music instructor at Moses Brown.

Mr. Pezzullo was an accomplished musician.  He played both baritone and trombone.  He was the principal trombone player for the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra from 1969-1989 and was the orchestra’s music librarian.  He also played with many other professional musical groups including Rhode Island Civic Coral and Orchestra, the Rhode Island Brass Quintet, American Band, New Music Ensemble of Rhode Island, Peloquin Chorale and Orchestra, and Swanhurst Chorus and Orchestra. 

A proud member of the Rhode Island Army National Guard, Mr. Pezzullo was a member of the R.I. Army National Guard 88th Army Band from 1954-1964 and served as the bands commanding officer from 1973-1974 obtaining the rank of Warrant Officer.

Mr. Pezzullo was a member of many professional organizations including the Rhode Island Music Educators Association, Retired Rhode Island Music Educators Association (Chairperson) raising scholarship monies for students, the Music Educators National Conference, and the Providence Federation of Musicians.

Mr. Pezzullo also gave private music lessons and was very proud of the numerous students he taught over the years, many of whom went on to become accomplished professional musicians in their own right.

Mr. Pezzullo was a member of the Melody Hills Country Club and a member (third degree) of the Knights of Columbus-Father Donnelly Council 322.

Lou was a man of large physical stature with a beautiful smile and a kind heart.  He has a gift for making people laugh and was always ready with a good joke or the perfect antidote for a situation.  He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, students, colleagues, and his dog Winston.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his loving sons, Louis J. Pezzullo, Jr. of Cranston and Michael S. Pezzullo and his wife Ann Marie Maccarone of Cranston.

His funeral will be held on Saturday at 8:45 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Cranston.  Burial will be private.  VISITING HOURS are Friday 5 – 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Louis J. and Verna Pezzullo Music Students Scholarship Fund, Rhode Island College Foundation, 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence, RI 02908.

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