Michael A. Bozzi, Sr.

Michael Bozzi

11/13/1950 – 01/14/2024

Our beloved father Michael Angelo Bozzi Jr.

Born in 1950 the small town of Bitritto in Southern Italy, Michael moved to Chicago when he was just 17 years young. He was an accomplished musician and played the saxophone and spent many wonderful years performing in his band, Equipe 70. He enjoyed the Chicago area for more than 50 years living close to his Mother Anuziata, sister Betty, brother-in-law Frank and their two daughters, and their children. In his Chicago days, Michael owned a large Goodyear dealership in Des Plaines, had an extensive passion for cars, auto mechanics and spent many years in that endeavor. Michael briefly worked in the construction industry and was proud to be a part of the union when he sold his business and was fortunate to be able to retire at a young age and have the extra time to spend with his children and family.

After his son Michael Jr. and also his daughter Nancy relocated to New Jersey, and after Nancy was married and had three beautiful children, Michael moved to Valley Cottage, NY to be close to his grandchildren, Nancy and Michael, all of whom were living in Northern New Jersey. The close location allowed him to spend a lot of time with the children and grandchildren. Nonno loved to come watch the kids play in all their sports and often attended their games and was so supportive. He loved going on family outings and visiting the beaches of the Jersey Shore and walking five miles or so a day. He even had a great trip visiting his brother John in Perth, Australia and had an incredibly special bond with his sister Betty whom he cherished and spoke to every day.

Michael was a very youthful and fit “Papa’ / “Nonno” - and always keeping up with the three young kids and three family dogs, Bingo, Baci & Lucky, who loved him so much. He even took in a stray kitten and named her Bianca. Michael regularly walked several miles a day, ate pescatarian, and always was hands-on helping with a variety of chores, such as gardening, landscaping, the family pool, dog sitting, and if anything, that needed to be fixed or built- Papa was the go-to. He was so proud of mastering the Christmas lights and decorations and kept up his tradition each year for the children. His family meant the world to him.

He is survived by his daughter Nancy, her husband Edward and their three young children Aria, Alessia, Mateo, and his son Michael Angelo Jr., his sister Betty, his nieces Domenica and Nancy and their children Frank Pierri and Frankie Columbia.

Michael was very easygoing, kindhearted and friendly man. He loved talking to people, made friends wherever he went and always left people with a smile. Everyone who had the pleasure to meet him, liked him immensely. He was a very special man, loved greatly and will be missed every day.