Remo was born in Santa Croce, Sicily on September 22, 1946 to John and Concetta (Occhipinti) Iozzia. At the age of 16, Remo came to live in America. He went to Hackensack High School in New Jersey where he excelled on the soccer field. His efforts and hard work earned him New Jersey All State Honors and a college scholarship to Mitchell College in New London, CT. While at Mitchell he met the love of his life Cathy Bernardo Iozzia. He left Mitchell early to support his mother after his father unexpectedly passed away. During that time he was drafted to the Army where he served as a medic for 2 years before returning home to marry Cathy on June 12, 1971. Remo continued his education earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Connecticut State University. He worked for the Connecticut Department of Correction as a Lieutenant for 21 years before retiring in 1993. Remo was a very active man who found it difficult to be retired so he started a lawn care business with his youngest son Joey. His passion for soccer remained strong even after he stopped playing. Over the years, he managed to find time to coach various levels of soccer from young children in Preston, to high school students at St. Bernards, to women at Mitchell College, a program that he started in 1985. He headed the Mitchell College Women’s Soccer Team for 18 years and in those 18 years not only did he earn his team a number 1 National Ranking, but he played an instrumental role in the lives of many he coached. His talent on the field as well as his as his successes as a coach led him to be inducted into the Mitchell College Hall of Fame as a star player and a winning coach.
All who knew Remo knew the most important thing in his life was his family. Remo and Cathy raised their three children at their home in Preston, CT. While he worked hard and always put 100 percent into his jobs, he always made it a priority to spend time with his family. He led by example and taught his children the values of love, respect, hard work, kindness, and compassion. He was always willing to help anyone in need in whatever way he could and often put the needs of others before his own. It is because of this that he touched the lives of so many.
Remo’s greatest joy came from his role as “Pa”. He enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren and being a presence in their lives. And that he was. They will cherish the memories they have with him. The beach vacations he took them on, the pool he put at his house for them, the words of encouragement he always gave them, followed by a “don’t worry kid I will take care of it”, the smiles, the hugs, and the laughter. Whether he was teaching them how to kick a soccer ball, cheering them on at a game, making sure they ate all their food, sneaking them sodas, telling them stories of when he was younger, or advising them , his love for them was immense. He always felt his greatest gift was his family and because of that he became theirs. Remo came to America at 16 with a vision of the American Dream. He left this world at 73 having lived that dream.
Remo is survived by his wife Cathy, his children John Iozzia, Camille Bray and her husband Tim, Joseph Iozzia, Katie Bastura Iozzia and Scout Reilly Iozzia. He also leaves behind his five grandchildren; Christian, Cole, and Evan Bray, and Hailey and Remo Iozzia, as well as his brother John and sister Maria, Sister in Law Tina Iozzia, brother and sister in law Patrick and Barbara Bernardo and many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his parents and his older brother Bartolo.
A mass will be held at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich, CT on Friday July 24 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the United Services Organization at USO.org.
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