Philanthropist Madeline Bozzelli, who raised millions for Greater Akron causes, dies at 94

Eric Marotta, Akron Beacon Journal
·4 min read
Madeline Bozzelli stands next to the sign that temporarily renamed Broad Boulevard in Cuyahoga Falls in her and her husband's honor in 2020.
Madeline Bozzelli stands next to the sign that temporarily renamed Broad Boulevard in Cuyahoga Falls in her and her husband's honor in 2020.

Local humanitarian, celebrated fundraiser and champion of many causes, Madeline Bozzelli, 94, died Thursday at her home in Cuyahoga Falls surrounded by family.

"She was lucid, having fun, talking with family. She lived a good life and she was ready to go," said daughter Kathleen Hovey of Silver Lake. "She never wanted to go to the hospital; she always wanted to die at home."

Bozzelli is survived by her husband, Libert Bozzelli, 97, a former 18-year member of Cuyahoga Falls City Council and a Summit County Council representative from 1986 to 1990. The two celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in October.

Decades of marriage: Bozzellis celebrate 70 years together

The Akron Community Foundation said Madeline Bozzelli had "a flair for fundraising" when it awarded her the 2009 Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award.

Madeline Bozzelli in 2007, when she was honored with the Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award.
Madeline Bozzelli in 2007, when she was honored with the Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award.

Bozzelli was also honored with the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award at a 2007 National Philanthropy Day ceremony hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals North Central Ohio Chapter. The chapter awarded her a lifetime achievement award in 2014.

Akron Community Foundation CEO John Petures said he joined the organization the year before Bozzelli received the Polsky award and noted most recipients are "CEOs, attorneys, judges, corporate leaders and legends in the community."

He said that Bozzelli was "of the people" and would organize everything from bake sales to fundraisers that "local politicos" would attend. She was prominent in local Democratic politics and had served 20 years on the Summit County Board of Elections.

"She would tell them to just sit down and say, "You're not leaving until we reach our goal," Petures said. "She was just a grassroots champion that when she got behind something, her will and just the force of nature that she was, she just made it happen. People could not say 'No' to her."

He said she had been scheduled to meet this month with other past Polsky award recipients to select this year's honoree, which is expected to be announced in October.

Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters, who recognized the Bozzellis for their work in 2020, said he was saddened to hear of Madeline Bozzelli's death.

"Madeline dedicated her life in service to so many organizations throughout Summit County. Our lives are exponentially better because of her volunteer and philanthropic efforts," Walters said.

Couple recognized: Cuyahoga Falls couple honored for lifetime of service

Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters is pictured with Madeline and Libert Bozzelli in a 2020 small ceremony to temporarily rename Broad Boulevard to Bozzelli Boulevard.
Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters is pictured with Madeline and Libert Bozzelli in a 2020 small ceremony to temporarily rename Broad Boulevard to Bozzelli Boulevard.

Walters said Bozzelli had been involved in organizations including Akron Children's Hospital, Akron Symphony Orchestra, All-American Soap Box Derby, Akron Civic Theatre, Cuyahoga Falls Hospital Community Board, St. Thomas Hospital Women’s Board, Ohio Ballet, American Heart Association, Project Learn, Ohio & Erie Canal Board, Family Services Board, Center for the Blind, United Way of Summit & Medina, American Cancer Society and the American Diabetes Association.

In support of the American Diabetes Association, Bozzelli created Sugartown Express in 1977. The annual, train-themed event has raised more than $750,000 over the years and is the longest consecutively run ADA event in the United States, according to the Akron Community Foundation.

"She never said no to a commitment. She's raised over $10 (million) or $15 million for the city of Akron — she was a go-getter," Hovey said. She later said the family estimates she raised over $200 million for various causes in her life.

Bozzelli also served on the boards of the Akron Roundtable, Akron Kiwanis Club, the Arthritis Foundation, the Greater Akron Musical Association and the Summit County Historical Society, among others, according to the Akron Community Foundation.

In other endeavors, Bozzelli is credited with serving as chair of fundraisers including the Iris Ball and Cotillion for Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital, The Breakfast Club for the Alzheimer’s Association and Day at the Races for St. Thomas Hospital. Other organizations that have benefited from her fundraising efforts include the United Way, Akron Blind Center and Edwin Shaw Hospital.

In addition to Kathleen Hovey, the Bozzellis' other children are Dennis Bozzelli of Cuyahoga Falls; Marlene Czetli of Cuyahoga Falls; and Tom Bozzelli of New York City. They have six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Calling hours are at Holy Family Church in Stow from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 20. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10 a.m.

Donations may be made in Bozzelli's memory to the Madeline Bozzelli Fund at the Akron Community Foundation.

Ciriello & Carr Funeral Homes is handling arrangements.

Eric Marotta can be reached at 330-541-9433, or emarotta@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarottaEric

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Greater Akron philanthropist Madeline Bozzelli, 94, raised millions