Osvaldo’s Obituary Osvaldo “Ozzie” Fontecchio, age 94, was born in Capestrano Italy, and passed from this earth on February 25, 2019. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rose Marie (Caloger) Fontecchio, in 2007. Viewing is at Schellhaas Funeral Home, 1600 Stone Mansion Drive, Sewickley, PA 15143, Wednesday, February 27, from 2:00-4:00 and from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial is at St. Alexis Church, Wexford, on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. A prayer service will be held before, at 9:30 a.m. at Schellhaas Funeral Home.
Osvaldo was a devoted father to Osvaldo Fontecchio, Jr., Anna Marie (Ed) Breaux, and Anthony “Tony” (Barb) Fontecchio. He was a proud and doting grandfather to Edwin Breaux, Rosanna Breaux (Daniel Boljonis), Zachary (Elizabeth) Fontecchio, Britney (Cody) Zacherl, and Keaira Fontecchio. He was a great grandfather to Leo, Lincoln, and Cora Fontecchio.
He has one surviving brother, Victor, of New York. Previously a resident of the Bloomfield and Point Breeze neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, Osvaldo most recently resided in Penn Hills, where he was a member of the St. Bartholomew parish. He was the foreman of Reliable Ornamental Ironwork in Homewood until retirement in 1989.
Osvaldo was a proud member of Primavera Lodge of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America. Osvaldo had a lifelong passion for music, proudly reminiscing of his teenage days playing guitar and singing with his friends in Capestrano. He was an active member of St. Bede’s choir in Point Breeze (later joined by son-in-law Ed).
In 1976, he joined the Italian folk music group I Campagnoli, where he was later joined by his wife, Rose Marie, and son, Anthony. His performances were a regular tradition for the family, with performances at the Pittsburgh Folk Festival, Heinz Hall, Italian Day at Kennywood and Station Square, and numerous other locations. His favorite memories were touring Italy and opening the Italian section of Disney’s EPCOT Center.
He later enjoyed singing and accompanying himself on the organ. From his early life in Italy, Osvaldo was known for his quick ability to learn skills such as construction, repair, and farming. Working with his son, Anthony, he performed major renovations on his homes.
Outside the house, he applied his farming skills to gardening, raising not just tomatoes and peppers, but also corn and pumpkins. Both in Italy and America, friends and family counted on his jack-of-all-trades skill set for assistance. A quiet man, he became known for his negotiation skills and often offered one-on-one personal advice, providing others with his commonsense approach to life.
At first, he learned most things simply by doing. That’s how he rose to the level of foreman-by always saying “yes” when asked if he could run a new piece of equipment. Later, he would read and learn from others, picking up skills with new devices and his treasured organ.
Rich with features, his organ kept him busy exploring for hours at a time. Reflecting on his life in Italy, Osvaldo was most proud of having served in the King’s Army against Mussolini, then going home to look after his family before the Germans invaded his home town. Later in life, he made four trips back to his beloved Italy, with his wife in 1980, with I Campagnoli, and with his daughter in 2010 and 2012.
Coming from humble beginnings, he was always proud of the accomplishments of his grandchildren and encouraged their education and success. His work ethic and love of family and traditions will continue forever through his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
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