Obituary of Giovanni Sozzi

Giovanni “John” Sozzi passed away peacefully at home on October 18, 2022. He went to be with
his lord at the age of 86. He was born in Fiorenzuola d'Arda, Italy on September 3 rd , 1936 to the
late Dante Sozzi and Gemma Bardi. John is survived by his loving wife, Maria “Adriana” Sozzi
and his daughter, Cristina (Mario) Garel, his two grandchildren, Daniel Garel and Lauren Garel,
his sister, Gabriella Sozzi, his nephews, Joseph Masini and John (Suzette) Masini, and great
niece, Jennifer Masini, as well as many cousins. He was predeceased by his beloved sister-in-
law, Imelde Masini, brother-in-law, Aldo Masini, father-in-law, Francesco Solari, mother-in-law,
Albertina Testa, and many aunts and uncles.

John started working after World War II at the age of 8 in the welding and fabricating industry.
He was unable to be further educated while his country recovered from the war. He was drafted
in the Italian army at the age of 18. While in service, he designed tanks and built protocols for
the army. He saved his friend’s life in a burning tank and increased in rank due to his heroism.
After the service, he married Adriana in 1960 and had a daughter, Cristina. Two years after his
daughter was born, he and his family were given a sponsorship by his father-in-law to come to
America in 1963. Coming to America on a ship, he was given immediate citizenship for his skills
from the Italian army and was immediately drafted in the American Air Force during the
Vietnam War. He served three years fixing and designing their aircrafts while working for
Civetta and Sons Construction, where he worked as an iron worker, fabricator, welder, and
machinist. He was a master in his profession and was able to start his own business in 1980 as
“John Sozzi Welding Inc.” in New Rochelle, NY. He started a partnership with Edmund
Bergassi, purchasing commercial property where they both operated their own businesses.

While working for Civetta, he was involved in many construction projects throughout Manhattan
as the iron worker for skyscrapers, buildings, roadways, concourses, bridges, etc. He was
worldly known for fixing construction equipment and designing parts for them as well. His
proudest accomplishment was being an iron worker for the North Tower of the Twin Towers. As
a business owner, he met a lot of valuable friends and associates, and became successful. He
always showed compassion, fairness, and loyalty to his patrons. He became a legend in his field.
He volunteered a lot of his time and work to the fire department, police department, and churches
throughout the Westchester and Bronx County.

He loved socializing and helping others. His one motto in life was, “how you measure your
success is by the amount of people you’ve helped succeed.” He believed in always paying back
in your community. He was very loved and respected by everyone he met and was always
welcoming anyone he met for the first time. His sense of humor was a main part of his character.
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and loved ones. He truly lived the American
dream.

In Lieu of flowers, Please donate to either of the following charities:

St. Jude Children's Hospital - https://www.stjude.org/donate

The American Heart Association - https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give?form

The Parkinson's Foundation

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2022 from 2:00 - 9:00 P.M. in Farenga Bros. Funeral Home, 920 Allerton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10469

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 24, 2022 at 10:00 A.M  in St. Lucys Church, Bronx, NY

Entombment to follow in Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale, NY