Joseph S. Mazza
1932 – 2019
Springfield – Joseph “Joe” Salvatore Mazza, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at home with his loving family by his side. He was born in Springfield to the late Gaetano and Mariann (Catania) Mazza on August 8, 1932. He graduated from Springfield Technical High School. As a Corporal in the U.S. Army, he was proud to serve his country during the Korean War. Joe was an engineer for the city of Springfield Water Department for over 40 years and a longtime member of the Springfield Elks, Lodge 61. Joe leaves his devoted wife of 61 years Marie (Grimaldi) Mazza who he met at Six Corners where they both grew up. Family was everything to Joe and Marie who were happiest as their family grew. He leaves behind his six children, Rosemarie Moriarty and her husband Dan of East Longmeadow, James Mazza and his wife Anne of East Longmeadow, Joanne Wesley and her husband Warren of Ormond Beach, FL, Thomas Mazza and his wife Tia of East Longmeadow, Mario Mazza and his wife Kelly of East Longmeadow and Christine Kraus and her husband Bob of Tiverton, RI. Joe was always known for his quick wit and favorite cigar. As a hockey dad, he enjoyed many years as the President of Van Horn Hockey Association. He travelled all over the Northeast, Canada and abroad to watch his children and grandchildren play from Mites to College Hockey. He will be missed for his strong guidance and support. Becoming Papa Joe was life changing as he welcomed 19 grandchildren, Lexi, Joseph, Elizabeth, Cole, Max, Jake, Sonny, Enzo, Gus, Frankie, Joey, Grace, Michael, Bella, Cameron, James, Ryan, Mallory, Brandon and one great grandchild, Sam. He loved the beach and a big party, especially times in Cape Cod and Daytona Beach Shores with his kids and grandchildren. To Papa Joe it was always “ the more the merrier!” In addition to his family he leaves his two brothers, Paul Mazza of East Longmeadow, and John Mazza and his wife Carol of Springfield. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his 3 sisters, Lena Deluski, Frances Kmiecik, and Sandra Swenor. The family would like to thank Olivia and Marie of Helping Hands who provided wonderful care to Joe in his final months. Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Wednesday, July 31st from 4-7PM at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow. Joe’s funeral will be held on Thursday, August 1st from the funeral home at 8:15AM followed by a funeral Mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Springfield at 9:30AM. Interment with Military Honors will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Agawam. Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905. For more information or to leave a condolence for the family please visit: www.forastiere.com.