sylvia  fazi

Reunited again in Love and Faith, Sylvia E. Ferliga Fazi -loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother -peacefully passed in her home on April 30, 2026, at the age of 94 and joined her husband, Dr. J.U. (Bert) Fazi, in Eternal Life. She was surrounded by Love from her Family and Caregivers.

Born on August 5, 1931, in Mingo Junction, OH, Sylvia was the youngest daughter of Firmo and Mary Rosa Lanza Ferliga. At a young age, she embraced life with zest, curiosity, kindness, and love. Sylvia enjoyed exploring the outdoors, traveling during wartime to visit her sister in St. Louis, and lifeguarding during the summers. In 1949, she graduated from Mingo High School. Sylvia met the love of her life, Bert Fazi, while attending the College of Steubenville.

Bert asked Sylvia to a fraternity dance, stating, “ The dance will not be a success without you!” They have been dancing ever since. They married shortly after graduation in 1953.

Their bond became the foundation of a great partnership and a loving family deeply rooted in Italian heritage and American pride.

Although Sylvia taught English for many years, her most joyous years of her life were creating a happy home and nurturing her children. The home was brimming with laughter, singing, learning, fun times, purpose, faith, and love.

With all the pleasure her family brought to their lives, Bert and Sylvia were never without extra excitement, whether it was playing golf or bridge, attending concerts, traveling regularly to Lake Garda, Italy, wintering in Lauderdale by the Sea, or exploring another far-off destination. Sylvia was always accompanied by her beloved companion, Bert. Sylvia took great pride in her grandchildren—Alyssa, Julian, and Christopher—and her heart swelled with joy at the arrival of her great-grandson, Aiden.

In addition to her parents, Sylvia was preceded in death by the love of her life, Dr. John U. “Bert” Fazi,” who sadly passed on October 23, 2022, her sister Catherine Lanza ( Lucas) and cousin Mary (Jim) Mueller who recently passed in March 2025, niece Rita (Ron) Lanza Turley, sisters-in-law Lois ( Joe) LaMantia and Edna (Tony) Battista and their husbands, and many more loving cousins and relatives. Sylvia was the last of the Family’s Great/ Silent generations.

Sylvia will be remembered with love by her son, Dr. Burt (Pam) Fazi of Pittsburgh, daughter Dr. Lisa Fazi of Philadelphia, and grandchildren Dr. Alyssa Fazi, Dr. Julian (Madison) Fazi, Mr. Christopher Hoffman, great-grandson, Aiden Umberto Fazi, and step-grandsons Mr. Nicholas Kozinko, III, and Mr. Alexander Kozinko and his children – Zander, Evee, and Asher (a.k.a. Digby), and many loving and caring nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The Fazi Family wishes to extend love and gratitude to Sylvia’s beautiful caregivers- Roberta, Rosa, Ashley, Shirley, Ava, Patty, Michelle, and Brooklynn.

Friends may visit Sylvia’s family on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 12:00 – 1:30 pm at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, where a Memorial Liturgy of the Word Service will be held at 1:30 pm.

Fr. Dennis R. Schuelkens, Jr. will preside.

Inurnment will take place at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made in Sylvia’s honor to Franciscan University at franciscan.edu or Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, 229 California Ave., Weirton,
WV 26062.

Send online condolences to www.grecohertnick.com.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Jack and Gwen Downing (El Mar 405) says:

    We are saddened to say goodbye to our treasured Florida friend, Sylvia Fazi. Though our acquaintance was young (11 years), our friendship was abiding, even when a thousand miles separated us 4 years ago. We are so thankful for our many phone talks since then. What a blessing Sylvia was; her faith was evident in every aspect of her life. We thank God that Sylvia Fazi was woven into the tapestry of our lives; we will surely miss her. Sending sincere condolences to the entire Fazi family.

    • Bert and Lisa. My heart is sad to hear the news. Your place growing up was like my second residence to me. Time flies by, it just seems like yesterday. I won’t be able to make the reviewing due to living in Texas now but you two will be in my prayers. Think about you two often. God Bless

  2. Candle Selection 5We extend our sincere condolences to the Fazi family on the death of the family matriarch, Sylvia. We shared many significant memories over the years as our lives intersected. We still have an afghan she crocheted for me when Burt and I were roommates in college. May the memories you shared with her bring you some degree of comfort during this period of grief.

  3. Burt and Lisa,
    We are so sorry to hear the loss of your dear mother. Our parents grew up together & our families ended up being neighbors for 50+ years. Our entire family spent many hours together whether it was Michael & Burt doing activities at a younger age or myself sitting with Lisa when their parents went out to dinner. I remember spending many hours together at Lynwood pool. Our parents were dear friends for many years and now they are all together once again.
    Our sincere condolences,
    Carolyn Yuhas McConnaughy
    Darlene Cipoletti
    Michael Yuhas

  4. Candle Selection 1Burt and Lisa,
    So sorry for your loss. Your parents were wonderful people and they were blessed with wonderful children. I enjoyed babysitting the both of you when your parents would go to the football games etc. or just an evening out – the two of them. Many years of wonderful memories! God bless! Joanne (zdybicki) winkler

  5. Lisa and Chris
    “May her memory be a lifetime of Blessings”. May
    G-d Bless you and your entire family during this time. Remembrance of her in your lives with will lift your hearts and be filled with joy. She indeed was a Five Star General of love. Rejoice in all those living memories!
    Rob Spector

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