ROBERT WILLIAM BUZZELLA, SR.'s Obituary
BUZZELLA, ROBERT W., Sr. 1921 - 2015 The patriarch of Miami's BUZZELLA family, Robert W. Buzzella, Sr. died early Monday morning with family members by his side. In 1921, Robert's Dad (Antonio) and mother (Anna) traveled from Atlantic City, N.J. to Florida. On the way to Miami, Robert was born in Tampa, FL, continued their journey and settled in Miami. Robert (a/k/a Bobby Buzzella) was a Golden Glove champion boxer and won several titles from 1937-1940, winning 101 bouts out of 109 fights. Known in Miami as "Gesu's Golden Glove Champion". Robert received the Key to the City from New York's Mayor in 1939 while boxing at Madison Square Garden and went on to Cuba representing the University of Miami boxing team. Robert met the love of his life Mary Irene Boone in the 7th grade at St. Theresa's Catholic School in Coral Gables which led them to the alter in 1941. Robert and Mary had 13 children, (10 boys & 3 girls all born and raised in Miami and attended St. Theresa's Catholic school as well). 50 grand-children, 47 great grand-children. Buzzella's were known in South Florida for having the largest family and in 1960 was featured in the Miami Daily News being nominated "Family of the year". Robert is predeceased by his wife Mary of 67 years, daughter's- Rita Delaney, Jeanne Fuller (Paul) , son Joseph, daughter-in-law Diane (Richard), son-in-law Raymond Freeman (Mary Ann), grandsons; Robbie (Bob & Alberta), David Delaney, Jason Menendez (grandson of James Buzzella), Granddaughters; Rosa Fuller, Gina Rose (John & Cindy). Robert is survived by daughter; Mary Ann, sons; Robert Jr. (Alberta), James (Issie), Ernie (Donna), Michael (Marygail), Tony, Steve, John (Cindy), David (Terry), Rick and 97 grand and great grandchildren. Robert lived his Catholic faith, believed in the power of prayer and had the privilege of giving to many of those in need. Robert was known for his travels in cold weather cities such as New York always handing out coats and blankets to the homeless. Robert will always be remembered as a great family man, a loving husband and as a father in giving the gifts of faith, strength, courage and love to all his children, and as a grandfather, giving hundreds of ice cream cones to his grandchildren on the fun weekends at his house and of course, being one hell of a boxer. We are sure that when Robert goes to the heavens, he will hear the words from our Lord "Robert my son, well done, well done my son, welcome home". We love you Dad from all your kids, #1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12&13. Visitation: Wednesday evening 7-9 PM at: Van Orsdel Funeral Home, 11220 N. Kendall Dr., Miami, FL 33176, Celebration of Life Mass: Thursday 10:30AM at St. Mark Catholic Church, 5601 S.Flamingo Rd, Southwest Ranches, FL 33330
What’s your fondest memory of ROBERT?
What’s a lesson you learned from ROBERT?
Share a story where ROBERT's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with ROBERT you’ll never forget.
How did ROBERT make you smile?