Del Fidanque of Garrison passed away on September 17, 2026. He was 81

Del Fidanque was an American playwright, lifetime member of the Dramatists Guild, and former actor known for blending humor with social commentary, family dynamics, and contemporary tech themes. His work often features comic worlds where ordinary situations are exaggerated through offbeat premises, allowing audiences to laugh while reflecting on the same. His blend of fun, critique and theatrical innovation earned him recognition in both academic and community theatre circles.

Fidanque’s core theater philosophy was forged during his MFA program at Adelphi University under the guidance of Jacques Burdick, a Yale and Adelphi drama professor who mentored Rent creator Jonathan Larson. Burdick pushed Fidanque to let his imagination "stretch like pasta" and to infuse his scripts with elements of Molière and Bertolt Brecht.

A few efforts highlight his style:

OFF LINE, Co-written with Scott Klavan, wherein a family confronts their relationships after a sudden collapse of internet and cell service.

GALLERIA, A darkly comic exploration of ethical dilemmas in the fine art community.

WE ARE AMERICA! Celebrating women and diversity is a collection of fantastical sketches and parodies. The play draws inspiration from Hallie Flanagan's "Living Newspaper" theatrical vision, using comedy, music, and verse to explore the complexities of American diversity.

Extensive volunteer leadership allowed his human services juices to flow per these activities:

Philipstown Blood Drives’ longtime coordinator: Fidanque served as a key organizer for the Philipstown Blood Drives, for nine years, working closely with the New York Blood Center; his donor engagement skills were recognized for introducing creative, local initiatives—such as community barbecues, face-painting, and on-site babysitting—specifically designed to encourage busy parents and young donors to participate.

As President of the Friends of the Desmond Library, he frequently bridged his theater background with library events, utilizing the space for specialized community gatherings, theatrical readings, music, dance, et al.

Creative Partnerships: He coordinated with library directors and staff to organize unique local programs designed to gather library patrons and their families. Under his initiatives, the Friends raised vital funds to install an elevator to the program room, support children's summer reading programs, purchase updated media collection materials, and sponsor free public lectures. Fidanque always praised the community-wide cooperation of the Library, noting that its collaborative spirit was instrumental in staging local arts and comedy showcases. He and his lifetime partner staged an Edward Albee play to kick off the fund drive, raising $2,500.

He took care of family pets, was a gardener to the delight of masters, and loved ice cream to the end.

Del is survived by his spouse Claudia, daughter Renee and son Val. My husband was all the above facets and more, but we simply loved him for his kindness, respected him for his integrity, and enjoyed his company for its humor and joy. There will never be enough to write about him, but here’s our tribute anyway.

In lieu of flowers he requested that donations be made to the Brennan Center for Justice.

Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Clinton Funeral Home- Cold Spring.