John P. 'Chummy' Ozzello

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - John P. "Chummy" Ozzello, 91, of Wakefield, passed away on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at his home, with his loving family at his side.

John was born on May 31, 1933, in Wakefield, the son of John J. and Margaret M. (Bracket) Ozzello. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1952.

John was a non-commissioned officer. The total years of service to his country consisted of 20 years in the military and 15 years with the U.S. Department of State. With this impressive total of 35 years, 31 were served overseas.

In 1949, John enlisted in the Michigan National Guard, Ironwood; at that time it was an anti-aircraft artillery unit.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in April 1951. In 1952-1953, John engaged in combat in Korea, first as a rifleman, then as a machine gun platoon sergeant. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1955, with the rank of staff sergeant.

John enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1956. A combat veteran of Vietnam, he served two tours, 1964-1965 and 1968-1969. During his Army career, he attended the Defense Language School at Monterey, California, and was enrolled in a 52-week course of study in the Arabic language.

He retired from the Army in 1974. After retirement, John owned and operated the Lake View Inn in Wakefield.

Tensions in the Middle East were escalating and John was recalled to the Army in 1981, and worked at the Pentagon in the field of Arabic language. He then crossed over to the U.S. Department of State, where he was trained in counter-terrorism. From 1982 to 1993, John was assigned to many areas in the Middle East. He took part in Desert Shield/Desert Storm, using the Arabic language, as a civilian with the U.S. Department of State. He retired from the U.S. Department of State in 1993.

After his military career, he returned to Wakefield. John became involved in many organizations throughout the area. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 in Wakefield, a lifetime member of the American Legion Geroux Post 11 in Wakefield, and a lifetime member of the Marine Corps League. John was a faithful member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield. He was a supporting member of the Wakefield/Bessemer Rotary Club, Wakefield Chamber of Commerce, Bessemer Lions Club, Wakefield Senior Citizens Club and Veterans Trust Fund. In the past, John was commander of the VFW Post 9084, a service officer of the American Legion Geroux Post 11 and president of the Rotary Club. He was elected to the Wakefield City Council and served two terms as mayor.

Chummy is survived by his beloved wife, Judith; a cherished daughter, Mary; many dear nieces and nephews; and other loving relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, John and Tony; and a sister, Gena.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, Jan. 11, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant.

Following the Mass, full military rites will be accorded by the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield VFW Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.S. Marines Corps Funeral Honors Team.

Luncheon will be served at the VFW Post 9084, 107 E. U.S. 2 in Wakefield, immediately following the military honors.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place in the spring at the Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.

I salute all the men and women who have served their country, or are serving now. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve my God, my country and my community. God bless the United States of America! Semper Fi

- John P. Ozzello, Retired Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps