George Fazio

George Fazio, 83, a Port Orchard resident since 1976, entered heaven on October 12, 2020.

First generation Italian, George was born February 9, 1937 to Angelina and Ignazio Fazio. The youngest of seven brothers and two sisters, he grew up on Hosmer Street in Tacoma, Washington. A molder by trade, he arrived to work an hour early at Fick Foundry on the Tide Flats; later the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. George married Dixie Elaine Smith on September 4, 1959 and the following year welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Curtis Lane. Never shy of vision, alongside brother in law, Gary Smith, George built his first home on Magnolia Lane, in Titlow Beach. Daughter Nicole Marie entered their lives a few years before George moved his family across the bridge to build again. This second home, on 16.9 acres, alongside his father in law, Starr Smith, on the ‘Old Price Dairy Farm.’ George had huge strong hands that never heard the word impossible. From them he poured two ‘Bicentennial’ bells with the raised cast iron letters, GEORGE & DIXIE, stationed at the front door and end of deck. Work delighted him, in fact after working a full day, he would come home and work some more, creating a park like setting from nothing. He could eat spaghetti every single day and never get sick of it. Larger than life, his appetite for everything was so enormous it was contagious. He fiercely loved God and country, making others feel special and welcome in his presence. Cars were his passion winning ribbons in local car shows as was landscaping. His green thumb yielded glorious gardens with sunflowers that burst from the center of watermelon patches; even his hand crafted bird houses had shingles. He found treasure in the mundane, joyously rising before the sun to feed his cows, horses, and chickens only to faithfully return to provide their second meal before dusk. His diligence afforded him the American Dream. George Fazio lived a dream that was worth his life.

Fierce lover of family, George is survived by wife of 61 years, Dixie Fazio; brother, Jim Fazio, Gig Harbor, Washington; daughter, Nicole Fazio, Los Angeles, California; grandchildren Jordann, Gavin, Talia and Stratton Fazio; great grandchildren Garrett, Brody, Kory and Kamryn Fazio; daughter in law, Camille Fazio; nieces, Susan, Diane, Lori, Kelly and Brenda; nephews, David, Jeff, Bobbie, Brian, Markie, Bradley and Brent.

He was preceded in death by son, Curtis Fazio; brothers, Anthony, Albert, John, Ernie and Frank Fazio; sisters, Mary Fazio Makeda and Lena Fazio; brother in law, Gary Smith; sister in laws Esther, Edna, Peggy, Arlene and Ardyth Fazio; niece, Karen Fazio Bell. Father, Ignazio Fazio and mother, Angelina Leonetti Fazio as well as numerous other extended family members.

Celebration of Life services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 17th at Burley Bible Church 14687 Olympic Dr SE, Port Orchard, WA 98367. Internment Haven of Rest Cemetery, Gig Harbor. Arrangements by Haven of Rest.