William A. Fazio Sr.

William A. Fazio (Bill, Coach Faz), age 84 of Barnesville, passed away Thursday afternoon at Geisinger- St. Lukes in Orwigsburg. Born in Mahanoy City, he was the son of the late Anthony Fazio and Rose (Nace) Fazio He was a graduate of Mahanoy City High School, Class of 1956. He earned his Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Slippery Rock State College in 1973. He worked at a school for juvenile delinquent boys called George Junior Republic in Grove City, PA from 1966 to 1970. This began a life-long career and passion for teaching and mentoring youth of all ages. In 1973 he moved back to Mahanoy City and taught at Mahanoy Area High School (Physical Education, Anatomy & Physiology) for the next 20 years. Throughout his career at Mahanoy Area High School, he also coached track, wrestling and of course, he is most well-known for coaching football. He led his team to three Eastern Conference Championships in 1983, 1986 and 1987. He was elected "Coach of the Year" by the Schuylkill County Football Coaches Association in 1980, 1986, 1987 and 1990. His greatest achievement occurred when the Mahanoy Area School District Board of Directors named the Mahanoy Alumni Stadium after him- calling it "William - Coach Faz- Fazio Field" in October of 2018.  Preceding him in death were his wife Beverly J. Fazio RN in 2017 and several brothers and sisters. Survivors include 2 sons – William A. Fazio Jr. and his wife Julie of Gilberton and their children Jolene, Justin, Jocelyn and William A. Fazio III. Second son- Peter Fazio of Norristown and his children Nicole, Catherine, Gianna, Peter and Nicholas. 2 daughters Denise Fazio of Wendell, NC Second daughter -Regina Dere and her husband William of Orlando, FL and their children Nichole, Isabella, and Isaac. Also survivors are Bill’s siblings: Lou, George, Paul and Mary. 6 great grandchildren Mikayla, Blayze, Urijah, Masyn, Maddox and Gabriel and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Wednesday evening from 6 to 9 PM at the Mickey Holland Gymnasium at the Mahanoy Area School Complex using the elementary school entrance. An additional viewing will be held Thursday morning from 10 AM until 10:45 AM at St. Richard's Church in Barnesville followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers contributions can be directed to William A. Fazio Jr. which will be used to establish a scholarship in Mr. Fazio's name. David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.jarrettfuneralhome.com for more information.

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