Virgil P. Renzo

Virgil P. Renzo, 88, of Midline Road, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, January 18, 2016 at the River Ridge Living Center in Amsterdam. Born April 19, 1927 in Amsterdam, New York, he was the son of the late Peter and Arcelia DeNise Renzo. He was a lifelong Amsterdam resident and he was a 1945 graduate of the Wilbur H. Lynch High School. Virgil was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII where he served as a Yeoman Striker. He was employed at Niagara Mohawk Co.in Amsterdam for over 41 years as a traveling operator, retiring in 1988. Virgil was an exceptional artist who dabbled in pencil art and calligraphy but was truly talented in oil painting. He was a self-taught photographer, developing and eventually printing his own pictures. Virgil spent many hours building model cars, spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and doting on his wife. In his earlier years he played the guitar, bowled, and even roller skated. On September 28, 1968 he married Lillian Tybur who survives him. Survivors also include his two daughters, Elaine Brennan (John) of Glenmont and Joan Simmons (Richard) of Amsterdam; two granddaughters, Lisa Brennan and Richele (Shelly) Mollica; two great grandsons, Noah Mollica and Benjamin Mollica; a sister Regina Kaupelis of Amsterdam; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Virgil was predeceased by his son, Robert Renzo, granddaughter Tristen Simmons and a brother Belmont Renzo. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 24, 2016, at 1:00 pm at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam with the Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis presiding followed by Military Honors. Burial will take place in spring at St. Casimir's Cemetery in Amsterdam. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday from 12 noon until 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Virgil's memory to the Semper Fi Fund, 825 College3 Blvd., Suite 102- PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057 or to the Montgomery County SPCA, PO Box 484, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Those wishing may pay their condolences on line at www.brbsfuneral.com.