John Serpentelli passed away on Friday, May 24, in his Philadelphia-area home at the age of 59. An award-winning filmmaker and artist, John will be remembered by his students as a beloved mentor and teacher of animation.
John was born to Robert and Jeanne Serpentelli in Toms River, New Jersey on August 9th, 1964. He came to Philadelphia in 1983 to attend the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, but transferred to the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied film and art history. His animated short Once Upon a Time won awards from the NY Expo of Short Films and the American Motion Picture Society. It wasn't until graduating in 1991 that John decided on his life's calling while begrudgingly sweeping popcorn at the Roxy movie theater -- he was going to teach animation. John would go on to receive a master's degree in teaching in 1993.
John's career began in earnest with a phone call to a local art organization. He discovered that the school's animation instructor had recently departed and that there was a sizable grant available. John seized the opportunity (and the grant) by teaching animation at a correctional school for girls who had committed weapons offenses. The collaboration resulted in the film Some Girlz in the Hood, an experience that changed John forever. He decided to dedicate his life to using animation as "a conduit for people that don't have a voice," a promise he would keep through his long teaching career.
In 1997, John quit his day job as a middle school teacher after a Sesame Street producer viewed his work at a New York City film festival, and went on to found the Art and Animation Station (later renamed the Animation Stewdio), a place for young children to learn the fundamentals of animation. Over its six years of operation, John's students had their work featured at international film festivals, and on television networks such as Nickelodeon, HBO, PBS, and Sesame Street - among others.
In addition to teaching children, John also taught college-aged students at the University of the Arts, Moore College of Art, Temple University, the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia University, and Delaware College of Art and Design. According to John, the only significant difference between teaching animation to children and college students was the difference in height.
Many of John's former students have gone on to have successful careers of their own in film and television, and credit him as an early mentor who nurtured their passion for visual storytelling and inspired them to pursue their dreams, whether in animation or otherwise.
John had an innocent and relaxed approach to life. He loved to read and could often be found doing so while riding in the quiet car on his commutes to and from his home in Chestnut Hill. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, taking walks, and drinking coffee with friends. He was proud of his Donald Duck impersonation. After a lifetime of admiration, John is doubtlessly excited to finally meet his two favorite musicians - David Bowie and Janis Joplin.
Above all else, John's love, kindness, and creativity will be dearly missed by his loving family, friends, and the many generations of students whose lives he changed forever.
John is survived by his siblings Eugene, Kathy, and Michael, and his beloved cat Zen (who has retired to Florida). Although his loss has left an irreparable hole in their hearts, they take solace in the knowledge that John is with their loving parents, and they would tell John to give Mom and Dad a big hug on their behalf.
A website - Johnserpentelli.com is being developed to showcase much of John which is currently scheduled for May 24th, 2025, at Pastorius Park in Philadelphia.
Donations in John's honor can be made to:
Cash App - Mike Serpentelli
Cash tag - $celebratejohnserp
PayPal - Michael Serpentelli @60poundsquirrel
