Victor Gauzza - Obituary

ictor John Gauzza III a resident of Fort Washington passed away at his home on May 18, 2015. Vic was born on October 21, 1943 in Washington, D.C. to the parents of Vic and Viola Gauzza who preceded him in death. He was a graduate of the famed Washington and Lee High School where he pursued football and baseball. He started as an intern at the National Aquarium in Washington in 1961 before becoming a career employee with the Federal Government for 36 years. Most of those years were with the National Park Service. During his tenure with the government, he pursued his dream of owning a pet store in the area. It became a successful small business which was voted the "Best Pet Shop in the Metropolitan Area by DC City Paper "recommending Vic's as absolutely the best place for the largest, healthiest fish with the most color for the price." He took care of fish tanks for senators, members of Congress - even the White House. He sponsored the Oxon Hill Little League and participated in school field trips lessons at his store for area elementary schools. Because of the interest by his customers, he started a side aquarium business for area schools and prominent businesses that continued throughout the remainder of his life. His motto was "pets are your best friends; they deserve the best." Vic is survived by his wife of 47 years, Joann, three children, Debbie, Victor and Jennifer, two grandchildren Ava and Nico, and one sibling, his sister Kay and his one niece and nephew. Vic was an avid fisherman "nickname" Fishman. He was a semi-professional bass fisherman who participated and placed in many tournaments on the east coast. His love for the water came from his Dad, Vic Jr., who fished on the Chesapeake Bay for many years. Vic's love for fishing started at an early age and continued through out his life as he fished most recently in a tournament last fall. Vic especially loved his family and adored his two grandchildren even more than the winning fish he caught.