Joe Aguzzi

A true delta icon was called to his heavenly home on July 23, 2025, at the age of 99. Joseph Ellio Aguzzi, Sr. was born on May 8, 1926, to Ned and Ersilia Aguzzi in Cleveland, Mississippi. He graduated from Cleveland High School and was immediately drafted into service to our country as an 18-year-old infantry scout in WW2. After being severely wounded he was given another chance at life. That life included a return trip home to help his family build what is now a multigenerational family farm.  Visitation will be 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2025 at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Cleveland with a Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m. A second visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church with Father Kent Bowlds officiating.  Interment will be at New Cleveland Cemetery.  

He married Margaret Mazzanti in Lake Village, Arkansas on November 24, 1947, and they shared a lifetime of laughs, dancing, farming, and watching their family grow until her passing on December 2, 2016.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents; a stepmother Virginia Aguzzi; his wife Margaret; his brother Victor Aguzzi Sr.; and a sister Albina Aguzzi Barbati.

He is survived by his children, John Aguzzi Sr. (Sharon), Ronnie Aguzzi (Brenda), Regina Howarth (Jack), Rose Anne McKnight (Ernie), Mary Jo Roark (Fred), Celia Manley (Scott), and Joseph Aguzzi Jr.; grandchildren John Aguzzi, Jr. (Betsy), Michael Aguzzi (Hannah), Tricia Vargas (Robert), Christen Davis (Justin), Amber Smith (Kyle), Amanda Holloway (Brandon), Regan Burd (Cliff), Austin McKnight, Jake Howarth, Micci Worsham (Drew), Mallory McKnight Dill, Mary Margaret Roark, Winn Roark (Mary Catherine), Chase Aguzzi (Savannah), Joanna Riggins (Hunter), and Nat McKnight (Robin); sisters, Catherine Rice, and Mary Catherine Aguzzi (Dick Hickson); great grandchildren John Thomas Aguzzi, Addison Vargas, Brantly Davis, Ayden Aguzzi, Rhett McKnight, Reid McKnight, Colby Dreher, Landon Vargas, Braden Davis, Bailey Smith, Ann Howarth Holloway, Carson Worsham, Jackson Holloway, Ellis Burd, Garner Smith, Kate Holloway, Tabb Worsham, Mary Milton Burd, Mallie Rose Dill, Drew Elizabeth Worsham, Pearce Burd, Cross Aguzzi, Mary James Roark, Blair Aguzzi, Eli Creason.

Joe’s life was a testament to hard work and determination as he had the wisdom and unwavering dedication to succeed. He continued to oversee the operations of Aguzzi Farms and even drove a tractor pulling levees this year just as he had done since his first rice crop in 1954. His legacy is one of honor and integrity and includes achievements and values both professionally and personally. He held deeply his Italian heritage by fostering the traditions of Bocce which he enjoyed playing with much success well into his middle 90’s. For decades he led a spaghetti and meatball fundraiser which was enjoyed by the whole community. His Catholic Faith was always at the forefront of everything he stood for. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and attended Mass every week.

Joe Aguzzi was a true patriot and had a deep love for our country and community. He took special pride in his family and friends with an unselfish love.

The Joe and Margaret Aguzzi family deeply appreciates the love, support, and uplifting spirit everyone has shown to us. Words cannot express how truly blessed we are. We take comfort in knowing that Joe Aguzzi heard the Almighty words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” upon his entrance into his heavenly home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, 215 Bishop Rd, Cleveland, MS 38732 or a charity of your choice.