Boardman – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Friday, December 30, 2016, at 10:00 am at St. Dominic Church, 77 E. Lucius Ave., Youngstown, preceded by 9:15 am prayer service held at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman, for Theodore "Ted" Gavozzi, 89, of Boardman, who passed away Friday afternoon, December 23, 2016 at his residence with his loving family by his side.

Ted will always be remembered and loved by his family and friends for his hard work ethic, his smile along with his easy going and happy personality. Ted lived his life with great morals and values and would always give a helping hand to anyone in need.

He was born February 11, 1927 in Youngstown, the son of Nick and Nellie (Davolio) Gavozzi and was a life-long area resident.

Ted was a graduate from Woodrow Wilson High School, where he lettered in football and was on there All City Championship team and also on the State Championship team.

Upon his graduation from school Ted, enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country for all the freedoms we live under today. He was the youngest shipmate on the USS Cole and received an Honorable Discharge on July 20, 1946.

Ted was employed for over 69 years in the furniture and upholstery business. He started working with his father-in-law and then was the owner operator of Gavozzi Upholstery for 39 years retiring on June 1, 2016.

Ted was a longtime active member of St. Dominic Church, where he was the football coach for St. Dominic School, was on the 1st parish council committee, taught CCD for 13 years and was the Scout Master for 22 years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree Council 3144 and Past Commander of the American Legion Post 607.

Ted was honored to receive the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts and the religious award from Catholic Committee of Scouting the St. George Award.

Ted had many passions throughout his life. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and gardening. He always looked forward to his trips to Mountaineer Race Track and Casino and to Las Vegas, which he did 16 years in a row.

He leaves behind to hold onto his precious memories his beloved wife of over 69 years the former Florence Hubert whom he married on September 1, 1947 at the former St. Joseph Church in downtown Youngstown, three children Ted (Rose) Gavozzi of Canfield, Susan (William) Reed of North Lima and Tom (Gina) Gavozzi of Kent, five grandchildren Carrie (Tom) Laehman, Nikki (Joseph) Goodspeed, Hollie (Michael Allen) Kelleher, Nicholas Gavozzi and Teddilyn Gavozzi, three great grandchildren Chase, Sydney and Robinson and a sister Dolores Venne of Boardman along with nieces, nephews and friends.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a brother Jim Gavozzi.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday, December 29, 2016 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home 4700 Market St., Boardman.

Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the Gavozzi Family.

In lieu of flowers material contributions may be made in Ted's name to St. Dominic Church, C/O Soup Kitchen, 77 E. Lucius Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44507.