John Anthony Sanzo

John Anthony Sanzo, 83, of Wethersfield, beloved husband for over 50 years of the late Lorraine (Yacavone) Sanzo, died Saturday, (July 28, 2012) at Hartford Hospital. Born in Hartford on July 31, 1928, he was the son of the late John and Katherine (Martocchio) Sanzo and had lived in the area all his life. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and played first trumpet as a member of the band at Westover Air Force Base. John earned a Bachelors Degree in music from the University of Miami where he played baseball and trumpet on two scholarships. He earned a Masters Degree from the University of Hartford in education and John was a beloved teacher in the West Hartford public school system for over 30 years. John enthusiastically coached baseball players of all ages including freshmen baseball at Conard High School. He played softball in the Wethersfield Softball League for over 40 years where he earned respect as one of the best pitchers in the league commonly referred to as ""Senior"". He was a member of the Team USA Senior Softball recently traveling and playing in Cuba, Italy, Japan and Taiwan. In addition, John was a member of the USTA competing in many tennis tournaments and leagues. John had a passion for cycling and participated in many tours over the past 10 years of his life and could often be seen peddling throughout the Hartford County area. He was a communicant of the Church of Incarnation. John is survived by his three devoted and loving children, two sons, Johnny Sanzo of Rocky Hill and Glenn Sanzo of Hartford and his daughter, Kathy Scoppetto of South Glastonbury; and his five adored grandchildren, Jeffrey and Laurie Scoppetto and Jaime, Jessie and Jenna Sanzo. He also leaves several close in-laws, cousins, and special friends. John had a positive energy and a love for life. He was an inspiration to all and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will begin on Friday at 9:15 a.m. from the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect St., Wethersfield. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford with military honors. Family and friends may call on Thursday from 3-7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association of CT, 45 Ash St., East Hartford, CT 06108. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.