Rocco J. “Rocky” Carzo, the former director of athletics and head football coach at Tufts University, died on January 16. He was 89. He was the beloved husband for 67 years of Theresa M. “Terry” (McDermott) Carzo.
Born in Ridley Park, PA, he was the son of the late John and Pauline (Fizzano) Carzo. He was raised in Leiperville, PA and attended St. Rose of Lima School and St. James High School in Chester, PA. He attended the University of Delaware and played football there, earning a BS in 1954 and a master's degree in education in 1956. He then began a coaching career at University of Delaware that took him on a trajectory to the University of California, Berkley and Tufts, coaching with several renowned football coaching prodigies along the way.
His dedicated 33-year tenure at Tufts, first as head football coach, then as athletic director and a professor of physical education, allowed him to motivate and engage student-athletes with opportunities and experiences on many levels. He also taught at the Tufts campus in Talloires, France for nearly 30 years. In 1999, he retired as Athletic Director and Professor Emeritus.
His wife, Theresa, recalled his “tremendous energy” and his ability to “make things happen and bring people together”, which ultimately led to recognition and awards for his unwavering dedication, professional integrity and expertise in the academic and athletic communities he served.
In his spare time, Rocco enjoyed traveling with Theresa and they visited 14 countries. He loved “all things Italian”, golfing at Bear Hill Country Club, visiting Good Harbor Beach, music, cars and he also dabbled in amateur photography.
In addition to his wife, Terry, Rocco is lovingly survived by his children: John Carzo and his wife Deborah of Wallingford, PA, Christopher Carzo and his wife Ellen of Thornton, PA, Mark Carzo and his wife Susan of Winchester, Scott Carzo and his wife Sheila of Andover, and Amy Carzo of Reading. He is further survived by his cherished grandchildren: Sarah & Rocco Carzo, Christopher & Olivia Carzo, Nicole, Julia, Kelley & Colleen Carzo. He was also the dear brother of Carol Millichap of Glen Mills, PA, and the uncle of Thomas Millichap and Natalie Smith of PA.
In light of the Covid-19 restrictions, Funeral Services will be private. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rocky’s memory may be made to the Tufts University European Center, by mail, payable to the Trustees of Tufts College (with Talloires Annual Fund in the memo line), and mail to: Tufts University European Center, 108 Packard Ave., Medford, MA 02155, or at https://europeancenter.tufts.edu/donate-to-the-european-center/.