Rocco Mazzola – May 24
A life long resident and unofficial mayor of Pelham, Rocco “Rocky” Thomas Mazzola passed away on May 24th 2020. He was 89 years old. Born in Port Chester NY to Charles and Philomena, Rocky was on one of five children. Rocky graduated Port Chester High School where he excelled in sports, especially football. After graduating; Rocky would proudly serve his country; first serving in the Army and later the Air Force. After returning home from the Army in 1950, Rocky would meet his wife of 68 years; Rose Lusardo. They met while he was buying chances at Liggett’s Drug Store in Port Chester. Lucky for Rocky he took a “chance” with Rose and they would later elope in Elkton, Maryland. Rocky returned to the service, this time he would serve in the Air Force. Rocky and Rose would move to Labrador, Newfoundland before eventually settling in Pelham.
Rocky was a man of service. He worked for the North Pelham Police Department as a Sergeant for 20 years and as also served a volunteer fireman with the North Pelham Fire Department. He later worked for the NYAC at Travers Island for 30 years where he loved to boat and fish. Rocky would be seen fishing every Saturday with his buddy Paul Daronco; working on cars with good friends Lou and Joe Ruggiero and at breakfast at Joey’s and Pelham Plaza with Harry Pallett, Dominick Ragno, John Cassone, and Joe Minishi. In his spare time, Rocky would renovate houses up until the last year of his life where he renovated his daughter’s home and son-in-laws office.
Rocky was also a spiritual and devoted man. He was a parishioner of St. Catherine’s Church where he did much construction. Rocky will be remembered as a man who lit up a room with when he walked in. He had an infectious smile and laugh and would never say no to anybody. His dedication to helping and being obliging to others gave reason to call his first boat, which he built with his own two hands “No Problem.”
Rocky is survived by his wife Rose, his children Steven (Gina) Mazzola, Michael (Marlene) Mazzola and Lori (Sean) Mazzola-Pica. He will also be missed by his grandchildren Kristina, Kelli and Brian, his many nieces and nephews and everyone who knew him. Rocky is predeceased by his brother and three sister.
A private Celebration of Rocky’s life will be held at the Pelham Funeral Home. For more information or to leave a condolence please visit pelhamfuneral.com.
Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home
John Ricci • May 30, 2020 at 7:55 pm
Who didn’t love or have something fixed by Rocky. He was my mother’s neighbor since the 60’s. There isn’t enough room to thank him for all the things he did for my mother after the passing of my father. He had a long time friendship with my brother Alfred who worked with him on the North Pelham Police Department . I watched in amazement as he built a boat in his own yard. There was nothing this man couldn’t do or help you with. He may have not been from Pelham, but he is the best of what Pelham can be. Rest In Peace my friend.