Her work as a philanthropist and impact on the music equipment world will be missed.
Janet D’Addario, a prodigious creative and philanthropic force throughout the world, and wife of D’Addario Chairman, Jim D’Addario, died on June 14th in her home, surrounded by her entire family. She was 72.
According to her husband, Jim D’Addario, the cause of death was complications from gall bladder cancer.
Janet D’Addario co-founded D’Adarrio & Company, a musical instrument strings and accessory company, working a wide variety of roles across the company. When it was founded in 1973, Janet designed the company’s advertising and packaging for all their products.
Janet also worked as head of Artist Relations and co-founder of the D’Addario Foundation, a program that provides music education to young children in underserved communities. She served as Managing Director of the foundation for 20 years, raising awareness and putting together concerts all around the world.
Janet is survived by her husband of 50 years, three children and eight grandchildren.
The one charity that held a particularly special place in her heart was Providence House, a New York institution that provides transitional housing for homeless women and children. Janet served as a Board Member of Providence House from 2004-2019.
“Providence House is, in so many ways, the very embodiment of my wife…when she saw pain, she wanted to ease it. When she saw hunger, she brought food. When she saw homelessness, she provided shelter. But most importantly when Janet saw someone with no hope, she worked hard to provide them with the tools to restore their will to overcome the challenges they were facing.,” said Jim D’Addario.
In lieu of any gifts or flowers, the family is asking anyone wishing to pay their respects to consider a modest donation to Providence House.
Rest In Peace Janet D’Addario.