So saddened to read about the news of Fred's passing.

I knew Fred through his working as an adjunct professor in the Art and Design Department at Monmouth where i was and still am the Department' coordinator. My late husband who also was a quintessential perfectionist in everything he did through carpentry, inventions, being an artist himself, had a tremendous respect for Fred's artistry, craftsmanship, and execution of his projects. My husband met Fred when he attended one of his jewelry making classes at Monmouth. I had engaged Fred to make stained glass panels for my front door which had to be altered to receive the panels. One would never know that the door did not come originally that way. I am so glad I have them as a reminder of Fred.

I had so hoped that he would have been able to pull through his awful ordeal and from time to time I would call him to ask how he was doing up until the week before his passing. The world is less richer because a beautiful soul like Fred is missing from it.

My sincere condolences to his children and their families.

Enrica Taormina

To his family and friends,

I knew Ferdinando “Fred” Giovanni Del Guercio as a mentor;

I now strive, with all I’ve become, to fill his shoes.

He hired me over ten years ago as a carpenter for theatrical set builds. We quickly built a working friendship.

I considered it an honor to be welcomed to the creative team at Woods Theatre, and as I simultaneously worked in other theatres, he would provide imaginative solutions to nebulous challenges. NEVER at a loss for ideas - Flashes of Brilliance, like Lightning strikes that would amaze me, alter me: that well had no bottom.

I helped move him into his retirement plan, into the Pine Barrens, well off the grid, on the fringe of an animal farm, and there I built for him decks and storage sheds; it was just like old times, but better. It remained an idea, to tinker in his shop under the pines the rest of his days: grinding, shaping, making smoke, smiling at the landscape, hearing goat bleats, horse whinnies: Freedom.

I walked in his shoes, for a mile, or more. I rode his Harley home, and I did whatever I could to flesh out his plan. I’m now filling his shoes, having taken over his last professional role as Scenic Designer/Technical Director for Woods Theatre, Monmouth University.

I will try to make sense of the many things left behind; I touched all of it.

And,

I would really like to meet anyone who knew him longer to fill in earlier parts of the picture.

I feel with grief the loss of a support in my life.

Warmest regards,

Rusty

M. Rusty Carroll

3/27/23

Lake Como