In loving memory of

Dolores C. Patrone
January 9, 1935 - May 27, 2020

Dolores "Dee" Patrone (nee Contino) Bellmawr - On May 27, 2020, Age 85. Born on January 9 1935, in South Philadelphia to George and Philomena Contino. Dee attended South Philadelphia High School for Girls. She began her dance training with the Crescenta School of Dancing. In addition to her academic studies and her regularly scheduled dance lessons, Dolores completed a teacher-training course.

Dolores was an active member of the National Association of Dance & Affiliated Artists (NADAA), Professional Dance Teachers of New York City, and International Teachers of Dance, Inc. (ITDI). She held the offices of Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-President, and President for NADAA and President for ITDI. She was a guest teacher for dance workshops in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and New York City, the head dance counselor at a summer camp in Pocono Mountains and periodically taught at dance seminars in Cherry Hill. Dee was on the Adult Evening School Program for Triton Regional High School. Dee was a choreographer for Gloucester Catholic and Triton Regional High Schools, staging the musical numbers for 21 shows. Other choreographic credits have been: "Steppin' Out" at the Ritz Theatre in Oaklyn, the Adult Variety Show of Northeast Catholic High School, Uptown and Garden State String bands, Runnemede's Miss Fire Prevention and Miss Runnemede Pageants. Dolores' motto is "Those who dare to teach - must never cease to learn".

Dee married the love of her life, Vincent on November 17, 1956. They started "Dee's School of Dance" in September 1958. The studio was opened until September 2014, when Dolores chose to close the studio to stay home and care for Vince.

Dolores is now in heaven reunited with her loving husband. She is the beloved mother of Lisa (Larry) Peterson and Vinese (predeceased Tim) Goldschmidt (Bill). Beloved grandmother of Laurence (Ashley), Matthew (Kelsey), Nicholas (Mariah), Kelsey (Chris), Victoria and Vincent.

Due to the executive order in place by Governor Murphy, there will be no viewing and no visitation.The family will have a Celebration of Dee's Life at a later date. If you so wish, please consider a donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, ATTN: Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75266-0309 or to Holy Redeemer Home Care & Hospice, 6550 Delilah Road, Egg Harbor Township, NJ.


Tributes

Janene wrote on Jun 22, 2020:

"I started with Miss D when I was just 3 years old. She taught me so much and helped give me the confidence I carried into adulthood. I will never forget what I gained from such a wonderful person. I know how much she loved her husband and I know that?s who she is dancing in heaven with now. ??"

Louise urbano wrote on Jun 4, 2020:

"So many good and funny memories from when we met years ago at dancing school and New York conventions. Louise Urbano"

Eleanor Rita Pendergast (Cousin Eleanor Ciletti) wrote on Jun 2, 2020:

"Dolores was a sweetheart. She was beautiful inside and out....generous of her talent and her time. She, with my sister-in-law Frances, sponsored a bridal shower for me at a time when I needed the support of family and friends. Thank you, Dolores, for your love. I know you are happy to be re-united with that special man you married, my cousin Vincent. Rest in Peace both of you."

Joann Thornley wrote on May 31, 2020:

"Lisa, Vinese and family, I?m so sorry to hear of Miss Dee?s passing. I took dance lessons starting in middle school through high school. I stopped, got married, raised a daughter and she had a daughter who wanted to take dance. I took my granddaughter to Miss Dee?s to register her and found out an adult ballet class was offered. I started taking lessons again at age 50. The first year the girls in the class talked me into dancing in the recital only because one girl couldn?t make it. Needless to say, I had the time of my life. Miss Dee was great! She was so understanding and filled me with confidence. A few years later she started an adult jazz class and most of the girls who were in the ballet class joined the jazz class. It?s hard to put into words how much fun Miss Dee made it for all of us. I danced in 11 more recitals after that and finally stopped dancing when I turned 65. I retired and my husband and I moved from Runnemede to Florida. We were all so sad when the dance school closed ? it helped a lot of young girls gain self-confidence, team work, self-esteem and respect for one another. I?m sure she?s got a great liturgical ballet group going on in heaven. She will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy to her family. Joanne Thornley "

Alicia Swiderski wrote on May 31, 2020:

"Ms. Dee was a Wonderful dance teacher my girls had so much fun learning at her school. The The recitals are always amazing she made a difference in our community . My condolences to her family. Alicia Swiderski n girls "

Lori Fagnani wrote on May 31, 2020:

"I al 45 and still remember being 4 years old in dance at Miss Dees. May she rest in piece"

Jo-Anna (Snapp) Martin wrote on May 30, 2020:

"Lisa, Vinese and family. I am very sad to hear of the loss of your Mom. She will always be with you and in your heart. She has always been in mine. I have many many years of happy memories of a wonderful teacher and human being. Love, Jo-Anna (Snapp) Martin"

Amy Amadoro wrote on May 30, 2020:

"Lisa, Vinese and family, I am so sorry about Miss Dee. I have so many special memories from dance that I will hold dear to my heart always. She was a very special person and she will be missed dearly. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers."

Ginny Zimmer wrote on May 30, 2020:

"Lisa, Vinese and family. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Miss Dee was an incredibly beautiful woman inside and out. I took lesson from Miss Dee a long time ago, I have a lot of good times and memories. Rest in peace Miss Dee and dance it up in heaven!"

Lisa Walinski wrote on May 30, 2020:

"So sorry to hear about Miss Dee, my daughters attended Dees School of Dance for years! She will be sadly missed ! "

Lynn (Sochor) McCausland wrote on May 30, 2020:

"My Condolences to Miss Dees family at this time. Knew her for many years as both my daughters , Kim and Tracey danced with her and learned so much from her. She and Vince were so kind and loving to all the students and I have such fond memories of all the recitals! I know they are dancing together in Heaven . Rest In Peace ??"

Diane Savidge wrote on May 30, 2020:

"Miss Dolores will be missed my many young woman who had the honor to be taught by her and to have known her. She is a big part of my daughters and my memories. Not only did they learn dance but she also taught them confidence in themselves and everything that came there way was because of that confidence. She was also compassionate and understanding "

Bonnie McGuckin wrote on May 30, 2020:

"Dee was a beautiful, caring woman inside and out. My daughter had the pleasure of attending her dance school until it closed. Dance in the heavens Miss Dee. We will really miss you"