Arthur A. Fazzone

SCHENECTADY – Arthur A. Fazzone, 96, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on September 26, 2023.

Born November 01, 1926 in Colonie, NY, Arthur was the son of the late Anthony and Emmanula (Emma) Fazzone.  He graduated from Mont Pleasant High School and received a diploma from Hudson Valley Community College in Industrial Electronics.

“Art,” who is often referred to as being “larger than life” created a legacy of honor and integrity that forever will mark his place in the hearts and memories of the vast number of friends and relatives that he leaves behind.

Art was a proud World War II combat veteran who left High School early to serve with the US Navy.  Upon completion of Basic Training and Gunnery school he was assigned to the Navy’s Armed Guard to serve as a 20MM Gunners Mate.  Considered “suicide” duty by many, U.S. Navy Armed Guard gunners defended U.S. and Allied merchant ships from attack by enemy aircraft, submarines and surface ships.  The ships Art served on primarily transported fuel and ammunition, and as such were very slow, typically steaming outside the protective cover of a large battle group.  Art saw combat, serving throughout the Pacific theater, including iconic battles at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After Okinawa he was shore based in the Philippines where he was detailed to base security operations and engaged in “mop up” actions with the Marines against stubborn, persistent post-war Japanese resistance.  Art extended his military service in the Navy reserves until 1956.

After WWII Art worked at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory before joining General Electric’s Gas Turbine division as a machinist for three decades.  Art was also very active with the Elks Lodge for over 59 years serving in various roles at the Bethlehem, Colonie, and Guilderland lodges.  He was also active in the community with the Republican party, Boy Scouts of America, and participated in numerous veterans support activities.

Art’s well-lived life reflects the man he was -- the values he held and commitments he made and kept – meaningful service to country and community, and love for family and friends; the void of his passing challenges those who he loved and who loved him, to extend his legacy.

Art is survived by his: wife Marion (Covey) of nearly 70 years, sons Jeffrey and Brian Fazzone of Dover, PA and Alexandria, VA, respectively, and their wives Lynn (Mahoney) and Sachie (Hamada); sister Concetta (Connie) DeLisa of Bath, N.Y.; grandchildren James and Michael Fazzone of Ashville, NC, and Angela Fazzone; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Art was preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Emmanula Fazzone, sisters Emma Koss and Evelyn Fazzone, and granddaughter Janette Fazzone.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Art’s family on Friday, October 06, 2023 from 10 am to 12 pm at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie. A prayer service will follow at 12:00 at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memory Gardens with US Navy military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice, (communityhospice.org/donate) 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 in memory of Arthur A. Fazzone.