- Date Of Death: December 23, 2007
- State: Pennsylvania
Rev. Angelo A. della Picca, D. Mus., 84, a faithful priest who served the Church more than 62 years, went home to his Lord on Sunday December 23, 2007 in Bethlehem. Born on Jan. 6th 1923 in Pantianico Italy to the late Giacomo and Maria (Lizzi) della Picca, Father Angelo entered the Archdiocesan Seminary of Udine, Italy at the age of 9. He began his musical career at the age of 10 when he composed his first musical piece “A’dio al piano” which translates “good bye to my piano”. He never stopped composing music. On July 29, 1945 at an age of 22, Angelo was ordained to the priesthood with 11 other classmates from Udine. Following his ordination, Father Angelo moved to Rome and was awarded degrees in Gregorian Chant as well as a Doctorate in Sacred Music. While in Rome, he also studied English, Canon and Civil Law. One of his classmates studying English was a young Polish priest named of Karol Wojtyla, who would later become Pope John Paul II. In the mid 1950’s Bishop Joseph McShea, an Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia desired to develop a male choir that was comparable to that of the Rome’s Basilicas. The word came back from Italy that a young priest named Angelo in Rome had an uncanny knowledge in this field. Father Angelo moved to Philadelphia and from 1956-1961 he organized a men’s & boy’s choir, second to none. From 1961-1965 he was the Director of Music for the Diocese of Allentown. In 1965 Father Angelo moved to Cincinnati were he taught theology for 10 years at the College of Mount St. Mary’s. Father Angelo’s passion for knowledge and compassion for his fellow man extended beyond the college campus. He frequently would organize seminars on various topics; it was during this time that Father Angelo brought Mother Theresa to the United States for her first public mission. He was also responsible for a visit by Dr. Christian Barnard, who pioneered the first open heart transplant. In the following years, through 1992, Father Angelo would continue to teach Music, and Italian at both Mount St. Mary’s, and the College of Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. In the mid 1990’s Father Angelo reduced his teaching to part time, while continuing to serve on as spiritual advisor to the Sisters of Charity. During that time he was honored by being listed in the “Who’s Who in Classical American Music” which recognized him for numerous musical pieces, which he had composed and published. He was the composer of many works both sacred and secular, published in the USA, Switzerland and Italy. Father Angelo holds the title of Professor Emeritus. Until becoming ill, he continued to write music, celebrate mass and assist his brother Father Paul at Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Bethlehem. Survivors: brother Rev. Msgr. Paul B. della Picca, Pastor of Our Lady of Pompeii Parish, Bethlehem; sister Rosina, niece Meris, nephew Carlo and grand niece Daniela all of Udine Italy.
