Condolence From: Bob Gorham
Condolence: I had the privilege of teaching under Larry's leadership at McIlveigh and at Gault Junior High Schools. Larry had the gift of defusing a situation before it got out of hand. His philosophy of taking care of the small things and the big things will be avoided worked. As a fellow staff member already mentioned Larry always came to our rooms before school to see how things were going. He also was in the main hall between classes. He would greet the students by name and give some positive comment.
He always came to the school concerts (and one Christmas he came as Santa Claus ... to the delight of everyone. Yes, I have pictures!). He came to games and other school events.
The past few years I had the joy of visiting Larry and taking him on occasion to his grand daughter's concerts at PLU and her school concerts at her first job as an elementary music teacher.
I will miss the breakfasts we shared with two other retired educators.
The world is a richer place because of the influence of Larry DiPalma. Rest in peace, my friend.
Friday September 22, 2017
Condolence From: Sandy Mazzei
Condolence: My sincere condolences to the DiPalma Family.
Larry was a gem of a guy in all things and I was glad to be associated with him professionally and as a long time friend. I sponsored him for membership in the Kiwanis Club of Tacoma where he became an outstanding member and went on to become President. He was a very popular and effective junior high school principal. He always was willing to share his accordian talent in various venues.
I visited him several times at the Weatherly Inn, the last time just a couple of weeks before he died and he was still a gem of a guy.
Sandy Mazzei, Former Administrator for Secondary Education, Tacoma Schools.
Wednesday August 23, 2017
Condolence From: Mary Otto Brown
Condolence: What wonderful memories I have of Mr. DiPalma. Always had a smile in the hallways. Its been 46 years ago but some people you never forget. He was so kind and uplifting to all the students. May you rest in peace and my thoughts and prayers are with your family for losing such an amazing person.
Monday August 21, 2017
Condolence From: Stephanie Kosarek Thorp
Condolence: I was a student at Gault Jr High from 1977-1980 when Mr Diploma was principal. I remember how a group of us would be sitting in the auditorium working on our Algebra assignments and Mr. D would stop to help us. I remember him as always smiling and yet when need be he was tough. He will always be remembered as one of the best educators and mentors that I knew. He will be greatly missed. He helped mold many students. Rest in peace Mr. D.
Monday August 21, 2017
Condolence From: Raymond Moffatte Jr
Condolence: Mr. DiPalma was the Principal at Gault Jr. High School while I attended from 1976-1979. He had a great influence on me as a student who at the time only knew those who lived on our immediate block (between 37th and 38th and Howe Street).
For someone who felt out of place amongst my peer; he help give me the confidence to succeed first in school; then later in life.
Even though many years have past; he is not one who has been forgotten. Our paths crossed a couple times since 1979; it made me happy that he remembered who I was.
In the world that we live in today; I wish there were more people like Larry DiPalma.
The world has lost a great person!
Monday August 21, 2017
Condolence From: Catherine O'Brien
Condolence: Dear DiPalmas,
Larry DiPalma was my principal when I was a student at St. Patrick's grade school in Tacoma. He is hands down the sweetest most positive and loving principal I ever had and I have very warm memories of Mr. DiPalma. My gratitude and prayers for him. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and perpetual light shine upon him, may his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Monday August 21, 2017
Condolence From: Tim Miller
Condolence: I had the honor of being part of the staff at Gault Jr. High and being a
part of Larry's leadership for 7 years. Best teaching years of my 32 year career in education. Larry visited every classroom every morning prior to our first class. Always with a spring to his step and a great smile for us to start our day. Larry was loved by all: teachers, students and students. His motto: always take care of the small issues and the big ones usually will not happen! Great work ethic for us all.
Larry will be missed but never forgotten!
RIP Larry.
Sunday August 20, 2017
