Rev. Cosimo R. Fazio, resident of New Rochelle, Staten Island and New Smyrna/ DeBary, Florida died on December 24, 2016. He was 92. Cosimo was born in Nardo Di Pace Italy to the late Rocco and Maria (Gallace) Fazio. He was ordained into the priesthood on June 29, 1948 in Calabria, Italy. Throughout his 68 years serving the Lord, Rev. Fazio was initially assigned to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 116th St., NY in the early 50’s where he worked with the minors and learned the English language from the Pallotine Fathers. In the mid 50’s Cosimo was assigned to St. Rita’s Church in Staten Island, NY. As assistant pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – St. Benedicts, Staten Island, NY (1956 -1974), pastor of Holy Rosary R.C. Church, Staten Island, NY (1974-1984) and chaplain of the Mazzini Lodge, he served the elderly Italian-American community’s needs. Rev. Fazio returned to his home town as pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in New Rochelle, NY. (1984-1998) and celebrated mass until retirement at St. Clare Catholic Church, Deltona, Florida.
He was predeceased buy his three brothers Salvatore, Damiano R. and Domenico A. Fazio.
He is survived by sister-in-law Bianca Fazio, eight nieces and nephews, many grand/great-grand nieces and nephews, loving cousins, fellow clergy and friends – especially Marie Blakeney, Mary Ellen Monteleone and family who provided the gift of compassion and care to Rev. Fazio until his final call to the Lord.
Florida visiting hours and Mass will be Wednesday, December 28, 2016 @ 9-11 am at St. Clare Catholic Church, 2961 Day Road, Deltona, Florida.
New York Funeral Mass will be Friday, December 30, 2016 @ 10 am at St. Joseph’s Parish, 280 Washington Avenue, New Rochelle, NY.