Dr. Juan Jose Amodei

Dr. Juan Jose Amodei of Dunstable MA, age 91, passed away on Thursday morning, 13 March 2025. He was born on 14 January 1934, in Asuncion, Paraguay, son of Salvatore Amodei and Irene (Borello) Amodei.

Juan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sally Hurley. He is survived and missed by his children Richard Amodei and Maria Amodei, first wife and mother of his children Bette (Kunes) Amodei, daughter in law Leslie (Millspaugh) Amodei, and grandchildren Kenderrick and Amelia Amodei.

Juan came to the United States to pursue undergraduate studies at Case Western Reserve University, followed by a Master of Science and PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. While his degrees were in Electrical Engineering, his coursework was in physics, the subject that captured his energy and intellect. The Feynman Lectures on Physics were always in reach on his shelves. Juan’s passion for physics extended to teaching. He came to schools armed with lasers and a gift for building enthusiasm for using science to answer life’s questions. He presented the material so that it could be understood by his students, believing we all can learn science and math if explained appropriately.

Juan taught and served as the Chairman of the Electronic Physics Department at LaSalle College from 1962 to 1972. He worked as an engineer at RCA David Sarnoff Labs and later became the President of Itek Optical Systems. Juan also held the position of CEO at AOI International.

Juan was a Trustee of the Moore School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania from 1981 to 1990, a Trustee at the University of Pennsylvania from 1990 to 1995. Other professional memberships include: the National Security Industrial Association executive committee; governors board of the National Space Club; the American Physical Society; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts.

Juan was a dedicated supporter of Brigham and Women's Hospital. He had a deep sense of civic responsibility, serving on the Dunstable Conservation Commission and supporting the work of the Dunstable Rural Land Trust and Nashua River Watershed Association.

Juan loved tennis. He played almost daily. Ever competitive, he adjusted his game through the years, always pushing himself and his partners. A gymnast in school, family photos capture him doing handstands in a variety of settings, something he could do until age 75. Juan loved to garden, tending his vegetables, fruit trees, and extensive flower gardens with care.

There will be a celebration of Juan’s life held at 2PM on April 12, 2025 at the Nashua Country Club, 25 Fairway Street, Nashua, NH.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to support the Sally Ann Hurley Master Clinician Fund at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Memorial gifts can be made online at www.bwhgiving.org or checks can be made payable to Brigham and Women’s Hospital with “in memory of Dr. Juan Amodei” in the memo line and sent to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Development Office, 263 Huntington Ave #318, Boston, MA 02115-4506.

Arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, 45 School St., Groton, MA 01450  978-448-6782  www.badgerfuneral.com