Bernard A. ‘Bernie’ Carrozza – McKeesport
Bernard A. “Bernie” Carrozza, 89, of McKeesport, died Oct. 15, 2022, peacefully at his home. Born Jan. 12, 1933, in the Third Ward of McKeesport, he was the son of the late Luciano and Colomba Sica Carrozza and the husband of 61 years to the late Joanna DiVirgilio Carrozza. After graduating from McKeesport High School in 1950, Bernie enlisted and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955. Bernie advanced rapidly through the ranks, being promoted to staff sergeant in just three years. While on leave, Bernie was introduced to Joanna, and they married in October 1954. After receiving his honorable discharge, Bernie earned an associate engineering degree in electrical technology at Pennsylvania State University. He continued evening school at Duquesne University and Carnegie-Mellon University to earn his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics while working different jobs until he went to work for U.S. Steel Corp. Bernie retired after 30 years of service with U.S. Steel, Christy Park Works, as a manager of commercial sales. Bernie was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Patrick Church. He was an active member of the Renzie Park Senior Club, the Palenese Club in McKeesport, the McKeesport High School Class of 1950 reunion committee, and the Italian Sons and Daughters of America. Bernie was well known for his decades of club fundraising by selling “Enjoy” coupon books. He enjoyed bringing his buddies together; he organized his famous “Bernie’s Buddies” lunches that were held once a month for 20 years. Bernie enjoyed playing bocce ball, spending winters in Florida with Joanna and old and new friends, going to cardiac rehab three times a week for 20 years, and listening to his favorite artists like Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, and Michael Bublé. Bernie’s passion was dancing, and, he was always known as a wonderful dancer. He and Joanna enjoyed going dancing regularly over the years with their lifelong friends. Bernie believed his greatest accomplishments were his wife and family and always being gainfully employed. Bernie is survived by daughters, Sheryl (Grant) Johnson of Boonville, Ind., and Jacquelyn Carrozza of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Trevor (Jobeth) Johnson and Kristine (Tony) Robison; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Koda; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Pearl, Ida, Falco and Anthony “Coats.” Family and friends may be received at JAYCOX-JAWORSKI FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick Church. Entombment will follow in New St. Joseph Mausoleum. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/site/donate. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.jaycox-jaworskifh.com.
