Obituary of William E. Dembaugh

William E. Dembaugh, 95, of Maplewood, formerly of New Providence, passed away on February 17, 2025. 

Born in Pittsburgh, PA, William had lived in NP for 53 years before recently relocating to Maplewood.  He was valedictorian of his high school class in Pittsburgh.  He earned a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Westminster College and his master's degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude, from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

William was a professional singer.  His operatic appearances include lead tenor at Stadttheater, Biel-Solothurn, Switzerland; the Metropolitan Opera in New York, lead tenor at the New York City Opera and the Central City Opera. He performed the lead in many well-known operas including Carmen, Tales of Hoffman, Don Giovanni, Pagliaci, Magic Flute, Merry Widow, Masked Ball, Don Pasquale, Il Trovatore.  He has sung with the New Jersey Oratorio Society, New Hampshire Symphony and made a nation-wide tour with The Rondeliers, a male trio.  Newspaper reviews noted William as a "handsome tenor with a robust voice" and "…sang the treacherous tenor music exceptionally well."  European critics described him as "a lyric tenor, a more than able actor with a rich voice especially full in the upper register."

A proud veteran, William served as a Corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  He was also an active member of the Summit Area Old Guard.  In his personal life, Bill loved to play cards and travel.  He and his wife, Jean, visited all US states, most European countries, China, Russia, Egypt and Israel to name a few.

He also dedicated much of his life to education as a teacher of music and math for the NP Board of Education.  His love of singing and performance continued throughout his life with the Stony Hill Players, and his portrayal of Frederick Olmsted in Promise of the Park at the International Peace Vigil in

Central Park in 2011, 2012, and 2013.  He was tenor soloist locally, singing at Temple B'nai Abraham, Central Presbyterian Church, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church.

William is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Jean Whitaker Dembaugh, and his daughters Erika Dembaugh and Greta Compton (Gerry).  He leaves behind cherished grandchildren Nico Murolo (Beining Chen), Charlie, Joe and Zizi Compton.  A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 am on March 8 at St. Joseph's Church in Maplewood. 

For more information or to send condolences please visit jacobhollefuneralhome.com.