William F. Carrozza

William F Carrozza, 81, of Las Cruces, NM, died peacefully at home of Alzheimer's on Sunday, March 22, 2009. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marcella Carrozza. He was born June 22, 1929 to Francis and Margaret Cleary Carrozza in New York, New York. From the age of three he had the desire to become a pilot and spent many hours observing airplanes performing take-offs and touch-downs at La Guardia Air Field in New York. At age 18 he began Navy Pilot Training in Pensacola, Florida. He flew for the Navy for five years the utilized hi G.I. bill and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from St. Louis University. Upon graduation in 1953 he was employed as an Aeronautical Engineer with Grumman Aerospace where he worked for twenty-five years while simultaneously flying for the Navy Reserves.
In 1952 he married his lifetime partner of 56 years Ann (Nancy) F. Hurley of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Together, with four children the family had many happy memories of big family holiday gatherings that revolved around food, fun, laughs and music. After flying, music was his passion. There was not an instrument he could not play. He experienced great joy playing Dixieland band and Swing band and singing in the Church Choir. Many happy hours were shared on the road exploring America by R.V. International travel expanded family adventures. With his easy-going nature and his willingness to jump in on any work project, he will be sorely missed. He was a generours, loving husband and father.
He is survived by his loving wife Ann (Nancy) Carrazzo of Las Cruces; one son Michael Carrozza and wife Diane Carrozza of Las Cruces; daughter Kathleen Carrazzo of Hoosick Falls, New York; daughter Margaret Madruga and husband Kenn of Alto, NM; grand daughters Anamieke Quin of Phoenix, Arizona and Isabella Carrozza of Las Cruces; one sister Concetta Nuccio and husband Alfred of Pine Plains, New York; one brother Dominick Carrozza of Stuart, Florida.
A memorial mass will be given at 10 am Friday March 27, 2009 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church with MSGR John Anderson officiating. The rite of committal will be at Arlington National Cemetery with full Military Honors at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in Williams name to Mesilla Valley Hospice 299 E. Montana Las Cruces, NM 88005.
Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home, corner of Solano and Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 526-2419. For private condolences log on to: www.GetzFuneralHome.com