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It is with deep regret that that the Stamford Fire Department acknowledges the passing of retired Stamford Firefighter Joseph (Joe) Andrew Louis Tarzia, 85, of Ocala, Florida. Firefighter Tarzia passed away on July 12th, 2024 in Ocala, Florida. He was born in Stamford Connecticut to Giuseppe and Anna Tarzia (Pagano) on October 29th,1938.
He graduated in 1957 from Stamford High School in Stamford, Connecticut. He went on to join the Air National Guard Reserves and worked several jobs including driving taxi cabs and private detective work. In 1968, he became a Firefighter and worked for the Stamford Fire Department for almost 27 years and was recently honored in a First Responder’s Recognition Ceremony for his service in both the Fire Department and the Air National Guard. He enjoyed Cadillacs and classic cars and owned several over the years, but his pride and joy was his 1950 Mercury for which he received many awards and trophies. He was a member of the Starlight Cruisers in Stamford, Connecticut as well as the Ocala Street Cruisers and the Twilight Cruisers in Belleview, Florida. He made several road trips to classic car events with his 50 Merc including the James Dean Run in Indiana and the Daytona Turkey Run. He was an amazing cook and his specialties were Sunday gravy (sauce), and homemade pizza which he would make for his kids most Friday nights. He also enjoyed a coffee with sfogliatelle and his favorite restaurant was Little Joey’s in Ocala where he made several friends. He was a sharp dresser, an incredible dancer and singer and was once invited on stage at a Platters concert to sing the last line of “The Great Pretender”. He was charismatic and had a great sense of humor. He entertained everyone with his detailed stories and he made friends everywhere.
He is survived by his 3 children, Joseph Anthony Tarzia, Luanne Marie Marshall and Christopher Michael Tarzia, his two grandchildren, Dylan Andrew Marshall and Tyler Eliot Marshall, his sister, Lena Rovegno, his brother in law Pat Lombardo, his niece Janet Santoro (Robert), his nephews, Joseph Lombardo (Marlene), Patrick Lombardo, Gary Lombardo, John Rovegno (Karen), Richard Rovegno, Geoffrey Rovegno Theresa), his niece in law Sally Lombardo as well as a great nephew and several great nieces. He was predeceased in death by his father, Giuseppe Tarzia, his mother, Anna Tarzia, his sister, Grace Lombardo, his brother in law Fred Rovegno and his nephew and godson George Lombardo.
A Mass of Resurrection was be celebrated at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church; 5 SE 17th St, Ocala, FL on Thursday, July 25th at 12:00 noon with Father Zbigniew Stradomski officiating. Military Honors were be provided by the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard at 11:30 am. Additional service and inturnment will be held in Connecticut at a later date.
The family wishes to extend gratitude to The Hospice of Marion County and to his caretakers at Hawthorne Center of Rehabilitation Ocala. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2100 SE 17th St, Ocala, FL or the American Diabetes Foundation; [email protected]
