Obituary of Andrew Joseph Virzi

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Andrew J. Virzi Sr. on July 24, 2024. Andrew was born February 13, 1928, in Cleveland, Ohio to Charles and Venira (Malone) Virzi, who immigrated from Sicily in the early 1900s. He was the middle child of five, Anthony, Mary, Nick, and Carmen. He attended East Tech High School and graduated from Case Western Reserve. In 1950, he served our Military as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, he fought during the Korean War in the Chosin Valley River Reservoir.

Our dad met the love of his life our mom, Elsie N. Mihok before his time in Korea, they married on February 23, 1952. They celebrated a marriage that lasted over 50 years until Elsie's passing on June 10, 2006. The proudest moments of their lives were the birth of their five children Venira, Angela, Charles, Annmarie, and Andrew Jr. 

In 1973, after much persuasion from our dad's brothers; Tony and Nick they decided to move to beautiful Simi Valley, California. They spent over fifty years in Simi Valley raising their children while also having a second home in Desert Hot Springs, California where they spent many weekends, and holidays, enjoying the sun, golfing, and pool time, after he retired, they enjoyed living in the desert for weeks at a time. Shortly before Elsie passed away, they made the desert their final home together. Dad had a great passion for playing golf, playing into his late 80's. Dad even had a hole-in-one on his 70th Birthday. He continued to live there for an additional fourteen years after our mom passed in 2006.

As a longtime resident of Simi Valley, some of Dad's favorite activities were spending time with his children, and having Sunday dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, he loved being the Patriarch of four generations of the family. It meant so much to him to be involved with his children as they grew during the 70's and the 80's, especially when they started their own families. Dad and mom were blessed to have nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Dad was always there to support his family whether it was sports, everyday activities, life decisions, or buying all of his kid's cars!

Some of Dad's most enjoyable moments were taking road trips with Mom and his dear cousin Mel Todaro, his wife Mary, and their four boys. The vacation road trips held great memories for all and they are still cherished to this day. In addition, he loved vacationing in Hawaii, Florida, a cruise to the Mexican Rivera, and most of all a special trip to Italy in the late 60's. As a true family man, he loved reading the newspaper daily and read hundreds of novels, some more than once. 

The most enjoyable part of his life besides being a loving husband to his wife for over fifty-five years, was his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and most importantly he, absolutely loved being a Marine while serving in Korea. He truly believed in the Marine’s motto "Once a Marine, always a Marine". Our dad was so very proud to be a Marine, and he raised us to be the children of a strong and proud marine, and he lived that motto until his very last breath. 

Four years ago, dad came full circle back to Cleveland fifty years later after our brother Charles’ passing.  Annmarie provided Dad with a beautiful place to live where his three daughters pulled together to care for him twenty-four hours a day seven days a week.  Around two years ago we saw a decline in our dads memory and he was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia, the Veterans Administration of Cleveland provided much-needed assisted care for our dad, and we were greatly blessed when our aide/caretaker, who was also a fellow Marine; by the name of Mr. Doug Smith, (wife Deborah Collins) he entered our lives and became the care provider for our Dad during the most difficult time of his life, when Dementia was robbing our dad of his memories, but he never forgot his children's names. Doug understood our dad's difficulties in remembering his day-to-day routines, he provided our dad with gentle and compassionate care, had empathy for his struggles, and always held our dad in the highest esteem. Recently, our dad told Doug he was such a good man, that he considered him our family. 

Living to the age of ninety-six was not an easy accomplishment, our Dad lived a disease-free Biological life and never took medicine - he even disliked aspirin. Our dad still enjoyed the fun times with family and seeing the growth of his family beyond his wildest dreams. He was a simple man, who loved the movies with our mom and loved to tell a joke or two at parties and gatherings of family and friends. He knew when to exit stage left and didn't want anyone to fuss over him, but he sure did like to be pampered till his last day on earth. The saying goes, "When one breath is given up on earth another breath is taken in heaven". 

Our story ends with our Dads’ very peaceful passing on July 24, 2024, at 7:04 am. His Legacy was to stand proud for the love of his country and his family. Our handsome and loving father Andrew, was preceded in death by his loving parents Charles and Venira Virzi, dear wife Elsie, son Charles, Sister Mary (husband Sam) Ingrassia, Brothers Anthony (wife Josephine), and Nick (wife Maryann). 

Andrew is survived by his beloved children, daughter Venira Virzi, and grandchildren John and Ryan Hansen. Daughter Angela Adams DeCarlo (husband Dan) Son Andrew Vaughn (wife Daniela) great granddaughter Olive Marie, daughters Chelsea and Ashley Adams. Son Charles Virzi (deceased 2020) ex-wife (Marcia (Lowe) deceased 2021) son Charlie Virzi (wife Courtney) Annmarie Virzi and her sweet dog Elsie who was dad's furry companion, Son Andrew Virzi Jr. (wife Mary) grandchildren twins Andrew Virzi III (wife Megan) great-grandsons Aiden, Chase, and Tanner and Anthony Virzi (wife Kaitlyn) great-grandchildren Camden, Maci, and Cooper. Nicholas Virzi (wife Jessica) great-grandchildren Gianna and twins Jonathan and Dominic. In addition, he is survived by his youngest brother Carmen (wife Nancy) and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A special thank you to:

 The Veteran Administration Hospital, Cleveland Ohio

The Community Assisted Living Center, Avon Lake Ohio

The Western Reserve Hospice of Westlake Ohio

 The Ames Home Hospice Westlake Ohio

To the many nurses and aides who provided enormous support and consoled us through the last few days of our dad's life. We are forever grateful.

Dicicco & Sons Funeral Home Cleveland Ohio

Rose Family Funeral Home Simi Valley California