John Vincent Fazio
May 11, 1928 – August 24, 2023 John passed away peacefully at the age of 95. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Virginia Franceschi Fazio; son John, Pompano Beach, FL; son Tom (Robin) Grafton, WI; daughter Connie (David) McCuskey, Orono, MN and grandchildren Julianna, Nicole, Stephanie, Thomas, Cora, David, and John, as well as two great grandchildren, and another on the way. Preceded in death by parents Angelo and Cona, and seven siblings James, Louis, Angelo, Anthony, Frank, Josephine, and Ann; John was the last of this first generation. He is also survived by an extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
John and Virginia met at Lincoln high school, married, and raised their family in the Milwaukee area. They spent most of their later years in Pompano Beach, FL.
John was a standout athlete. He earned All-State honors as a football player at Milwaukee Lincoln High School and was a member of the University of Wisconsin football team. His time at UW led to a lifetime of his family cheering on the Badgers. He attended games into his 90s, enjoying season tickets with his kids and grandchildren for more than 65 years. In the 1970s, he was a two-time national champion racquetball player and an avid golfer well into his 80s. Later in life, John loved watching sports with a keen admiration of all athleticism - with the Packers, Bucks and Brewers at the top of the list.
John spent his professional career in the hospitality industry, operating restaurants in Milwaukee and Ft. Lauderdale with his siblings and sons. If you had the opportunity to be greeted by John at one of the restaurants or spend an evening with him enjoying a “vodka martini on the rocks with a twist,” he would always remember your name and have a story to share. A restaurateur and risk-taker to the end, he lived life big and true to his brand - entrepreneurial, headstrong, and charismatic.
A funeral service will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery Chapel, 7301 W Nash St, Milwaukee, WI 53216 on Thursday, August 31st at 11:00am. A very special thank you to the staff at Ellen’s Home Port Washington for their care over the last few months and Horizon Hospice Care during his final moments. In lieu of flowers, donations to Dominican High School are greatly appreciated. Dominican High School, 120 E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217.