Nicholas F. Sanzo
Nicholas Frank Sanzo passed away peacefully on February 24, 2023, at his home in California with Linda, his loving wife and partner of 25 years by his side.
Born on August 27, 1941 as the first of ten children of Tony and Madeline Sanzo, Nick (known to his Virginia family as Sam) left Phoebus in 1963 when he enlisted in the Air Force. In 1965, he and Carol Becker were married and left for Japan, where Nick was stationed. Over their 18 years together and throughout Nick's Air Force career, they had four children and were stationed in five different states as well as overseas. Nick was stationed in Turkey, followed by the family's posting in Spain, went traveling in Europe and eventually retired in California.
A humble man, Nick never told others of his achievements, including the many commendations and medals he was awarded during his twenty years of military service. After six years as an enlisted airman, he was hand-picked for a special officer's training program. As a result, he obtained both a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Michigan State University, served an additional fourteen years as an officer, and had obtained the rank of Major-designee upon retirement.
Nick loved to walk (his aunt Evie said he “had about 40,000 miles on those feet”) and could be seen walking around Phoebus when he returned there to live for some years after retirement. Nick eventually returned to California where he met his wife Linda. They enjoyed visiting San Francisco, Reno, Las Vegas and their favorite dining spots along the Pacific Coast in Bodega Bay. They loved to travel to Southern CA and Virginia to visit friends and family. One of Nick's favorite memories was being able to celebrate his 80th “birthday week” with family and friends during a trip home to Virginia in 2021.
Known for his generosity, intelligence, quick wit and ability to pronounce any word backwards within seconds, Nick retained his sharpness and wit until his final days. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Nick was preceded in death by his father, Tony; his mother, Madeline; his brother, Charles and his brother Joe. He is survived by his children Andrea, Edward, Mark, Jennifer and their partners; his wife Linda; step-daughters Jen and Lisa and their partners/spouses, four grandchildren Brooke, Kenny, Marissa and Daniel; three great grandchildren; his ex-wife and friend Carol; his beloved seven siblings, Steve, Jesse, Tony, Betty, Corrine, Rosie, Evie, their spouses and many nieces and nephews.
His California family will bring Nick home to rest in Virginia in the spring. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Nick's life at a date to be announced. Graveside service will be held for family.