Obituary of Albert Michael Nozzi

Nozzi, Albert (Al) Michael

Al was called home by God September 26, 2022.  Al is survived by his loving wife Rosaria; his loving children, Dominic Nozzi, Mary (Carl) Del Balzo, Nino (Marjorie) Nozzi, Anthony (Stella) Nozzi, Valerie Dixon; grandchildren Angelina and Sara Del Balzo, Nicole (Richard) Cooper, Ben Nozzi, Jessica (Joseph) Brady, Mark (Hannah) Nozzi, Katie (Jimmy) Manou, Alissa (Cornell) Smith, Jackie Dixon; great grandchildren Braden Manou, Brynn Manou, Peyton Smith and Owen Smith. Al was predeceased by his parents Domenick and Domenica Nozzi, siblings Concetta (John) Francheschelli, Ben (Gilda) Nozzi, Vera Nozzi, Amelia Nozzi, Lena (Merle) Malia, Michele Nozzi, Michael Nozzi, Tom (Jean) Nozzi, Clara (Sergio) Fanucci, and his daughter Bernadette.

Al was born in Dunmore, PA on July 10, 1931. Graduated from his beloved Dunmore Bucks high school where he lettered in baseball and football. Al played shortstop for the Bucktown Twilight League and was voted Most Valuable Player. Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies and  played in their minor leagues until drafted into the Korean war. After being in a serious car crash with a friend, he went to the seminary to become a Franciscan brother. About two years later, he decided that was not his vocation. Shortly thereafter, met Rosaria his beloved wife of 63 years at St Anthony’s Catholic Church.

He was a loving husband and father. He would change shifts at Xerox to spend time with the kids. He would come home from work and wrestle with the kids on the floor and give them a “dry shave” by rubbing his day-old beard on their cheeks. 

He loved music. His favorite artist was Jimmy Rodgers the man who started country music. He would sing many country and religious songs. On the many family camping trips, he would bring along the guitar and sing at the campfire, sometimes with the whole campground! He believed in caring for God’s creation. He would use electric boat and lawn motors versus gas to keep from polluting. He was also an early supporter of organic farming and healthy eating.

He taught both the boys and girls through sports; as a coach or a strong voice in the crowd.  He taught fundamentals, to play hard and with confidence. He valued education and encouraged all the kids to go on to college and do whatever they loved. 

Al retired from Xerox after 31 years of service. In retirement he joined the Legion of Mary.  Al remained an active member for the remainder of his life. For nursing home residents, Al would play the guitar, sing and pray the Rosary with them. Al also became a member of the Knights of Columbus. 

Al loved playing family games. He was especially fond of Euchre and Cribbage. He loved family get-togethers with homemade wine and meals.  

Al was an active supporter of Indian missions and international education. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St Joseph’s parish school fund for St. Mary’s Secondary School at Mazinde Juu Tanzania to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged girls. Donations can be mailed to either sister parish. Please indicate Tanzania on the memo line of your check. You may also use any of the on-line giving options HS-SJC | Penfield, NY (holyspirit-saintjoseph.org).

Calling hours will be held at Jennings, Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home, 1704 Penfield Road, Penfield on Monday, October 3, 2022 from 4-7 pm.  His Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, October 4 at 11:00 a.m., St. Joseph's Church, 43 Gebhardt Road, Penfield.