Juan DiPasalegne succumbs to rare cancer

Juan DiPasalegne lost his battle with cancer Saturday and died at his Hammond, Ind. home with his wife by his side. He is being remembered as a “faithful and prayerful man.”

Born in 1938 in Bridgeport, Conn., DiPasalegne grew up there and in Chicago. He graduated from the University of Chicago with an education degree. But when that field of study didn’t turn into a career for him, he went into sales. His wife of 22 years, Joslyn, said despite Juan not being an educator by trade, he never missed an opportunity to instruct people.

“He was always teaching individuals and encouraging people to learn more,” she said. He even urged his caretaker to pursue getting her GED.

The former Navy lieutenant fought in Vietnam before returning home and launching a successful career in sales. Melding his passion for education with his knack for selling, DiPasalegne was a former employee of a company that sold educational materials to libraries and school districts nationwide.

When his wife’s career moved her to Detroit, DiPasalegne was in tow and became a successful insurance man there.

Joslyn DiPasalegne said her husband was fond of Chicago’s 47th Street area. He was intrigued by its bustle in the ‘50s and ‘60s and it remained his favorite street in the city.

“There was a rhythm to 47th Street and he loved music,” said Joslyn, niece of Defender founder Robert S. Abbott.

Juan DiPasalegne was a trumpeter as a young man who loved all kinds of music. But he took a special liking to jazz. He is described as a lifelong learner who learned from every experience and every opportunity.

DiPasalegne suffered from multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer and one that his wife said mostly affects African Americans.

He is survived by his wife; one daughter in Chicago, Leslie; one brother in Chicago, David Lambert; and two grandchildren, Noah and Maya.

A private “friends and family” homegoing celebration is being planned for DiPasalegne.