I was in the YHS marching and concert bands from 1962-1966. John's father, 'Mr. D' was the music director then. I enjoyed knowing  him all those years and after. John was a mentor to me, helping me to stay in formation during the football games. John will always be remembered for his sweet spirit and positive attitude toward life.


Tears are a way of releasing the love that we have for People.  The memories are so many and the chances of telling then so other people understand  what I mean  ...............  this pause is to wipe tears.

Dear John ,   You were one of the greatest assets that God sent to Yuma.    Music is spiritual.  Your Love made YUHS a much better place.   Thank you  for your example to all of us.

I attended YHS Class of 1995. The four years I was there Band was life and Mr. D made high school band my outlet for getting out my angst just as any teen deals with. I was practically in every musical activity available. The long road trips for the sacred “Superior” rating we all chased for in those 4 memorable years. I even have seen the band in recent years and although I am a former alumni it was still an honor to set foot on the football field and sit by the band and learned that some things never change. Thank you for the memories Mr. D!

I was in the marching, jazz, and concert band in Kingman from 80 to 85. We went to state competition at NAU for marching band and jazz band. It was a huge deal for all of us. (I remember  you Betty Vance!) Dally was a force to be reckoned with!  He had a passion for music that has stayed with me until this day.  I went to college on a music scholarship playing the tenor Sax do to his encouragement.  He will always live within my memory. 

PLEASE give my condolences to the family. 

Mark dyer




Thank you for the inspiration you gave to everyone.    I  am honored to call you friend.   You did so much for everyone and didn't realize the change in their lives.    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you
I am happy for the time we had together at Yuma High School.

You Made A Difference.
May the Beauty of your Life be expressed where you now are.
With Great Gratitude,    Forrest May    /  Woody

We lived 3 houses apart on 11th Avenue.  I became so close to him and his family.  Mr. & Mrs. D were like second parents.  I grew up with them all, Pat and Christine included, through Jr High and High School.  Mrs. D was such a gracious and beautiful lady.  I so appreciated her sweet personality and generosity.  I was much influenced by Mr. D throughout our band years.  He was always so supportive of me.  He could be hard on Johnny, wanting only the best for him.  “Stretch”, as he called him.  They were very much alike, though Johnny might have disagreed then.
Together in the marching, concert and jazz bands we grew even closer.  Our summers at music camp in Carlsbad, CA, and the summers overseas in the Far East and Europe, were remarkably wonderful experiences.  I have such fond memories of Johnny, Pat & Mr. D from those times.
I was always pleased that he chose music as his calling.  I wish I had observed him as a band director and teacher.  I am sure all those many students appreciated his great enthusiasm and endless support.  I know they were changed for the better by his example, knowing and learning from him.  He wanted only the best for everyone, collectively and as individuals.
Johnny was forever a generous and dependable friend. For any problem or concern, he was there in complete support.  Never was there a better “back up”.  Johnny had so much talent but was ever humble.  Never a braggard he, which endeared him to everyone.  He embraced all with his effervescent personality and great smile.
RIP my great friend.  You will never be forgotten.


My friend John...I will miss your friendship and times we spent laughing together.  Will see you at another time.   I will remember our time we spent sharing stories as well as being in your classroom.  What a great, well respected teacher.  Margie is strong but will miss you as we do.  Ralph and Durana

There are so many great things to say about Dally as a teacher, friend & encourager. He had so many great ideas for marching band routines, he enjoyed helping others to learn how to play instruments & he helped so many of us to love music!  Dally encouraged me through a hard time when my dad passed away suddenly & I know there were others that knew they could go to him as a friend.  He talked so highly of his wife, Margie  & I remember when Johnny was born, he was so excited! Margie was such a supporter of Dally & us "kids". It was so fun to see her at performances, on trips or just to come see him.  Thank you Margie & Johnny for sharing Dally with so many of us who also loved him. My thoughts & prayers are with both of you & I pray that God will give you comfort & peace during this time & that you know there is alot of support from many band students who loved him.  

Dally,
You gave me a love for music that would lead me to play professionally. You showed me how hard work and discipline would lead me to my dreams. You pushed me to play music that I thought would be too difficult. You showed me a love for jazz. You are the reason I am a professional bass player still today. You brought the best out of me.
I was the bass player in the jazz bands and marching band in Kingman. Only Dally would have a bass player in a marching band with the amp being pushed.
You were one of a kind and nobody has ever had a bigger impact on my musical life. I am forever grateful to you. 
Thank you, Dally. Thank you so much for giving me the courage to follow my dreams.


Remember when it was cool to be in band?  It was because of Dally! I had a band teacher that almost made me hate music. My mom encouraged me to keep it up when we moved to Kingman.  We moved a block away from the Dallabettas and it seriously changed my life forever! Dally gave me the love of music and band gave me the love of my life, Laryel "Chief" Tahbo.  I imagine Heaven is now filled with beautiful jazz music and the two of them are having a great time being part of it.  Margie and John I hope your memories are sweet and your grieving process is a bit lightened knowing how loved your family is!  Tammy Klena Tahbo - KHS 81

Dally, 

When Mr. Dallabetta came to our school, everything changed for the better.   KHS marching band turned into a superior band. With Dally at the helm we went to state.  Band was something we all looked forward to if I can speak for others. I came back to play a time or two even after I graduated. He said he wished every student were like me. That made me feel good.  I tried sax but the reed made my nose itch. 🤔.  We had such wonderful experiences with Dally as our leader. We grew. We achieved. We had fun.  He is one of a kind w a vision. I remember his wife, being such a sweetheart to each of us. So beautiful. I can see why they chose each other.  I remember I challenged for a higher chair. It never happened til he came.  We had such a cohesiveness as a band. I will always remember. He was, hands down, my best teacher. . He cares.  It shows. There  is no one quite like him.  Whatever the right blend is for a band teacher. He had it. He will be missed. I was hoping to attend a service. Share our love with his family. We are much better for having known him.  He left a wonderful legacy. So many impacted in positive ways. A life worth living. Always remembered. Always. Fondly. Great memories!  Outstanding man. 

Sherry Forsyth Carter

Beethoven is quoted as saying,  "music can change the world" and if a teacher can reach the heart of a human...then you have a glimpse into what a music teacher like Mr D has done for so many of us. His inspirations have echoed through us and into our children. Thank you for sharing him with us!!! We are blessed to have had him in our lives.
❤🎶

Dally saw a potential in me that I didn’t see.  He taught me to play the sax and the flute so that I could be in jazz band.  I was a base clarinet player and that didn’t add much to either marching band or jazz band.  I went on to make All State thanks to his many hours of teaching me.  He showed me what hard work, hours of practice and belief in myself could accomplish.  I am forever grateful for his influence in my life.  He truly was one of the best!

Not to long ago I called and told you that you were the most influential teacher I ever experienced. You made me want to achieve more in music and life. Until we meet again...our loss is heavens gain for sure. Kelly Gardiner, KHS, class of ‘76.

Like so many, I learned so much about music and life from Dally.  The first time I was in jazz band we were in the old band room at the top of the stairs in Kingman.  I knew nothing of playing a solo. He told me to stand up and just play something.  I did, and it was nothing.  Instead of being upset he said to me "Your in here now baby, no turning back".. and Joey C. repeated it.  I never looked back again and I'm glad I didn't just give up.  I think of him all the time after all of these years.  So many memories.  Heaven has gain a great man and Sax player and I'm looking forward to seeing him again someday and maybe even play a duet or two.  RIP Dally    Regina Class of 76

Dally was one ofa kind.   He not only taught us about music, he taught us about life.  I learned the value of hard work, practice and attention to detail.  I have thought about him many times over the years.  I hope he knew how many lives that he enriched. He will be missed by many.

KHS class of '84.

When I was in HS music was the only thing I was good at and I really wasn't that good at it. Thank you Mr D for being patient with me, being patient with us all. I'm glad you showed up when you did because Marching Band was the only thing that brought me back to HS. Thanks for the continued mentorship in the years that followed as well. 
Mrs. Dallabetta and (Lil) John, thank you both for sharing your husband/Father with us. He was a great support, an Awesome teacher, and a good friend.
YHS '88
 

As one of the newest members of his fan club, I was privileged to play next to John in the Big Band. He could have easily been super intimidating with his gargantuan knowledge and experience, but he was like a father figure. Warm and welcoming, and always good for a laugh. I will forever cherish the music we had the opportunity to make together. Truly one of a kind. 

All my love to the Dallabetta family. 

We have so much enjoyed our interactions with John and Margie. John will be missed. Our thoughts, prayers and support go to Margie and the family.

Mr. D, there are not enough words to describe how you affected my life in so many ways.  Your in a better place now...no doubt looking down on us just waiting to see all us kids reach our highest expectations.  You helped me thru some dark times when I didn't have a father figure in my life.  Thanks to you showing me that men are not bad people,  I now have a wonderful hubby and family...even a grandbaby!
I will be forever grateful, Mr. D!  Love and Miss!
Class of 1992 YHS!! CRIMINALS ROCK!!

There are no words to fully express what John Dallabetta has meant to myself and so many in our community. He loved teaching how to play and love music but what he did best was love his students.  To Margie and family, you are all so loved.  My thoughts and prayers are with you. To Mr. D, you will be forever missed and loved. Rest well.

With Much Love, Kala Compton ad family

As a kid, John, Pat and I had a good time growing up together there on 11th ave. We got into a lot of trouble but I wouldn't trade my childhood with anyone. John Sr. and Marge always took care of us kids with meals and backyard campouts. Beccie and Tony treated us like there own grandkids. My wife and I extend our deepest sympathy to the Dallabetta family.

Mike & Teresa Spalding 

To the Dallabetta family,

My life was forever changed for the better when I decided to join Marching Band in Kingman, AZ so many years ago. 
My heart, prayers, and hugs go out to all his family and friends and to all those whose life he touched in the same way he touched mine.
He was a tough band director but the absolute BEST! We became the BEST Marching Band in our State due to his leadership, his faith in us, and his genuine concern. 
I am a more confident, disciplined person because of his touch on my life. 
"Capisce" is something I always remember him saying to us at each practice. Marching Band and the time spent with Dally are my fondest memories from high school.  KHS Class of '85

John my memories are of you coming into the office  to take Margie out for lunch and running errands for us on your days off.  You were always so kind to me and on the occasions when you saw my sweet little Albert, you were very playful with him. Thank you for sharing your musical heart and soul with Yuma. Margie and Johnny, I will hold you in my prayers. Love - Amanda Stoermer ❤️

Mrs. Dallabetta and John, I just want you to know how much Mr. D meant to me. I hope he can see us down here telling you how much we loved him and appreciated him for his guidance, love and knowledge.  

I am so very sorry for your loss. I want to thank you for sharing him with us, the band kids. My life would not have been the same if he was not there to show me how to be the best I could be in life. I hope it gives you a little bit of comfort hearing that so many people have such wonderful memories of this great husband, father and teacher. 

My prayers go to you both, and Amanda, JW and Chicken. 

Mrs. Dallabetta, thank you for sharing your husband with us and for giving of yourself. You are one of the most beautiful, generous people I have ever met and I hope you know the love I feel for Mr. D is extended to you as well.

John, I imagine it wasn’t easy being the director’s kid but you did it well. When I see you I feel as if you are family. Thank you for always making me feel welcome. Me and my family will be praying for you, Amanda and the boys.

Rest In Peace, Mr. Dallabetta. I will forever carry you in my heart with the fondest of memories.

From YHS Class of 1994

Margie, I think it no accident that John passed away on the feast of Saint Michael and all the archangels.  My family's condolences to you and your family.  Please let us know where he is buried so we can visit on All Soul's Day.

Shawn Pollard

John was huge in his support of a first-year band director when i started in Flagstaff, and he was in Kingman.  Always a friend,  a wonderful fellow Wolfpack member.  Rest in peace,  my friend. 

Thank you for all the memories Mr.D  I came to yuma high a bit jaded because of my last band director.   You reminded me of why I loved playing and always encouraged us to do our best.  You always had an ear or a shoulder for us.  And you gave me the chance to go to college.  I'll never forget that.

My condolences to your many friends and family.

You left your mark on thousands of students.  

Yhs 1999/2001

Hard work, self discipline,  self sacrifice, self respect......  so many life lessons you provided.   So many memories.  So many times I saw you reach in your own pocket and hand money to students who struggled on road trips without having enough money to eat.  So many times I witnessed your passion for music, and life.  Teaching us to take pride in ourselves and each other.  To keep each other accountable,  to have each others back.  To recognize individually we were each special,  but as the band we were Dynamic and we all needed each other to complete the sound.   No one part more important than the other, and each one needed the next to complete the music.  Thank you for helping each of us individually to complete the music we call our lives, for without you, our symphony would not have been complete.  BAND HEELS TOGETHER!  

I had the privilege of being apart of the first year John (Mr. D) became the band director of Yuma High School in '86-87. It was the best year of my entire High School experience. He brought back the school spirit that was lost due to the previous band director.  I am extremely proud to call John my teacher, friend and inspiration. I know many thousands of people that feel the same way. There will always be a special place in my heart for all he has done, not just for myself, but for all his students. Thank you for the tireless evenings you spent with us, instead of your family, just to get the show right. Those are cherished moments that we'll never forget. LORD, give him a sound of music(that will always be in tune), so he will surely know that he is in Heaven. Blessings on you Mr. D! I know you will hear the words, "Well done,  good and faithful servant". 


I loved you Dali you taught me to respect music and work really hard to put out the very best performance I could. You built me up with your determined ways of teaching music. You are missed dearly, RIP , you will remain forever in my heart. Love Linda Walker flute and piccolo 1976-1979 KHS


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John Anthony Dallabetta

5 décembre 1944 – 29 septembre 2020

Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park

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