Italo Americo Gavazzi died peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends, on Thursday, January 11, 2024. Born in Lee, Massachusetts, in 1930, Italo only spent a few years in the United States before the Gavazzi family returned to Italy.
Italo returned to Adams, Massachusetts, at age 19. He spent everything in his pockets on a new convertible, which afforded him a trip with one Aurelia Passardi (1931-2018), who later became his wife. He wrote to her daily from his year-long army post in Korea.
Through the G.I. Bill, Italo was accepted to Chicago’s Allied School of Mechanical Trades, where the couple relocated and enjoyed frequent outings around the South Loop neighborhood, which he reminisced about until his final days. Italo graduated as a Master Machinist in tool and die making.
By the early 1960's they were back in Springfield, where they started Gavco Precision Inc., a tool and die business, and had their first and only daughter, Laura. Italo remained at Gavco until he retired at the age of 74.
Even after the moving from city to city ended, the Gavazzi's loved traveling, and visited Europe, Australia, Hawaii, and Alaska, with many photos to preserve the tales. An avid cyclist, Italo continued pedaling until age 84. Above all, his favorite time spent was with his grandchildren, Brianna and Nicky, on bikes, the trampoline, and at hockey games.
Italo is predeceased by his wife, Aurelia, and brothers, Arnaldo, Gianni, and Agostino. He is survived by his sisters, Mary Oberti and Anna Gavazzi; brother-in-law Bruno Oberti; sister-in-law, Lucy Passardi; daughter, Laura Caleri; son-in-law, Domenick Caleri; and grandchildren Brianna and Nicky Caleri.
Italo’s wake will be Thursday, January 18, from 2-4 p.m. at Tazzini Funeral Home, 22 Locust Street in Springfield. Funeral services will begin Friday, 9 a.m. at the funeral home, proceeding to Italo’s 10 a.m. Liturgy of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, followed by his entombment in St. Michael the Archangel Mausoleum at St. Michael’s Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Rescue Mission.
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences.
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