Michael Pezza

Michael Pezza, age 99, of East Providence, passed away on Saturday, July 31.  Born May 27, 1922 in Cranston, he was a son of the late Paolo and Euleria (Ciccone) Pezza.

Michael was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Helen (Merandi) Pezza.  Michael leaves his daughter, Valerie M. Peterson and her husband, Robert J. Peterson of Barrington, his son Michael P. Pezza of Wickford, and his four beloved grandchildren, Robert James Peterson II, Brian James Peterson, Sophia Marie Pezza and John Michael Pezza.  Michael was predeceased by his brothers and sisters, August Pezza, Maria Simone, Elena Livoli and Joseph Pezza.

Michael was a production controller for the US Navy at the former Quonset Point Naval Air Station. He was a World War II veteran, proudly serving with the 410th Bomb Group of the Army Air Corp in the European theatre. As a sergeant, he received six battle stars and a presidential citation. Michael received a number of other medals and commendations and, in 2012, was inducted into France’s Legion of Honor for his service in the military campaign in Normandy.

Michael was a communicant of Our Lady of Loreto Church, Vice President of the 410 Bomb Group WWII Association, a lifetime member of DAV and AMVETS, a charter member of the 9th Air Force Association and the Battle of Normandy Foundation and a member of a variety of organizations including the City Hall A/C and the Order of the Sons of Italy.

Michael loved his family, his Italian heritage and the New York Yankees. He took great pride in the activities of his children and grandchildren. Always involved in athletics, Michael recalled proudly competing in high school in both in the Rhode Island and New England championships as a discus thrower.  He made it a point to keep in touch with extended friends and family. Michael also remained in contact throughout the last 75 years with many of his fellow veterans. He was fiercely proud to have served his country.  Known as “Silent Mike” for his outgoing manner and gift of gab, he travelled to the WWII Veterans’ reunions across the country.  An avid sports fan, he enjoyed golf and loved to impress his grandchildren with his encyclopedic knowledge of baseball statistics, especially those of Joe DiMaggio.  A voracious reader, he was a frequent visitor to the East Providence public library and more recently read hundreds of books using his Kindle.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00AM on Friday, August 6 at Our Lady of Loreto Church, 346 Waterman Ave., East Providence. Burial with military honors will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00PM at the Nardolillo Funeral Home & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston. There are no calling hours on Friday morning, family and friends are respectfully requested to come directly to the church.

The family requests that flowers respectfully be omitted. Donations may be sent in Michael’s memory to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 346 Waterman Ave, East Providence, RI 02814 or to the Disabled American Veterans, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908.