Robert Joseph Comazzi

Robert Joseph Comazzi (aka Bob & Sammy)

26 November 1944 - 28 March 2022
Robert was born in Jackson Heights, Queens, NY to the late Joseph and Mary (Strianese) Comazzi, both children of Italian immigrants. In addition to Robert, the small family included his older brother, Anthony, and younger brother, Joseph. The boys had a happy childhood in Wantagh, Long Island. Bob made many lifelong friendships there, and it was Jones Beach in Wantagh that gave rise to his love of nature and the ocean.
Bob graduated as a varsity track and field star from Madison High School in Morristown, NJ before attending the University of Virginia where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture.
Family was first for Sammy, who served beyond duty in emotional support to the children of his late brother Joseph. He lovingly cared for both his parents in their final days, and remained by the side of his dear friend Kevin Burke during a terminal illness.
Robert is survived by his brother Anthony (Lynne) Comazzi, former wife and friend Margaret Woodward, his last love Daniel Schoener, daughters Katy (Reynolds) Allen and Mary Bermingham, son Christian Comazzi, grandchildren Joseph, Ada, Travis, Kennedy, William Reynolds, Alexander and Sammy, plus many a cherished niece and nephew. His love for children, especially very young ones, was endless.
His wartime service as an artillery sergeant charged with the safety of his crew instilled in him a relentless commitment to thorough operational logic and strengthened his desire to serve others, which, for Sammy, was already an innate talent.
Sammy was a dedicated community member no matter where he found himself. He was crafty and handy, a doer that enjoyed little projects wherever he lived or visited. In Boston's South End, he was an active member of the neighborhood association and won the Gilded Shovel award for his service as a gardener in the public corridor park. He was excited about his new community in Brookline, VT.
A traveler between many circles, he was a celebrated illustrator, a student of permaculture and the Italian language, and a supporter of human rights and freedom of expression. He will be remembered by colleagues and classmates around the globe.
As a watercolorist, Robert had a keen sense of light and was able to depict it in an especially natural style surpassed by few. His mastery of architectural perspectivist illustration has secured his place in the art world, and his pieces are part of the Boston Public Library permanent collection, and have been exhibited in Osaka, Japan.
Sammy sang bass with the Newton Choral Society and performed with the Boston Pops at both Symphony Hall and the Hatch Shell Amphitheater in Boston.
Sammy died a happy man working his land in the woods of southern Vermont, where he had just moved to with Daniel. He became fiercely independent as he grew older, making autonomous decisions and freeing himself from societal expectations.
Bob's lifelong love for the outdoors will be remembered by many. Summers at the beach were a big part of his life. To honor Robert's keen interest in birds of all species, donations can be made in remembrance of Robert (Sammy) Comazzi to the National Audubon Society. massaudubon.org/donate
His family is planning a celebration of his life this Spring.