Captain Lawrence J. O’Pezio, 89, of Melbourne, Florida passed away on November 1, 2023. He was born February 21, 1934 to the late Victor and Mary O’Pezio of Bay Shore, N.Y. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Janice (Jan) Heintzelman O’Pezio. Larry attended Bay Shore High School and then went on to graduate from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy 1956. Captain O’Pezio had a distinguished career in the U. S. Coast Guard highlighted by a year of coastal patrols in Vietnam and as a “sailor’s sailor” he was Commanding Officer of the USCGC Vigilant and then the USCGC Chase which at the time was the largest and newest vessel in the Coast Guard’s fleet.
Upon retirement from the Coast Guard Larry found relaxation in listening to classical music and attending performances of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. He also enjoyed building his model airplanes, doing jigsaw puzzles and attempting to finish the always difficult NY Times crossword puzzle. He was also a pretty decent pasta maker.
Larry is survived by two sons. Michael and his wife Kathy of Chesapeake, VA. Thomas and his partner Rosemarie Xavier of Mattapoisett, MA. Four granddaughters, Heather O’Pezio and her partner Colin Spencer of Norfolk, VA. Danielle del Rosario and her husband Brandon del Rosario of Chesapeake, VA. Elizabeth O’Pezio and her partner Ross Macedo of Fairhaven, MA and Caroline O’Pezio of Mattapoisett, MA. A great-grandson Glenn del Rosario and a great-granddaughter Charlie Rose Macedo. He is also survived by his brother Captain Robert and Sharron O’Pezio of Atlantic Beach, FL.
Contributions can be made in his memory to South Guild of Brevard Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 361965, Melbourne, Fl. 32936-1965.
Beckman-Williamson Funeral home of Rockledge, FL is assisting family with future arrangements.
