Prominent Pittsburgh Musician Drowns In New Jersey

PITTSBURGH, PA - A well-known Pittsburgh musician died Monday night after being pulled from the ocean water in Ocean Grove, N.J. New Jersey authorities identified him as Gabriel D’Abruzzo, 42.

Rescue swimmers and bystanders came to Mr. D’Abruzzo’s aid as he police responded to a report of a man in distress in the water. He was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center and later was pronounced dead by emergency room doctors, police said.

Mr. D’Abruzzo, 42, was an accomplished pianist who held a bachelor’s degree in music from Duquesne University and a masters degree from SUNY, the State University of New York. There, he studied with world-renowned pianist Vladimir Feltsman, according to information on the Pittsburgh Concert Society website.

Mr. D’Abruzzo’s musical positions include organist/choir director with various Pittsburgh area churches, including East Liberty Presbyterian Church; adjunct professor of piano at St. Vincent College in Latrobe; accompanist for the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, City Music Center, Masterworks Chorale, Moon Area High School and Fox Chapel Area High School.

The National Weather Service has warned of treacherous rip currents at the Jersey Shore for several days and the danger of swimming on unguarded beaches or at night. There have been at least five drownings at New Jersey beaches in the past week.

Patch staff writer Patricia A. Miller contributed to this report.

Photo: Patricia Miller/Patch staff.

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