Domenico Vozza

Age 88, of Wilkins Township, passed peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, August 26, 2024, after suffering from vascular dementia. He is survived by his wife of over sixty years, Giuliana (Poli) Vozza, whom he met through a mutual Italian friend. Loving father of Domenic Vozza (Giuliana), the late Teresa Denny (Gregg), Susanna Zawacki (Christopher), and Cristina Beuger (Mark). Proud Nonno of Dr. Alex Denny (Madi Hill), Emilia Beuger, Esq., Samuel Denny, Massimo Vozza, Francesca Beuger, Valentina Vozza, and Ethan Zawacki. Brother of the late Giovanna Settino (Aldo), the late Julia Maione (Angelo), the late Carmen Vozza, the late Fernando Vozza (Josephine), and Maria Pugliano (Joseph). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as his furry best friend, Sebastian "Skipper" Beuger.

With no previous knowledge of English, Domenico emigrated from Terrati, Italy, in 1956 with his father, Francesco. Once Domenico arrived in Pittsburgh, he began his career working as a landscaper with his father and was able to save enough money to buy his first car, a 1960's convertible. He then owned a pizza shop in Penn Hills and also became an accomplished chef at Poli Restaurant in Squirrel Hill for over 30 years. 

He was the quintessential Italian immigrant - a stone and brick mason by day, chef by night, and an opera singer as a hobby (all of which were self-taught). If you lived in Eastmont, it was likely that your concrete driveway was poured by Domenico and if you went to Poli Restaurant in the evening, it was likely that he was your chef. During his time as a chef, he perfected Poli's fried zucchini and made the best marinara sauce.

Domenico made his own wine, soppressata, and pasta sauce, among other things. He maintained a large garden that he worked on almost every day of his retirement, and was particularly proud of his large tomatoes. Domenico enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and drinking espresso with a shot of Sambuca. He is remembered for his quiet and humble nature, his beautiful smile and green eyes, his sense of humor, and his strength in the face of adversity. He was the most proud of his grandchildren and they brought him the most joy.

Friends will be received on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8pm at Wolfe Memorial, LLC, Forest Hills Chapel, 3600 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh PA 15221. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Joseph the Worker Parish, St. John Fisher Church, 33 Lewin Lane, Pittsburgh PA 15235 on Saturday at 11:30am. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America, www.dementiasociety.org/vascular-dementia
 

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