A funeral Mass was held for Deacon Arthur L. Micozzi, one of the founding members of St. Isaac Jogues, at his longtime parish in Carney June 23.
Ordained in 1988, Deacon Micozzi was a retired language arts teacher in the Baltimore County Public School System and a dedicated father of three children, Mark, David and Michelle.
Deacon Micozzi died June 19 at Stella Maris in Timonium after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 72.
The Parkville resident’s friends described Deacon Micozzi as a “warm” man who loved to travel and arrange trips for the senior citizens of his parish. He also had a unique ability to comfort the grieving.
“He was filled with faith and love,” said Father H. Martin Hammond, pastor of St. Isaac Jogues. “You always knew where Art stood. He was a good deal of fun. He loved the parish, and the parish loved him.”
Inside the parish, Deacon Micozzi preached, baptized and performed marriages, Father Hammond added.
When Deacon Micozzi’s wife, Carolyn, died in 1973, he raised his children by himself and developed a close bond with them.
“He absolutely loved his children, and they absolutely loved him,” Father Hammond said.
After the children were grown, he made the decision to become a deacon.
“Once he lost his wife, the Lord became his new bride,” said his friend of nearly 20 years, Deacon James Westwater, also of St. Isaac Jogues.
The Pennsylvania native was the son of Italian immigrants. He found a kindred spirit in fellow Italian Father Hammond. The two men often enjoyed speaking the language of their ancestors together.
Father Hammond and Deacon Westwater said they will miss their loyal friend.
“What a gigantic, beautiful, servant’s heart he had,” Father Hammond said.