Joseph Tony Sanzo, Jr. passed away on Sunday, August 1, 2021, at his home in Hampton at the age of 74. Joe was a loving husband to his wife, Pam, and they were married for 52 years. Joe was a friend to everyone and was loved dearly by his family and friends. He was an amazing father, a wonderful person and friend, and had a beautiful soul.

Joe was born on October 12, 1946, to Tony and Madeline Sanzo in Phoebus, Virginia. He was the third of ten children and grew up in Phoebus. After graduating from Kecoughtan High school in 1966, Joe enlisted in the Army and fought for his country in Vietnam. Joe was an extremely humble man and never shared with others that he was awarded the bronze star.

Shortly after returning home from Vietnam, he proposed to his long-time love, Pam Sanzo, and they married on December 21, 1969. Joe was a devoted, loving husband and he and Pam were inseparable. They loved spending time together, whether in Hampton or on one of their many trips to Disney World.

Joe attended Old Dominion University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Counseling. He was a dedicated educator and a consummate professional and spent his entire career working for Hampton City Schools. Through his thirty-year career in Hampton, he touched the lives of countless numbers of students. Joe began his career as a classroom teacher, later becoming a school counselor, and retired as Director of Guidance and Testing for the school system.

Joe was always active and particularly loved to play softball and golf. Frequently, you could find Joe at the softball fields playing softball with his brothers and son. He also loved to golf and spent many days on the links at the Woodlands in Hampton. He was a founding member of the Phoebus Golf Club and he directed many golf tournaments that brought joy to others.

Joe was known for his quick wit, infectious positive approach to life, and fervent dedication to his family and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Tony; his mother, Madeline; and brother, Charles. He is survived by his wife Pam; his son Jody Sanzo; his daughter and son-in-law Karen Sanzo and Jay Scribner; and his grandchildren, Victoria Sanzo-Hardy, Peyton Crum, Carson Crum, Pierce Scribner, and Bo Scribner; as well as eight siblings, Nick, Steve, Jesse, Betty, Corrine, Rosie, and Evie; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 4 between 2 pm and 5 pm or on Thursday, August 5 between 9 am and 12 pm.  A graveside service will be held Thursday, August 5 at 2 pm at Parklawn Memorial Park. The family asks that you please wear a mask while visiting the funeral home and at the graveside funeral; and socially distance. Due to Covid, the family will not be present during all viewing hours and are not having a reception afterwards.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Peninsula Food Bank.