Joseph Robert Gazia

Joseph Robert "Cheech" Gazia, 79, of Weirton, died Friday, June 4, 2010, at his home in Phoenix, Arizona after a brief battle with cancer. He was born November 13, 1930 in Weirton, the son of the late Gaetano Gazia and Mary Frankina Gazia. He graduated from Weir High School in 1950; was employed as a pipe fitter at Weirton Steel Corp.; a member Knights of Columbus and formerly a member of St. Paul's Church in Weirton. He enjoyed the company of his family and his pug, Jazzy. After moving to Phoenix, he acquired a love for Mexican food, and reveled in not having to shovel snow or scrape ice off of his car. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Carmela Vinci Gazia, a brother, Frank Gazia and two sisters; Connie Ceraolo of Canton, Ohio. and Teresa Veltri of Weirton; and one grandaughter, Alexis Gazia. Surviving are his wife, Clara Zimnox Gazia of Phoenix; three children, Guy, Lisa and Joseph Gazia, all of Phoenix; and six grandchildren. He is also survived by five sisters, Frances Klaric of Weirton, JoAnn Mikita of Steubenville, Lena McFadden of Weirton, Yolanda Kraft of Weirton and Mariam "Babe" Salerno of Weirton. Visitation will take place Friday, 5-8 p.m. at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home in Weirton. The funeral mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul's Church in Weirton. Interment will be in St. Paul Cemetery. A small reception will take place following the service at Gio's Family Restaurant in Weirton, beginning at 11:30 a.m.