Joe Izzo asked “06880” to pass this message on to the Westport community his father — former selectman, RTM member and all-around great guy, John Izzo — loved so well:
To the people of Westport, and Fairfield County:
On Tuesday, March 17, we had a wake for my father, Johnny Izzo. My mother said to me on the way to there, “I hope a lot of people come.” I said I believe they will.
Little did we know how many people would be there. When I found out the line was 20 minutes long, then 35 minutes, then 40, 50 minutes and over an hour — that people were willing to endure that for my father and our family — I was stunned. I also know there were a lot pf people who could not get in.
John Izzo
There were people from all areas: friends, relatives, political acquaintances, friends of friends, family of friends, and on and on. I tried to thank as many people as I could.
Whenever I felt like sitting, I thought of all of you standing for an hour. It gave me strength to stand with you.
All the stories from the different people who came were amazing.
My nephew Nolan’s friends from his team said, we have to be there for Nolan and his Poopa. These guys are 12 years old. They got dressed up and acted like gentlemen. I was very impressed.
There was a couple who that morning had a funeral for her mother. They came to the wake with her father. I was floored. I don’t know if I could have done that.
My immediate family of cousins, aunts and uncles were with my mother, brother and I every night of the week. Friends brought all kinds of food.
In a world where we are all rushed, and sometimes angry with all kinds of differences, it was wonderful to see such an outpouring of support from the community. My family and I appreciate it all. Thank you from the Izzo Family.