Attilio "Til" De Palma
DE PALMA
ATTILIO "TIL" 97, of West Chester, PA, born in Phila., formerly of Los Angeles, CA and Ardmore, PA died December 2, 2008. Brother of the late, Louis, John, Albert, Marie, and his twin, Emilio. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ruth (nee Johnston); her son, John Johnston and daughter-in-law, Pat Sellen; his nieces, Bettina Tatarsky and Jean Hepke, and many great nephews and nieces. After graduating from Overbrook High School, Til, as he was known, earned a scholarship and studied the french horn at The Curtis Institute of Music graduating in 1935. For the next 3 years, he played for the National Symphony in Washington, DC. In 1939, he played for the Salzburg Opera (Austria) company's US tour. He then free-lanced in New York City, playing the Telephone Hour for the Metropolitan Opera. Til, then went to Pittsburgh, to play for the symphony there under Fritz Reiner. Til played on the score for Disney's Fantasia movie with the Philadelphia Orchestra while working for the Pittsburgh Symphony. In 1941, Till went west to the San Francisco Symphony, Pierre Monteaux conducting. During World War II, Til was assigned to the Navy Band in Washington, DC where he spent the war years as a Chief Petty Officer. After the war, he played on Broadway in Showboat from 1945-46. In 1947 he traveled to LA to play for the LA Symphony under the baton of Alfred Wallenstein. In the 1950's and 60's, he played for Disney Studios, the San Francisco Opera, and the Royal Danish Ballet. Til continued to freelance with Columbia Studios, 20th Century Fox, Greek Theater, and TV. In 1971, Till married Ruth Johnston ending a 10 year courtship and honeymooned in Europe. From 1975 to 1988, Til worked as a player/contractor for the Ice Follies, Ice Capades and the Joffrey Ballet. In 1984, he served as Orchestra Personnel Manager for the 1984 Olympic Arts Festival. In the early 90's Til and Ruth lived in retirement in downtown LA until moving back home to be closer to family, especially his best pal and twin brother, Emilio (Mil). The twins enjoyed their trips to Center City even at an advanced age. Til would regale friends and family with stories about his caddying days at Cobbs Creek, the celebrities he had performed with, adoring orchestra fans, and 3 dinners at the White House. He claimed that first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, was incredibly nice to him. Just last June, Til was invited the The Friends of Cobbs Creek to tour the course he had caddied at 80 years ago. He toured by golf cart and lent his knowledge, as the oldest living caddie, on the course and characters from his era. Up until his death, he was quite independent, taking his daily walk and caring for Ruth. In lieu of all flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to: The Curtis Institute of Music, 1726 Locust St., Phila., PA. 19103-9324. Visitation will begin at 10 A.M. Friday, Dec. 5, 2008 with Funeral Services at 11 A.M. and Interment to immediately follow at BRINGHURST FUNERAL HOME AT WEST LAUREL HILL CEMETERY, 225 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA
www.forever-care.comWow... his life reminds me of the quote: "You only have one life but if you do it right, that's enough". God bless you, Til and thank you for allowing Mike and Joe to walk down memory lane with you at Cobb's. It is now our responsibility to share your legacy with others and restore what is there today back to what you could see.