FRANKLIN — Franklin Richard “Buzzy” Gioia, 73, of Franklin passed away in his sleep on June 6, 2017, at his home. He was born to Adolph “Al” Gioia and Nancy (Lagana) Foffa in 1943, in Southington, Conn., where he was raised.
Buzzy was a loving and giving person, and a friend to all. He was a business owner for several businesses throughout his life. Many remember him in Southington from owning and operating Buzzy’s Auto Body, where he worked on many types of vehicles, from funny cars to race cars, business vehicles and everyday use cars. Buzzy was considered a master at auto body, and was called upon to work on jobs that many could not, such as fiberglass corvettes and restoration projects. He was also credited for training many professionals in the field.
After Buzzy met his fiancée, Sheila Cianci, they moved to Franklin. Maine was always a big love of Buzzy’s. He especially enjoyed the fresh air and being out at Schoodic Point. The two opened a pizza and sub shop, Maple Knoll Pizza, and it quickly became a popular place with an outstanding reputation in the town of Franklin. Buzzy was also a big fan of car racing, and of music. Classic rock ‘n’ roll was his favorite genre. He enjoyed people and being surrounded by friends, often throwing large parties with great food, music and laughing. He also enjoyed having visitors at his home, and appreciated anyone who cooked or baked anything for him.
He is survived by his two sisters, Leatrice “Lea” (Sterling) Porter of Southington, Conn., and Janet (Rodney) Greaves of Southington, Conn. His four children, Dawn (Sean) Garvey of Southington, Conn., Diane (Leland) Olsen of Cary, N.C., Lisa Secondo of Southington, Conn., and Richard “Buzzy” Gioia Jr. of Franklin. He had many loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his fiancée, Sheila Cianci, originally of Bristol, Conn. A very special thank you is extended to Buzzy’s son, Buzzy Jr., for his loving care to his father the last couple of years of his life. Also thank you to Buzzy’s friends at the Franklin Veterans Club, for giving him a place of respite for many years.
There will be no calling hours at the request of the family. A celebration of life will be held noon-3 p.m. Saturday, June 10, 2017, at the Franklin Veterans Club, 4 Cards Crossing, Franklin. There will be a separate service arranged by the family that will be held in Southington, Conn., in the fall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Franklin Veterans Club, Attn. James Haskell, P.O. Box 66, Franklin 04634. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
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