NYC firefighter, police officer and WWII Marine veteran. Genaro John ("Gene") Nuzzo died peacefully, and on his terms, at home surrounded by his loved ones, in West Brighton, Staten Island, on Sept. 29, 2020, at the age of 96.
Genaro is survived by his children: Joseph (Susanne), of Long Valley, N.J., John (Julie) of Brick, N.J., and Maryanne of Glenside, Pa.; his sisters, Josephine and Frances, and his brothers, Joseph and Michael. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen (nee Donnelly) Nuzzo; his sisters, Caroline and Margie, and his dear companion, Patricia O'Brien.
Genaro was born on Sept. 12, 1924 in Naples, Italy, and moved to Staten Island at two years old, where his family had already been residing.
He proudly served with the 6th Marine Division during World War II and fought at the Battle of Okinawa. He was proud of having saved the life of a young Japanese orphan while there. He, his buddy Earl Brummit, and the boy were photographed sleeping in a foxhole and were immortalized in an ionic photograph that appeared in news sources nationally, including Life Magazine.
He met and married Helen Theresa Donnelly in 1948; the couple lived on Staten Island for the rest of their lives. They had three children who remember him as a hard-working, dedicated father, and a man of great generosity and integrity. These traits were evident in his choice to serve his community, first working for the Department of Sanitation, then the New York City Transit Authority. He later became a New York City police officer.
He ended his official career in service by retiring after serving as a New York City firefighter for 20 years. He received a commendation in 1968, for helping to save the life of a fellow fighter.
Genaro had a passion for travel, and enjoyed dancing, gardening, and playing cards. For many years he was an active member of the Cassidy Coles and Todt Hill Senior Centers.
Please join his loved ones in celebrating the life of this wonderful man at Harmon Funeral Homes, Monday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart R.C. Church at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, followed by interment at St. Peter's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the FDNY Foundation would be greatly appreciated, fdnyfoundation.org/donate.
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