Richard Milazzo

Was born February 25, 1918 in Elmira, NY the son of the late Charles D. and Emma (Cicconi) Milazzo, went home to be with his Lord on Friday, September 24, 2010 peacefully at his home at the age of 92. His loving wife, with whom he spent 62 wonderful years of life and love with, Dorothy Irene (Gates) Milazzo predeceased him on January 2, 2010. He is survived by his beloved children; son and daughter-in-law, Richard C. and JoAnn Milazzo of Elmira, NY; daughters and son-in-laws, Patricia M. and Frank Gush also of Elmira, NY; Kathleen A. and Paul Murphy of Ellington, CT; adored grandchildren, Craig R. (Missy) Milazzo of Elmira, NY; Jennifer L. (George) Robinson of Pittsford, NY; Meghan E. Murphy of Ellington, CT; much loved great grandchildren, Isabel, Joseph, Anamaria and Gabriela Milazzo; Jacob, Joshua, Justin and Jessica Robinson; brother, Charles Milazzo of Pine Valley, NY; sister-in-law, Charlotte Gates of Towanda, PA; along with several nieces nephews, great nieces and great nephews. His brother, Salvatore (Jean) Milazzo, sister, Angela (Daniel) Donahoe and brother-in-law, Paul "Bud" Gates also preceded him in death. Richard was a faithful communicant of St. Mary's Church. He proudly served his country in the US Army/Air Force from 1942-1947 during WW II. He served on the Elmira Housing Authority Board and was the Civil Service Commissioner for many years. He attended City Council meetings for over 40 years and represented the AFL-CIO. He was also known as the "Mayor of Spaulding Street". At the age of 14, he left school and began his career in Barbering. He eventually became the President of the Local and State Barber's Union. Until about a month ago, Richard could still be seen cutting hair. In 2001, and at the age of 83, Richard received his High School Diploma which was a very special accomplishment. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Monday, September 27, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. A Prayer Service will be held there on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 10:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary's Church 224 Franklin Street Elmira. The Reverend John DeSocio will celebrate Richard's Mass. Interment will follow in St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery where Father DeSocio will conduct the committal prayers and the Chemung County Veterans Honor Squad will accord Mr. Milazzo military honors. The family will provide their own flowers. Memorial donations may be directed to St. Mary's Renovation Fund, the ARC or a charity of one's choice. Envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home. A 'Candle of Remembrance' may be left for his family in obituaries atwww.olthof.com