John V. Valluzzo of Ridgefield, a retired executive and veteran of the Korean Conflict, died Friday, May 24, at Danbury Hospital. He was 75 years old.
Born in Danbury, he was a son of the late George and Matilda Radlow Valluzzo.
He attended St. Joseph School in Danbury and was a 1955 graduate of Fairfield College-Preparatory School. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut in 1962.
A veteran of the Korean Conflict, he served in the U.S. Army and was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal and was recognized as the 1st Calvary Division “Soldier of the Month” three times.
A Danbury area resident for his entire life, Mr. Valluzzo had lived in Ridgefield since 2009.
He was the former president and owner of Danbury Centerless Grinding Company, a manufacturer of precision metal components and assemblies founded by his father in 1943. He retired in 2002.
Mr. Valluzzo was the president and chairman of the board of the Military Museum of Southern New England, in Danbury, which he founded in 1985.
“The Military Museum was John’s passion, stemming from his in-depth knowledge and love of World War II history,” his family said. “John wanted to ensure that all World War II veterans were recognized in a way befitting their heroism and sacrifice.”
A member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Catholic War Veterans, Mr. Valluzzo was also active for many years with the Danbury Industrial Softball League, serving as president, vice president, and member of its advisory board.
He was a former member of the Palm Beach Yacht Club, the Redding Men’s Club, the Redding Country Club, and the Ridgewood Country Club in Danbury. He was a former member of St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, where he served as a eucharistic minister.
Survivors include a son, David L. Valluzzo of Easton; two daughters, Carla Ann Valluzzo of Linden, Va., and Joan V. Mazzella of New Milford; a grandson, Donny James Mazzella of New Milford; a brother, Lionel Valluzzo of East Hampton; a sister, Linda Kompare and her husband, Wayne, of Sarasota, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church, Newtown. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Friends will be received on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury.
Contributions in his memory may be made for Donny James Mazzella, c/o Savings Bank of Danbury, 220 Main St., Danbury, CT or the Military Museum of Southern New England, 125 Park Ave., Danbury, CT.
For further information or to express condolences, visit www.thegreenfuneralhome.com