HONORING A REMARKABLE DLE FRIEND: ENTREPRENEUR AND PHILANTHROPIST JOHN VITTORI

An exuberant force of inspiration and support for the establishment of the Dulye Leadership Experience has passed. John Vittori, a popular and dedicated faculty member of the Dulye Leadership Experience’s Immersive Retreat, died on August 13 at his New Bedford (MA) home.

An extraordinary entrepreneur with a penchant for helping others, John opened his Hilltop Orchards working farm to serve as home base for day three of the annual DLE weekend retreat from 2008 through 2016. He was a dear friend and mentor to scores of DLE community members, sharing his extensive business experience and entrepreneurial spirit.

John established Hilltop Orchards in 1987 as the first farm winery in the Berkshires. He expanded operations through the years to include an orchard-to-can cidery, a winery, a tasting room, cross country skiing, and special culinary events. The orchard was the perfect setting for weddings, birthday parties, and other special celebrations.

Celebrating John’s immeasurable kindness, generosity and support, DLE Founder Linda Dulye recalls, “John was an extraordinary adventurer, in business and life. His breakthrough Johnny Mash was the original American hard cider, debuting in 1997. John was as passionate about sailing and spending time on the water, as he was running his farm and lending a helping hand in the Berkshire community and the DLE community.”

She continues, “He gave profusely in words and actions. I was the beneficiary of countless conversations of encouragement and brainstorming with John when the DLE was nothing more than an idea in my head. Over the years, John helped many DLE members sow their seeds of new dreams, personally and professionally. He will be deeply missed.”