PHILIP S. "JAY" RENZI

RENZI, Philip S. "Jay" Age 90, of Lakewood Ranch, FL, passed away on December 6, 2022, in the arms of the love of his life, Barbara, his wife of 45 years. Phil, the third of six sons, was born on May 24, 1932 to Philip V. and Palmina (Fuccillo) Renzi in East Boston, MA. When the family moved to the Boston suburb of Watertown Phil found his passion in life - sports. At Watertown High School he was voted Most Popular, served as President of the Student Council, and excelled as a three-sport star in Baseball, Basketball, and Football; he was inducted into the Watertown High Athletic Hall of Fame for his accomplishments. Watertown provided the idyllic "Leave it to Beaver" small town experience that would result in many lasting friendships throughout his life and, as a local sports star, set him on the path to being scouted and signed by the Boston Red Sox right out of High School in 1950 for $5500; that doesn't sound like much today, but consider this: that same year the New York Yankees signed another young player named Mickey Mantle for $3000. On the diamond Phil was all-scholastic, batting over .400 each of three years at WHS en route to his brush with the majors. Indeed, such was his proficiency that the Yankees had asked him to try out after his junior year before the Red Sox got their chance. In all, he played professionally for four seasons before injury ended his major league dream. Not to be deterred, Phil parlayed his love of sports into a long and successful career at the executive level in the Sporting Goods industry working over the years for Wilson Sporting Goods; Hyde Athletic Industries; CCM; Bauer, Converse, as well as Italian Sportswear Company, Ellesse, and Sergio Tacchini. After retiring to Florida, Phil fed another passion, his love of Golf. He had a 7 handicap and loved to compete. Phil will be remembered as a loving husband, a wonderful father; a true friend, and a compassionate man with a great sense of humor and a genuine interest in people. Phil was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Louie, Ralph, Eugene, and Donald, and his beloved daughter, Allyson. Phil is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara, brother, Richard (Barbara) Renzi of Phoenixville, PA; daughters, Donna (David) Giroux of Dover, MA; Laurie (Jack) White of Naples FL; Lyn (Eric) Maack of Middletown, CT and son, Brion (Jill) Renzi of Apoka, FL; 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. There will be a private family Celebration of Life. In Phil's memory, donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice at tidewellfoundation.org National Cremation and Burial Society - Sarasota ,FL (941) 923-9535

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