Obituary of Valerio Angelo Lozzi

Valerio Lozzi was born in his family home in Bagno a Ripoli, Florence, Italy on December 5, 1932 and died on January 5, 2021 (88 yrs). He is the son of Mario Lozzi and Annunziatina (Tina) Mori and migrated to Fort Worth, TX at the age of 21 with his mother and sister in 1953. Valerio served in the United States Army and spent 4 years in Niagara Falls, N.Y., before settling back in Fort Worth. He, his sister and mother opened the Italian Gardens restaurant in 1953. Valerio built a successful career in the Wholesale Beverage Industry, starting in sales and moving into management. He was general manager of Majestic Liquors wholesale and retail stores in Fort Worth. His career progression moved him to Austin, Beaumont, and back to Fort Worth before retiring in Benbrook. Valerio was a devoted husband and father, forming strong family relationships as well as a large circle of friends. He and his wife Assunta took many trips back to Italy with family or friends and on occasion led wine tasting tours of Tuscany with small groups of people from Fort Worth. Valerio was an avid soccer fan, having played soccer in Italy, Switzerland, where he recuperated from the ravages of growing up in war torn Florence, and in Fort Worth in the early days of soccer leagues in the area. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and other outdoor activities. One of his favorite pursuits with friends and family was gathering wild mushrooms in Red River, New Mexico in late summer, then cooking with them the rest of the year. Additionally, he was an accomplished cook who also enjoyed good wine. Valerio is survived by his wife of 62 years, Assunta, from Greve-in-Chianti, Italy; their sons, Joel Lozzi and his wife Barbara, Steve Lozzi and his wife Sandra; daughter, Andra Lozzi and her husband Bruce Jamilkowski; nephew, Doyle Walters and his wife Nancy; and their daughter, Terra; grandchildren, Conrad Harrison and his wife Kerry, Alessio Lozzi and Marco Lozzi; and cousins, Ralph and Alex Corretti. Valerio was preceded in death by his parents, Mario and Tina Lozzi; daughter Barbara A. Lozzi; sister, Margie Walters; and cousin, Leo Corretti. Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 27, 2021, live streamed at: facebook.com/thompsonfuneralhome