George Anthony Delmerico

George Anthony Delmerico of Santa Barbara, California, formerly of Dobbs Ferry, NY, passed away suddenly on August 11, 2013 at the age of 67. A 1963 graduate of Dobbs Ferry High School, he was active in the school’s theater productions and as president of the chorus, he compiled a commemorative album of the school’s plays and concert music.

He received a BFA in Design and Art Direction from Pratt Institute in New York City, where he graduated first in his class, and was chosen to design the college’s 1967 yearbook, Prattonia. He began his career in New York at Push Pin Studios, working with famed graphic designer Milton Glaser. He later worked as an Art Director at New York magazine, Newsday, The New York Times, Giorno Poetry Systems, and Columbia Records. He also served as Art Director of The Village Voice from 1976 to 1985. In 1984, he received an Award of Distinctive Merit from the Society of Publication Designers.

Mr. Delmerico moved to Santa Barbara in 1985 and was founding Art Director of the Santa Barbara Independent. He was later named Director of Publications at the University of California – Santa Barbara, where he worked until his retirement in 1995.

He was an insightful cartoon researcher, a knockout graphic designer, a progressive activist and a thoughtful scholar of American culture, art and music. Always an enthusiastic and caring mentor, he shared his vast knowledge and thoughtful insights with family, friends and colleagues. A survivor of HIV for more than 20 years, he most recently donated his considerable design talents to local artists, community organizations and non-profits.

Mr. Delmerico is predeceased by his father, Patrick Delmerico, and his mother, Helen Jordan Delmerico. He is survived by by his long-time partner of 20 years Ken Volok, his loving sisters Jean Delmerico Moczarski and her husband Peter ; and Nancy Delmerico Vitagliano and her husband Don of Dobbs Ferry, NY, as well as his beloved nephew and niece, William George Vitagliano and Jill Kathryn Moczarski. A memorial service is being planned.