Anthony Joseph Mazza, or Tony Mazza as you probably know him, was born on July 26, 1946, to Joseph Mazza and Josephine Mazza (Spadaro), both who preceded him in death. He was born in RI, graduating from Cranston East in 1964. He had one sibling. His older sister, Rosalie Mazza, who preceded him in death earlier this year. Tony passed at his home unexpectedly, but with his loving wife by his side after 77 beautiful years of serving and loving people as far and as wide as he could on September 4, 2023. The world was shine a little less brightly with the loss of such an amazing man. Tony was a honorably discharged veteran of the US Army.
Tony was everyone’s friend. If he knew you, he considered you either a friend or family. He brought smiles and laughter everywhere he went. He always was willing to help.
Tony first became a father in 1969 when Marlene Velasquez (Mazza) was born. He married the love of his life, Linda Mazza (Yarusites) in 1976 and followed up with a second child, Kendra Kelling (Mazza). Two years later he had his only son, Damien Mazza. In 1981, Tony moved the family to Rehoboth, MA, where Tony and Linda raised their family until migrating to OH in 1990.
He was a father like no other. He laughed, he loved, he corrected. He was amazing. He supported, provided and spoiled with no limits. His wife, his children and eventually his grandkids. He spent his time providing for, but more so loving his family and a solid rock of a foundation for his family. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to be there for his family EVERY time they needed him. If he couldn’t….he’d find a way. And if he couldn’t…..well, he’d STILL find a way.
Tony was a hard worker. He started working at a radio station, where he began his obsession with music. Everyone that knew Tony had to listen to his Beatles facts and his love for the band was written on his face…..well, his t-shirts. He played music, he sang music, he listened to music and shared that musical love with his children. He continued to work for himself most of his life. That allowed him the freedom to dictate his schedule, which was essential in allowing him to support his children and wife in all of their endeavors and aspirations. He sold vacuums, magazines, newspapers, insurance and more. He drove thousands of miles meeting people in all walks of life, while earning a living. He made his mark wherever he went. Tony finally settled into the finance world with investments and mortgages. He had such joy helping people with their home purchase and debt resolution. He worked from home most of his life. Which, again, allowed him to always be there for his family.
In recent years he slowed down his work pace, as he met his financial goals and continued to focus on family and his church. Retirement was good to him and he was able to spend even more time with his wife, family and friends.
Tony was an active member in his church band and even played at fairs and other events whenever he got the chance. If he wasn’t playing on stage, he’d be singing a Beatles tune or trying to have you guess what song lyrics he was singing. At church he was a joy every Sunday, greeting people and asking for heartfelt updates from the last conversations he’d had with them.
Tony volunteered at Repair Cafe and loved helping the community. He loved to tinker and this allowed him to do this and spread love at the same time.
His ‘midlife crisis’ drove him to…..take classes to become a massage therapist in the early 2000’s. He threw himself into it, thrilled to be able to relieve people of stress and pain. After schooling, he added massage to his list of ways to serve people. This too, allowed him to help numerous people.
Other hobbies of his were riding his Harley, golfing with his son and oldest grandson, Matt Leeds and caring for his pool.
He first became a grandpa in 1986 with the birth of Matt. He was graced with the addition of seven more grandchildren: Katanna Westfall (1999), Alannah Mazza (2000), Aliza Mazza (2002), Gideon Kelling (2005), Asher Kelling (2006) and finally Zimri Kelling and Chase Mazza (2008). They lovingly called him G-pa and adopted Geeps for a nickname, one he proudly displayed on the license plate of his vehicle. He loved just as much as he was loved. If he was an amazing father, there were no words for his grandfathering. He loved his grandkids no matter the distance. No matter the frequency of visits. No matter the age. No matter the circumstance. It could be the next month or the next year and he would pick up where he left off. Loving each grandchild exactly how they needed loved. He gave advice, compassion, love, support, encouragement and direction freely and wholeheartedly.
He was a man above most men. Tony touched many hearts. If you knew him, you were a lucky person. He truly thought YOU mattered and I bet he made you feel like that.
There was be a private showing for immediate family only, proceeded by a public graveside service at Ebenezer Cemetery on Wooster Road this Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 12:30 pm, with Pastor Greg Weyrich officiating.
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Anthony Joseph Mazza.
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