Patsy P. Tozzi

US Army CSM (Retired) Patsy P. Tozzi, 97, of Carteret, N.J., decorated veteran and advocate for Senior Citizens having served as President of the AARP, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019.

Relatives and friends may visit with the family at Paul Ippolito-Dancy Memorial, 9 Smull Ave., Caldwell, N.J., on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 from 2 to 6 p.m. A Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Orange, N.J. on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019 at 10 a.m., followed by the interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, N.J.

Born and raised Orange, N.J., he proudly served 25 years in the Army before retiring as a Command Sgt. Major in 1965. During his distinguished Army career he proudly served in World War II with the 12th Armored Division and the 1st Armored Division and was the recipient of a Purple Heart for injuries suffered. He later served in the 98th Anti-Aircraft Battalion during the Korean War and later joined an artillery unit and went to Europe where he achieved the rank of E-9, Sergeant Major of the 24th Infantry Division.

An advocate for Senior Citizens and member of AARP, he was past president of the AARP Edison Chapter 3446, community coordinator for AARP's 12th District, which covers chapters in Edison, Woodbridge and Metuchen, and was the recipient of AARP's National Community Service Award. In addition to serving the senior community he was also an advocate for animal welfare and past president of the Carteret Board of Health.

After retiring from the service, he worked for New York Medical College as director of purchasing and later Irvington General Hospital, where he worked for many years before retiring as assistant vice president of material management.

Mr. Tozzi was predeceased by his wives, Alwine Tozzi, and Janice Jorgenson, and son, Patsy Tozzi, Jr. He is survived by his loving daughters, Josephine and Elizabeth Tozzi, cherished granddaughters, Heather Tassani and Jennifer Crowley, and adored great-grandson.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Purple Heart Foundation, at https://purpleheartfoundation.org/ would be appreciated.