Obituary of Alfred M. Minicozzi

Alfred M. Minicozzi, 94, of Merchantville, NJ, passed away on August 5, 2026. Beloved husband of Theresa Ann Minicozzi (nee Salamone) for 58 years. Devoted father and father-in-law of Alfred J. Minicozzi, Rose Ellen Minicozzi, and Ingrid L. Minicozzi (nee Grellneth). Also survived by one loving grandson, Michael A. Minicozzi, as well as many nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends. 

Mr. Minicozzi graduated from West Chester State Teachers College, with a Bachelor of Science degree in music. He continued his studies at Trenton State College, receiving a Master of Arts degree in music. He then attended Glassboro State Teachers College and earned his certification in administration and supervision. 

In 1954, Mr. Minicozzi began his teaching career in Camden, NJ, at Hatch Junior High School, where he taught both instrumental and vocal music. In 1956, he was transferred to Camden High School, where he conducted the orchestra, band, dance band, and marching band. This was also where he taught Leon Huff, who went on to become a talented and famed songwriter. 

Mr. Minicozzi was later appointed Chairman of Music for the entire city of Camden in 1962, and through his efforts, created the Summer Music Program, the first-of-its-kind in Camden. In 1966, he was appointed first as Supervisor of Music, and later as Supervisor of Art. From 1966 to 1985, he expanded the programs by forming the All-City Fine and Performing Arts Program, which provided opportunities to students interested in vocal and instrumental music, art, and dance. The scope of the Summer Fine and Performing Arts Program was broadened as well, providing additional classes in art, dance, and vocal and instrumental music. These combined efforts ultimately led to the creation of The Creative Arts School in Camden, which continues to operate today. From 1956 to 1967, Mr. Minicozzi also taught courses in vocal and instrumental music during the evening at the Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, NJ, now known as Camden County Community College. 

In light of his daughter's Cerebral Palsy, Mr. Minicozzi became active in what was then known as the Camden County Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center, located in Pennsauken, NJ. Through his efforts, he transformed the center into a fully accredited school for those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs), a first-of-its-kind facility at the time. The school, later known as Crescent Hill Academy, unfortunately had to close its doors in June 2019. Mr. Minicozzi served as the President of the Board of Directors of the school from 1970 until its closure. 

In 1975, Mr. Minicozzi established a 66-acre Summer Camp in Folsom, NJ, known as Camp Windermere, where children and young adults with Cerebral Palsy spent many joyous summer days. In 1984, he was instrumental in the purchase and renovation of a property on Cooper River South Drive in Collingswood, NJ, which became the Cerebral Palsy Adult Activity Center. He became the President of the Board of Trustees upon the building's inception, and still remains as such. 

In recognition of his efforts on behalf of those with IDDs, in 1987, Mr. Minicozzi received the Jefferson Award from KYW in the category of "Greatest Public Service Benefiting Local Communities." For his devotion to the students in Camden, he received a Distinguished Service Award from the Camden City Board of Education at his retirement in 1997. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Falco, Caruso & Leonard Funeral Home, 6600 N Browning Rd, Pennsauken, NJ 08109. Entombment to follow at Calvary Cemetery & Chapel Mausoleum, 2398 W Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08002.