John Thomas Tedesco Jr., passionate teacher, cook
John Thomas Tedesco Jr., 78, of Georgetown, passed away peacefully at home Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., July 1, 1944, son of the late John Thomas Sr. and Norma (Macciocca) Tedesco.
Raised in Philadelphia, John graduated from Drexel University in 1967 with a bachelor of science degree in commerce and engineering sciences. He began his career as a math teacher at a local junior high school; however, his love of food drew him to begin work at a local food co-op. In seeking to further his culinary experience, he worked tirelessly at several well-known Philadelphia restaurants. In 1989, John and a partner established a successful catering business in Drexel Hill called Pasta Etc., making pasta from scratch. The business evolved into creating popular menus for many events along the Main Line. In 1992, the business was closed. In 1993, John moved to Alexandria, Va., which brought him closer to the woman who would become his wife. He began working with many of the area caterers, and in 1994 was hired as an event manager at the Reagan International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. As a man who always wanted to help those less fortunate, he volunteered at a shelter in Virginia, teaching people how to provide nutritious meals for their families. After leaving the trade center, John learned American Sign Language to be the restaurant manager at Gallaudet University. His career then led him back to teaching. In addition to training people to work in banquet services, he also provided training for those seeking certifications in food safety and alcohol awareness.
John and his wife, Susan, moved to Georgetown in January 2018. The initial thought was to retire, but neither did that immediately. John continued to train staff at several Washington and Alexandria hotels for another year. Above all, he cherished the time spent with those he held dear. He was a loving and devoted husband, brother, uncle, teacher, and friend, and will be greatly and genuinely missed by those who were fortunate to know him.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edwin and Anita Palmer. He is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Susan Palmer of Georgetown; his sister, Janet Tedesco, and his brother, Richard (Robin) Tedesco, both of Philadelphia; plus many cousins.
A celebration of his life will be held next spring.
Final care has been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Dodd-Carey Chapel, 307 N. Bedford St., Georgetown.
In lieu of flowers, his family encourages donations in John’s memory to Doctors Without Borders, doctorswithoutborders.org.
Visit John’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
