Darryl Joseph Bott, age 64, passed away peacefully at home on May 23, 2020, after battling lung cancer. Born in Paterson, NJ, Darryl resided in High Bridge, NJ for the last 23 years. Darryl Bott was an incredible, compassionate human being. His love for music and teaching impacted incalculable lives throughout his career. Darryl's public school music career spanned many years. He served as Director of Bands in West Essex and as Director of Bands and Lead Teacher for the Roxbury, NJ school system. His consistent winning concert, marching and jazz bands were well respected throughout New Jersey and the North East. After retiring from public school teaching, Darryl took on the responsibilities of building a strong music program at the Mason Gross School of the Arts, at Rutgers University. There, he served as Deputy Director of the Music Department and later was named Director of Bands. He always put students first, and sometimes even took on a parental role with an early morning phone call to make sure students attended their 8:00am class. He was a driving force that touched thousands of people along the way... students, parents, faculty and those who became close friends. Another passion of Darryl's was to build and fly RC model airplanes. He would try to get people to join him on his trips to the flying fields, sitting on the chairs and savoring a nice cigar while enjoying the sunset. Darryl loved food, especially during his favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. He would host many Thanksgiving feasts with seemingly enough food to feed the Town of High Bridge. There was always ample food for people to take home at the end of a great dinner with friends. Darryl's friends were his family, and they always held a special place in his heart. Darryl is preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Vera Bott. He is survived by his longtime partner and husband Jonathan Bascones-Bott. and by his dear brother Lonnie Bott and wife Patricia Bott, of Prosper, TX; seven cherished nieces and nephews, Matthew, Andrew, Jennifer, Christopher, Ryan, Katie, and Kayleen. Additionally, he is survived by his two rescue dogs, Amelia and Wylie and the cats Wilber and Orville... demonstrating his love of animals and his heroes in flight. A celebration of Darryl's life will be forthcoming and announced at a later date.