On Sunday, January 3, 2010, shortly after midnight, Inez Emily Pruzzo left us. She was 76 years old. Inez was born to Silvio and Eleanor Poletti in Gilroy, CA. on May 1, 1933. While growing up, she sadly lost her father at an early age and grew up in a single parent home with help from her grandfather and her aunts. As she grew, she flourished and found that she had a natural talent for singing. In high school, she was in choir and traveled to local high school competitions. When she was 18 years old, she was featured on a San Jose radio station amateur show, where she sang live over the air. She received a music scholarship, but due to family needs, was not able to go on.
In January 1954, she married Albert Pruzzo. The two knew one another since Inez was 7 years old. The couple moved to Morgan Hill and Inez worked for Gilroy Telephone, Bank of America, and did clerical work out of the couple’s home for the Salvation Army.
In May 1963, Al and Inez had their first son, Joe, and in 1968, they had their second son, Jerry. Inez was a devoted homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all. She truly touched anyone who knew her in a very special way. Some of our fondest memories of her were her creating lovely crochet blankets, homemade Christmas ornaments, her wonderful cooking and her warmth and comfort.
Inez is survived by her two sons, Joe Pruzzo of Merced, CA and Jerry Pruzzo of Carson City, NV; two granddaughters, Emily and Morgan Pruzzo, and grandson, William Pruzzo, all of Carson City, NV. Brother, Jim Poletti of Oakdale, CA. and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, plus many dear and close friends. Her warmth and radiance will truly be deeply missed by all who loved and knew Inez. Visitation will be on Thursday, January 7, 2010 from 4:00-8:00 P.M. with a Vigil Service to commence at 7:00 P.M., both at Johnson Funeral Home, 17720 Monterey Street in Morgan Hill. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 8, 2010, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gilroy. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, also in Gilroy, CA.
