Remembering Al DeFabio

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With over 40 years as artistic and managing director of Albertus Magnus College’s Act2 Theatre, Al DeFabio was a beloved acting coach and life mentor to those fortunate souls whose journey would lead them to Albertus to learn stagecraft from the master. A life-long lover of theater and Tareyton cigarettes, Al lived every moment with passion; he loved and taught hundreds not only about theater, but how to love and live life in celebration to the glory of God. His tithe to the Lord was to direct/produce Godspell every five years to personally give his thanks and to remind the world that, “All good gifts around us are sent from Heaven above.”

“There is not a thespian out there who worked with Al who doesn't know about his ability to push the bounds of creativity. Difficult not to weep tears of joy for all the love Al poured out to us all over the decades.”

Described as “the perfect mentor – loving, supportive, his heart (and laugh) could fill an arena.” Al made it his life’s mission to break down barriers of prejudice and hatred. As he taught would-be actors how to confront their own fears and prejudices, he (often subversively) gave life-lessons on how to love and respect your fellow man. The skills needed as an actor, learning to live and feel or walk in another’s moccasins could compel you to have compassion for someone you may have formerly deemed “a miserable wretch.” “Macho” men were taught how to boldly wear pink in public. Others were taught how to let down their guard, “DARE to look ridiculous,” he would say, as being vulnerable was the only way to let others into your heart or to find the humanity in a moment – on stage or in life.

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Memories

“Before I was ML, I was Albert DeFabio’s “Maresly”- he made angsty, metalhead teenage me fall in love with theatre, with design, with directing, with a theatre family, and, mostly, with him. It’s impossible to explain how much this mentor shaped the trajectory of my life for 34 years, but I know “not a day goes by” that I won’t miss him. He encouraged me to attend grad school at Emerson, helped me to become an International Theatre Institute fellow, and supported my directing career in Boston, Providence and NY. When I returned to CT to become the Theatre Director for Sacred Heart Academy, we renewed our friendship with frequent visits and free advice. I’ll never forget the first adult who took me seriously as a theatre artist. Thank you, Al. I wish you a “song on the sand” perpetually.”

Mary Lee Delaney ’91

“Al was my first theatre teacher and inspired me in my love for acting. I have been a theatre professional for many years; am a member of Actors Equity Association, and played Fantine in the National Tour of Les Miserables. I have done numerous regional theatre jobs playing many rewarding roles. I am still acting; doing stage work, cabaret, and voiceover.”

Liz Aiello ‘79

“I am so deeply sorry to hear of Al's passing. He was a dear friend of my mom and me at Albertus and church. He also was our neighbor. He secretly left flowers at our doorstep every holiday. We attended all plays he directed at Act 2 Theatre and he was always there to meet and greet the audience. He was a devoted Catholic and a gentle, humble and generous man. Everyone who knew him loved him.”

Jean Incampo ’73

“I was so sorry to hear about Professor DeFabio. I was a very serious biology major returning to school after raising my family, and his theater class was the one class that I took as a requirement that scared me to death. But he was great with us, patiently prodding us out of our seats to create in a way that I was not used to. He was funny and quirky and so sincere. I donated my wedding dress to the theater department to use for productions, and you would have thought I’d given him a million dollars. He was so appreciative. But what I’ll always remember is how intertwined he was with 911. I was on my way from his class through the student center when I came across students watching the TV. I saw the second plane hit the towers while I was standing there. We all have our versions of that terrible day, but his was also the first class that I had once we came back to school. The discussion that he had with us about it, all if it, was incredible. I was older, I read the newspapers every day, I was up on world events, but my fellow students were young adults that had no idea what had just happened. We were all looking for answers, and Professor DeFabio listened to everyone and offered his support. We had the most incredible conversation and I’ll never forget it. What a sweet, sweet man. He will be missed.”

Athena Beebe Thompson ‘02