Richard Joseph Cannezzaro
Richard Joseph Cannezzaro, of Seabrook, TX, passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 in Houston, Texas at the age of 77. He was born on June 10, 1944, in New York City, New York to Vincent and Anna Cannezzaro. He lived in New York until his retirement. He retired to Davie, Florida, and then spent his final Years in Seabrook, Texas.
Richard “Richie” Cannezzaro was part of the first graduating class of Queen of Peace Catholic school in Queens, New York. He graduated in 1958 and went on to George Westinghouse High School to learn electronics. He graduated HS in 1962 and was awarded the Washington medal for outstanding athleticism. He enjoyed playing baseball and football and earned the nickname Cannonball.
After a few jobs in the electronics field, he began working for Bell Telephone “Ma Bell” in Manhattan, New York, now known as Verizon. He worked for Verizon for over 25 years and retired.
Richie was known for his antics and his stories. He would often tell about his childhood friends and “the phone company”. From childhood through to his final years he was known for doing something outrageous that would just make you shake your head and laugh in disbelief.
He loved Baseball and he loved the Mets! He followed the team from their inception in 1964 until today. He collected every yearbook they ever made as well as his tickets stubs, scorecards, and other memorabilia. He loved to collect baseball cards.
He loved dogs! Foxy, Lucky, Bowser, Rocky, Cubbie, Shadow, Prancer, Lady, Ginger. He had a dog by his side almost every year of his life and of course some funny stories to go along with each dog.
Many years of his life were spent in service to God and the church. He was an altar boy in his youth and as an adult, he actively served in Redeemer Lutheran Church in Queens, Gloria Dei, and Trinity Lutheran Churches in Florida.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father Anna and Vincent “Jimmie” Cannezzaro, brother-in-law Richard Roberts, son-in-law Micheal Sullivan, mother-in-law Marion Skarka, and her husband Frank Skarka, father-in-law “Poncho” Roberts and sister-in-law Pat Cannezzaro.
Richie is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughters Lisa Sullivan, Lynda Feldt and husband Jay, Jackie Damato grandchildren Ashley and Amanda Sullivan, great granddaughter Kaitlyn, brother Joseph Cannezzaro, sister Marie Girace and husband Paul, niece Claudine Bolivar, nephews Andrew and Christopher Cannezzaro’ Micheal and Daniel Girace and many other loving family and friends.
The Family will receive friends on Sunday, October 10, 2021, from 2:00-5:00 pm at Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 East Main, League City, Texas 77573. A Funeral Ceremony will follow on Monday at 12:30 pm at Crowder Funeral Home in League City.
Interment will take place at Forest Park East Cemetery, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, Texas 77598. Reception to follow interment at Forest Park East Funeral Home.
In honor of Richie’s Love of Dogs, donations can be given to:
The Comfort Dog Ministry of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
Checks Payable to Gloria Day Lutheran Church with the memo for Comfort Dog Ministry
18220 Upper Bay Drive
Houston, TX 77058
or any no-kill animal shelter or adoption agency of your choice
In honor of Richie’s love of Baseball and his grandchildren, donations can be given to:
Bayside Area Little League
PO Box 357
Seabrook, Texas 77586
They also have a PayPal Baysidearealittleleague@yahoo.com
Besides reading a lovely celebration of his life, although I never had the pleasure of meeting him, I know he must have been a wonderful man/person because one of my best friends is his daughter Lisa. She always spoke highly about her father, and many years we had to get to at least 1 METS Game to keep dad’s collection going! He raised Lisa to be funny, witty, and “don’t sweat the small stuff”! For giving me a great friend…. I wish you Peace. RIP Mr. Cannizzaro.