Louis Marzio, 91, died Monday, December 16, 2019, in Santa Barbara due to complications from Alzheimer's. He received wonderful care at Villa Alamar Care Center and The Friendship Center.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Lucy Marzio and is survived by their nine children: Tony Marzio, Kathy Marzio Beaton, Michael Marzio, Gary Marzio, Robert Marzio, Tina Marzio, Steven Marzio, David Marzio and Bonnie Marzio; his sister Lola Vuckovich of Pennsylvania; sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends he considered family.

Born and raised in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, he joined the Air Force at age 17, and met his wife while stationed in Tucson, Arizona. Also stationed in Georgia, South Dakota, he eventually retired after 27 years of service at Vandenberg AFB. He then enjoyed a civilian service career of 20 years and retired again with many more friends met along the way. He worked on the missile program as a Quality Control Inspector and took great pride in his job. He loved to take photos of the many launches he could see clearly from his own front yard.

After his wife passed, he dined daily at American Host restaurant and was befriended by the staff, who called out "Lou" every time he entered. He loved his "restaurant family" and enjoyed watching the children of the many employees grow up over the years. He was a parishioner of Queen of Angels Church in Mission Hills and had many devoted friends he considered family there also.

His lifelong passion for woodworking led him to create many wonderful wood toys for the numerous children he knew, and he donated homemade toys for Christmas charities every year. It was a great gift to get a wood toy from Grandpa Louie.

Donations in his memory may be made to Lompoc Food Pantry, 325 N. Second, Lompoc, CA 93436. A viewing will be held on Friday, January 3, 2019 from 10:00-12:00 at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary, graveside service to follow at 1:00 pm at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. Reception to follow at Providence Landing Clubhouse, 699 Mercury Avenue in Vandenberg Village.