Hugo E. Tezza

Hugo Ernest Tezza entered into eternal rest at his home on Sullivan's Island on November 12, 2015. He is survived by his father, Joseph Maxwell Tezza, Sr. (Charleen), a brother, Joseph M. Tezza, II, a sister, Therese (Terri) M. Tezza and a son, Luke Andrews-Tezza. Hugo was born in Charleston, South Carolina on November 23, 1961. He was the son of Joseph Maxwell Tezza, Sr. and the late Shirley Marie Barley Tezza. He grew up on Sullivan's Island and attended Stella Maris School and Bishop England High School. He was a self-employed contractor and the sole owner of Hugo Tezza, LLC. Hugo grew up working in the family business, H. Tezza, Inc., which was started by his grandfather, Hugo, in 1929. It was there, learning from his father and uncles, that he developed and discovered an extraordinary talent and artistry in laying stone and setting tile. He later went into business for himself and was sought out for his ability to deliver high quality work with an emphasis on detail and design. He always stood out on any job site as he would be the only one wearing flip-flops! Hugo, from an early age, had an affinity for "creek life" and was always ready to go fishing, shrimping or crabbing. He would accompany his father on countless fishing, and especially shrimping, trips, and was most always able to bring home a good catch, given that he had the patience and knack for targeting specific species. As he got older, he and his friends enjoyed inshore fishing, but he most loved the sport of offshore fishing with some of his best friends aboard HIGH RETURN as they sought out dolphin and the favored blackfish. Throughout the years, Hugo loved planting a vegetable garden and his first attempt showed that he had a green thumb. As work began to take up much of his time, he had a container garden at his shop, producing a bumper crop of tomatoes and peppers that he always shared with his friends. Hugo was generous to a fault and this was further demonstrated in his kindness and caring concern toward animals. He befriended all those he met, and he always had pets, mostly taking in those who were strays and seeking out homeless pets. A highlight of Hugo's life was when his son, Luke, was born. He would enjoy watching Luke play for hours and he derived great pleasure enjoying and joining in many of the activities. Hugo had many talents and interests, was tenacious in applying his sense of right and wrong and he loved his family and friends. He will be greatly missed. In addition to his immediate family, Hugo is survived by his aunts: Elizabeth (Betty) Carpenter of Tulsa, OK, Jane Tezza, Virginia Tezza, and Marilyn Tezza of Charleston, and Elizabeth (Betsy) Tezza of Sullivan's Island; uncles: Peter Tezza (Fets) of Marietta, GA and Bill Barley (Marie) of Mt. Pleasant, a niece, Haley Rogers (Larry) of Silverdale, WA and a nephew, Max Tezza of Mt. Pleasant and numerous cousins and extended family. He also leaves behind his beloved pets, Miss Kitty and Spooky. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at Stella Maris Catholic Church on Sullivan's Island Thursday, November 19, 2015 at 2:00 PM. A celebration of Hugo's life will be held at the family home, 1750 Atlantic Avenue on Sullivan's Island immediately after the service. The internment at St. Lawrence Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers please remember Hugo through Pet Helpers, 1430 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29414 or the Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406.