Fred Arsenio Virrazzi

Fred Virrazzi Obituary

Fred Arsenio Virrazzi 1930-2014

Born in New York City in 1930 as Arsenio (Fred) Joseph Virrazzi, Fred grew up in Jersey City with his immigrant parents, Yolanda D'Elia Virrazzi and Fioravanti Virrazzi. Arsenio received his Mechanical Engineering education at GMI (Kettering University) in Flint, Michigan where he met nursing student Barbara at a Phi Kappa Epsilon social. They married after their graduations and settled in New Jersey until Mattel relocated the family to California.
The Hollywood Riviera was home base for the family while Fred practiced Quality Engineering, travelling to Mattel facilities around the globe often joined by Barbi.
Fred peacefully died (his choice of verb) the seventeenth of September listening to his cherished Puccini operas. Unfortunately, Pancreatic cancer allowed little time to say his goodbyes but he was grateful and energized by every visitor over the last month.
Fred and Barbara's sons David and Christopher died as infants. His revered wife Barbara died in 2007. Still here to reminisce and wish for more time with him are daughters Lisa (Chris) Martz, Gina Virrazzi and Lara Virrazzi and significantly, Olga Slavich. Grandchildren Kristina Martz, David Arsenio Virrazzi Martz and Regina Virrazzi Paine carry on Virrazzi family traditions.
Remembrance service will be Pacific Unitarian Church, 5621 Montemalaga Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes Sunday, September 28 at two o'clock in the afternoon.
In lieu of flowers, please send notes with personal memories of Fred or present a donation to the charity of your choice. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Breeze from Sep. 25 to Sep. 28, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Fred Virrazzi

10 Entries

Regina Virrazzi

February 28, 2015

I miss you papa. Rest easy.

David Frazee

October 9, 2014

I will remember Fred for giving freely of his wisdom, kindness, and humor - always as a positive force in the world - who will be missed. Peace and Blessings on your journey homeward, Angel...

Rorhelle (Roc) Venegas

September 29, 2014

Fred will be missed, especially in bonnie's exercise class where i first met him. He was alot of laughs with his quick wit - he was a great cook, always looked forward to see what he would bring to our pot lucks about 4 times a year - Roc

September 27, 2014

Lisa, I'll miss my annual Christmas call from your Dad - we'd laugh and enjoy telling stories - the bigger, the better! He enjoyed life and always an upper for me.

My sympathy,

Evalyn Kragh

Mary Engle

September 26, 2014

I definitely remember your Dad, Lisa. He was such a character, full of life and laughs. I know he will be missed. Condolences to you and your family.

Bob Ranftl

September 26, 2014

I am very saddened to hear of Fred's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Virrazzi family and friends. Fred was a great friend, boss, and mentor. He always had the quality and safety of Mattel products as his top priority. I have learned much from Fred over the years, and will always remember the acronym he coined for me “DYPK”, --- I am sure he is looking down with a smile and a chuckle right now! Fred always maintained his integrity, sense of humor and is remembered with high regard.

Arnie Richards

September 26, 2014

Fred was a great inspiration to me during my career at Mattel Toys. His knowledge and work experience were invaluable and he taught me a great deal. But mostly I will miss his sense of humor and sparkling personality. He was a joy to work with, and always brought a smile to my face. Owing to his Italian roots, he often referred to himself as the Godfather, but with a New Jersey accent. Shine on, Gawd-Fawdah. My condolences to the entire family.

Andrew Hastings

September 26, 2014

My condolences to the entire Virrazzi family. Fred was a great man, I enjoyed his many stories, and especially the time I was able to work with him at Mattel....Andy Hastings

Steve Belyea

September 25, 2014

A great man, ward working family man. I'm glad to have meet him and his zest for life he had.

Dale Korman

September 25, 2014

Years ago Fred and I were in a short story class together. The highlight of the class was when we all had class at his home and enjoyed a delicious lunch there. He came to many Torrance Symphony concerts and the opera series at the Armstrong Theatre. He and I met often at the Torrance Beach where he was taking walks with a group and I was taking Pearl in the stroller.

A fine gentleman with a great sense of humor. I've saved many of his emails that he sent to brighten up our day. Great jokes and words of wisdom.

Many will miss him.

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