Kevin Alan Pezzolla, 79, of San Clemente, California, passed away on Friday, October 17th at City of Hope Hospital in Duarte surrounded by loved ones. Kevin was born on August 9, 1946 in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Frank and Doris Pezzolla. Kevin had his son Brian in 1973 and married the love of his life, Maria Collica in 1999; together they had 5 grandchildren whom they loved and cherished deeply. Kevin loved life to the very end and was known for his dedication to his family, kindness that he showed all people, and sentimentality – he celebrated the most seemingly trivial objects or events as if they were Olympic gold medals.

Kevin grew up in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, where he played stickball in the street, schemed with his younger brother, Glen, and attended St. Mary’s Elementary and DePaul Catholic High School. His lifelong passion for cars began as a teen; when he wasn’t turning a wrench, drag racing, or secretly pinstriping his dad’s family sedan, he was strumming his guitar with classmates and eventually formed the band, The Bell Tones. After high school, Kevin worked his way through college, first at Earl’s Diner, where he was a short-order cook, then at Firestone Tire Company where he eventually became manager. As if school and work were not enough, he also decided to enlist in the National Guard. Kevin had high expectations of becoming a pilot one day, and saved everywhere he could to pay for private flying lessons at the local airfield.  However, since flying for his country would have taken him overseas, he opted to stay close to home and drive tanks. Serving from 1966 to 1973, Kevin worked his way up to (Lt.) Platoon Leader of the 104 ^th Armored Cavalry; flying though remained a lifelong passion.

He was married in 1970 and welcomed his son Brian, into the world in 1973. His son’s arrival meant it was time to leave the comfort of home and take on a new challenge on the other side of the continent. He started working at ITT Cannon in Santa Ana, California, a job that he worked at for over 12 years. His time at ITT, also took him overseas; Kevin spent three years living in Germany, where he immersed himself in the culture (and even learned a little German). He returned to the States to take on the position of Import Division Manager and in 1987, Kevin decided to bet on himself and take a brave leap starting his own cabling manufacturing company. He founded International Component Technology (ICT) and never looked back.

All of his business accomplishments pale in comparison to his biggest win of all. In 1998, he met the love of his life, Maria Collica. Theirs was a love story right out of a Hollywood movie (or more appropriately, right out of the Hallmark Channel). Kevin met Maria and fell instantly in love; he fell so hard that he planted seeds of marriage just five weeks after learning her name! They would marry in 1999 and build a home together where they would spend the next 26 years hosting large family gatherings. In addition to Romeo meeting his Juliet, he was welcomed into a huge Italian family that instantly adopted him, taught him the art of “Scoupa” and Mexican Dominoes (along with making sure he was never hungry).

Above all, Kevin was a devoted family man. After marrying Maria, his next greatest accomplishment was becoming a grandfather to five amazing grandchildren. Being a kid at heart, he used time with his grandkids as an excuse to lie on the floor and play with Lincoln Logs (an activity he would have certainly done himself, but the kids provided a good cover).

Kevin’s memory will live on through the countless lives he touched with his contagious joy and passion for life; he was a bright light that will continue to shine in the hearts of those who loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Kevin is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Maria; his son Brian, his stepson John, and their respective wives, Shannon and Suzanne; his grandchildren, Matthew and Lauren Tyler and Chiara, Milana, and Selah Pezzolla. He was predeceased by both of his parents, Frank and Doris, and his brother, Glen Pezzolla, who passed just two months earlier.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Kilian Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 28 ^th at 10:30 am, with a reception on site following at 11:30 am. There will be a procession to Ascension Cemetery at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the City of Hope, a place close to Kevin’s heart, whose team compassionately fought for his life as hard as Kevin did. Donations can be made through the following link: City Of Hope – Give in Memory