John J. Fazio (Faz): 39-year PCMS math teacher

John J. Fazio (Faz), 70, of Port Chester died at home of aphasia/dementia June 3, 2020.

Mr. Fazio worked as a 7th/8th grade math teacher for 39 years at the Port Chester Middle School before he retired in 2010. He loved the fact that he spent his entire teaching career at the Port Chester Middle School where he taught so many wonderful students who have sent messages to his wife saying he was the best teacher they ever had and some saying they are a math teacher today because of “Mr. Faz," as many students called him.

He also created many great friendships with his colleagues with whom he still enjoyed spending time after all these years.

John was born on June 26, 1949 at United Hospital in Port Chester to John J. Fazio and Angelina (Calandruccio) Fazio who predeceased him.

He was educated in Harrison and graduated from Harrison High School in 1967.

He earned a BA in Education from Iona College and then a master's degree from Western Connecticut State University.

John served in the Air Force National Guard Reserve for 25 years from 1984 to 2009. He was so proud of his service to his country. He always made sure he flew the flag outside his house.

John will be remembered for his love of music, dancing and was always the first one on the dance floor.

He had a great talent for making things and loved buying “singing” Christmas characters.

During his 39 years of teaching, in the summer he was a painter and did this work with passion.

He loved to travel with his wife Rita and friends to Sandals Resorts and enjoyed time at the beach at their place at the Jersey Shore.

He had an infectious smile and will be missed by so many, especially Ritchie Santorsola and Jack Belowich. They met when they were 7 years old in elementary school and had a special 63-year friendship.

He is survived by his loving wife Rita (Gianfrancesco) Fazio and her daughters Christina and Angela Gianfrancesco; his daughters Lisa (Vidal) Manny, Stacey (Conroy) T.J.; his son John Jr. as well as his sister Diana (Shiboski) Frank. He is also survived by his grandchildren with whom he loved spending time: Manny, Nicky, Kiera, Maia, Tyler, Kylee; nieces and nephews and too many friends to name.

The services were private due to COVID-19.

A scholarship will be set up at a future date in John’s name for a graduating Port Chester High School senior going into education.