Henry Chi" Pozza

Henry "Chi Chi" Batista Pozza, 83 of Iron Mountain passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at his home. He was born on May 9, 1929 in Iron Mountain, son of the late Henry and Edna (Warner) Pozza. He attended the Iron Mountain schools, graduating from Iron Mountain High School in 1947. Henry enlisted in the United States Army in 1951. Sergeant First Class Henry Pozza, received the Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement in ground operations against the enemy, December 5, 1951 -August 26, 1952. Sgt. First Class Henry Pozza served in the 45th Infantry Division-Intelligence, #2 in his class of 28. He was Honorably discharged on the 25th day of 1957. Upon returning home, Henry went to work for the Commercial National Bank. While with the bank, he attended the University of Oklahoma and the University of Wisconsin-Madison to further his education. He retired from the Commercial National Bank in 1991 as the Sr. Vice President. Chi Chi married the former Jeanette Eutizzi on September 1, 1956 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and spent nearly 56 wonderful years together. He was a lifelong resident of Iron Mountain. He was a member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Rotary Club, the local V.F.W, and the Dickinson Area Bocce Association where he served as Treasurer for many years. Chi Chi served on the Housing Commission for more than 20 years. For many years he was the Financial Advisor for the Carmelite Monastery. He also belonged to the Sons of Italy and the Italian Club. He was Citizen of the Year 1988 to 1989. He served proudly on the Iron Mountain School Board for 34 years, holding every position on the Board. He also served on the Intermediate School Board from 1989 to 2001. He was always proud to be a Mountaineer. He was a football coach for the Junior High School team for three years, and was undefeated and not scored on, winning the City Championship. He also coached UCT Little League Baseball and grade school basketball. Chi Chi loved to teach sports to the youth of our city. As a young boy he was an Alter server under Msgr. Pellissier at a time responses and prayers were said in Latin. He was a past member of the Paisano Club. Chi Chi loved his tomato garden, going to camp, deer hunting, berry picking, playing bocce, and the bus trips to watch Tom Izzo's Michigan State Spartans play. He loved Notre Dame Football. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Pozza. Henry is survived by his loving wife, Jeanette Pozza of Iron Mountain; a son, Stephen (Elena) Pozza of Grand Rapids, MI; his daughter, Terese (John) Barry of Charleston, WV; grandchildren, Libby, Tommy, and Maria Pozza and Ann and John Barry Jr.; a brother, Jerry Pozza of Iron Mountain; a sister, Marilyn Balzarini of Iron Mountain; Sisters in-law, Julie Eutizzi of Iron Mountain, Marie Balzarini of Arizona; Brother in-law, Nick (Carol) Eutizzi of Seattle, WA; numerous nieces and nephews He lived for his family, and did it his way. Sempre Famiglia. Visitation will be held from 10:00am to 12:00 noon on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at the St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. The funeral Mass will follow at 12 noon at the church. Fr. Daniel Zaloga will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. Pallbearers will be his son, Stephen Pozza, his grandson, John Barry Jr., his cousin, Bob Knoke, and his good friend, Ted Pucci. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory. Condolences to the family of Henry "Chi Chi" Pozza may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.