John A. Vozzella Sr.

John A. Vozzella Sr. BOSTON John A. Vozzella Sr. passed away Sunday, May 18, 2008, at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, at the age of 80. Vozella was a professional engineer and professional land surveyor who worked for 43 years with the Boston Department of Public Works, eventually becoming the highest-ranking engineer in the department, a position he held for 17 years. Mr. Vozzella attended English High School and Northeastern University, before volunteering for the U.S. Navy in World War II. Upon his return to Roslindale, John joined the Boston Public Works Department under Mayor James Michael Curley. As the top ranking civil engineer, he instituted many programs that exist to this day, including the milling and recycling of roadway surfaces seen throughout the city. After his retirement in 1989, Mr. Vozzella worked full time in two family businesses, Wellsmere Monumental Works and Vozzella Design Group. John's father, an internationally know stonecutter, started Wellsmere in 1926 using traditional methods of producing monuments and headstones. John continued the business and maintained the traditions he learned as a young boy. Vozzella Design Group is an engineering and land surveying business founded in 1985 by his son. A lifelong resident of Roslindale, John was very proud of his roots. He never strayed far from his family on Wellsmere Road, eventually building his home just one mile away. The friendships he made growing up in Roslindale lasted a lifetime. His dedication to his family was widely admired. With few exceptions, John visited his parents every day of their lives. For more than 51 years, he showed the same dedication and commitment to his wife, Jeanne (George). And he was an extraordinarily attentive and loving father to his two sons, Joseph G. Vozzella of West Roxbury and John A. Vozzella Jr. of Roslindale, and his sister, Marie Grassia of Falmouth. Most importantly, John led a life that most of us can only envy. He was truly a happy and contented man, loving and loved by family and friends everywhere. His warmth and quick wit were endearing to everyone he met. He greeted everyone with a smile, and he was always ready with some good-natured ribbing. He made a lasting impression on the people he met. All who knew him will remember him with love and a smile. A funeral Mass will be said Wednesday, May 21, at 11 a.m. at St. John Chrysostom Church, West Roxbury, followed by interment in St. Michael Cemetery, Roslindale. Arrangements are under the direction of Joseph Russo Funeral Home, Roslindale.