Obituary of Joseph F. Milazzo

Joseph F. Milazzo, 83, of Westerleigh, a proud Army veteran and devoted family man, died Saturday in Richmond University Medical Center due to complications of COVID-19. Born in 1937 to John and Anna Milazzo in Manhattan, Joseph grew up in the Bronx before moving to Great Kills in 1950. He attended Tottenville High School and as a young man worked as a milliner in the Garment District. Joseph married the love of his life, the former Regina Luzzo, on December 3, 1960, and was drafted to the United States Army two weeks later. He served for two years in Germany during the Berlin Crisis, and after returning home he started his career with Con Edison, where he worked for 35 years. In 1964, he moved to Beekman Street in Port Richmond where he lived for nearly 50 years, eventually settling in Westerleigh in 2010. He was a dedicated homeowner, took incredible care of his house and yard, and was a terrific neighbor. He enjoyed taking his time on various home improvement projects, always looking to fix something or take something apart at his workbench, and was the first person on the block to offer assistance in any situation. Joseph was a proud father and grandfather, and he loved nothing more than spending time with his family. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's school sports games, concerts, graduations, family functions, and seeing live performances at the St. George Theatre. In his younger years, he traveled extensively throughout the United States with his wife, including annual family vacations to Wildwood, NJ right up until 2020. He had a great sense of humor, was a passionate Yankees and Giants fan, he loved watching old movies and listening to music, and enjoyed golfing. Joseph was a faithful parishioner of St. Roch Church, Port Richmond, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Assumption Council, the New Dorp Friendship Club, AARP Chapter 3862, and the American Legion Five-Star Post #1857. He took great pride in attending functions as a representative of the American Legion, including the annual Veterans' Day ceremony held by the Nicotra Group. His sister, Faye DeRosa, died in 1986 and his brother, Carl Milazzo, died in 2013. Surviving are his beloved wife of 60 years, Regina; his loving daughter Regina Innocente and son-in-law Vinny Innocente; his grandchildren Vincent, Joseph, and Laura Innocente; his sisters-in-law Ann Femia, Gloria Santo, Jean Luzzo, and Malvina Milazzo; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. Visitation at Matthew Funeral Home will Thursday, February 4 from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm. Mass of Christian Burial is on Friday, February 5 at 10am from St. Roch Church, 602 Port Richmond Avenue. Burial to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Roch Church and/or the St. George Theatre in memory of Joseph.