Felix Patrick Maurizio

Born in Springfield, Mass. to Joseph and Stella Maurizio, he was a Navy veteran, a letter carrier, a beloved friend, and above all, a dedicated and loving husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. He was raised in Springfield and attended Cathedral High School where he played baseball, basketball, and football.

Phil’s nickname came from the time he first reported for duty to his superior officer to serve in World War II. Officer: "What's your name, sailor?" Felix: "Maurizio, sir." Officer: I'll never get that, but I can handle the M and the O. You're Mo." And so he was...

He enlisted on August 18, 1943 and served almost 23 years in the Navy he loved. He was assigned to Little Creek in Norfolk for amphibious training in prep for the Invasion of Normandy, hitting the beach in the First Wave on June 6, 1944. He was transferred to the USS Talladega and landed Marines on the beach at Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. He was 19. He trained next with the Marines for the Invasion of Okinawa, which took place in April, 1945. He was in Tokyo Bay on the first ship carrying U.S. Army occupation troops when surrender terms were signed on the USS Missouri, which was anchored nearby.

He married the love of his life, Laura Mae, whom he met while stationed in Norfolk, in May 1951. Five years later, the couple lovingly took in Laura's 9 y.o. brother Glenn after their mother died. Phil discovered early that he would get the boot before Glenn ever would, and Phil was a strong father figure for Glenn all the way up to his passing.

After 15 years of marriage twins Stella and William made their appearance in the Maurizio home, and Felix was an extremely devoted father to them, also.

Felix had a tremendous work ethic and was loyal to his jobs. He conserved 2,547 hours of sick leave at the post office. He worked for the USPS for 35 years, retiring 61 years to the day of D-Day at Normandy (at the age of 80.)

When he wasn’t working, Phil enjoyed other parts of life. He and Laura belonged to multiple square dance clubs, last dancing with The Thalia Thumpers. He loved strawberries and would don knee pads to go picking, never leaving the field with less than 25 pounds and setting a personal record of 76 pounds, albeit with some help from family and friends. At home, he would stir jam until his arms would practically fall off, filling a large portion of an upright freezer for the coming year. Always generous, he loved giving his hard work away, and because he was a product of The Great Depression, people who brought their jars back got brownie points for the next year.

He enjoyed deep-sea fishing and crabbing and fishing off the Lynnhaven Fishing Pier and would sit with a bucket of claws or crabs in the kitchen, picking meat until his hands were shriveled. He loved it, and there were hardly any shells. Impressive! His neighbors can attest that he faithfully decorated his house and yard for Christmas for over 60 years, for all to enjoy, and they certainly did.

Phil derived tremendous joy from being a fan of his grandkids--from the stands, on the sidelines, behind the backstop, or in an audience. His teams of choice were the New York Yankees and the Washington Commanders, and surrounding Steelers families in the Schmidtville region (neighborly fan zone) lured him for countless memorable hours.

In 2024, he returned to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day and FREELY walked with others on the sands of Omaha Beach, on the land he helped liberate from tyranny. He was an American hero, who only spoke of his service when asked. He embodied a true patriot.

He was a faithful servant of St. Matthew's Catholic Church for 50 years. He was an active life member of Norfolk VFW Post 4809, where strong fellowship and military ties enriched his years.

The family is thankful for the consistent and compassionate care shown by loving caregivers during his last couple years, and for the devoted people at Mission BBQ, where Mo enjoyed many good meals and fun times with friends.

Props go to the supportive people of the amazing Honor Flight, Gary Sinise, and American Airlines organizations, and to Noel and Carol Lumanog, for their neverending assistance to Felix and his family.

Besides his parents, Felix is predeceased by his wife of 73 years, Laura Mae, sisters Frances ("Mae,") Carmela, Angela, Helen, and Rose, and brother Salvatore, who served in WWII as an Army officer.

He is survived by his 'first son' / brother-in-law Glenn Jones (Kathy) of Hayes, VA, twins William "Bill" and Stella (Jesse,) loving grandchildren, nieces and nephews who adore their Pop-Pop and Uncle Phil, and 'Not Family but Family' Jon, April, Chip, Susie, & Cathy.

Felix's Life Celebration will be held on Monday, May 4th, at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens at 6329 E Virginia Beach Blvd. in Norfolk.

Visitation Noon-2pm. Chapel service 2pm. Graveside service public at 3pm. Plans are tentative for a live-streamed service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations payable to: Assisting Veterans Needs Nonprofit, 5349 Challedon Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.