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Gaetano Mazzarella Obituary

Gaetano "Tom" A. Mazzarella September 19, 1920 - July 29, 2012 Plainfield - Gaetano "Tom" A. Mazzarella, 91, of Norwich, died July 29, 2012, at the home of Karen Mazzarella of Killingly surrounded by his loved ones. Tom, who was the oldest of five siblings, was born September 19, 1920, in Danielson, the son of the late Nicandro and Marguerite Mazzarella. On June 3, 1944 he married Florence L. Conley of Norwich. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Florence, and his brothers Henry, Phillip, and James. Tom served in the US Marine Corps 1st Marine Div. "Old Breed" on Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Cape Gloucester, Peleliu, Tarawa and other Pacific Islands earning a Silver Star and Purple Heart. He also served in the Korean War and the Ct. Army National Guard. He was very proud of being a Marine and his service to his country. He worked for many years at Electric Boat. After he retired he worked part time for the City of Norwich at the Norwich Golf Course and the Ice Rink where he made many friends. Tom and his brothers became local celebrities by visiting schools lecturing about their WWII experiences and taking part in local ceremonies. He is survived by his son's family, Guy and Viola Mazzarella of Old Lyme; his daughter's family, Jaimey and Terry Romanoff of Preston; grandchildren Anthony (Tony) Mazzarella, Jeff Blayman, and Melissa Blayman; his sister Marie Robertson of Palm Springs; his companion Karen Mazzarella; and many loving nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service will be held at the Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich on Thursday, August 2, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. Interment with full military honors will be held following the service in St. Joseph Cemetery in Norwich. Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. in Church & Allen Funeral Home, Norwich. Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, New London is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit www.fultontherouxnewlondon.com for photos, tributes, directions, and more service information. Donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society 250 Williams Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia, 30303, Tax ID Number 13-1788491 or Hospice of SECT, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.

Published by Norwich Bulletin on Jul. 31, 2012.
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Remembering you today and everyday Uncle Tommy. You are an amazing Marine who is missed dearly. I miss all your military stories and you making me laugh. Sending you much love and hugs. Semper Fi

Jackie Mazzarella

July 29, 2019

Tom: You are dearly loved and dearly missed by so many but we comfort ourselves in the fact that you are in a Blessed place with family. We pray for you and family and ask that you keep an eye on all of us...ah to have one more conversation...but I can remember and see you laugh as I laugh when we talk.
Love you...the baby sister that finally arrived after 4 brothers xxx
Mary Mazzarella Robertson xxx

May 27, 2013

You shine like a star today, on Memorial Day, and always! You were a very proud man and on this day I would like for you to hear a prayer from me, a prayer of Thanks for serving our country with pride and for coming back (as did your brothers) from war and to live a full life and to continue to help others and to share your stories of when you were in the military. Love you today as I always have. Give'm all sqeezes from me! love, love, love!

darlene

May 27, 2013

To my Uncle Tom....remembering you on Memorial Day and always. Thank you for your service to our country and for keeping us free. You are an amazing man who is deeply missed and loved. Until we meet again Uncle Tommy.....Semper Fi

Jackie Mazzarella

May 27, 2013

Well you know I would show up eventually! From your loving Ooh la la Sister. Will miss our funny conversations and I will never forget that you had my picture in your wallet when you were in Guadacanal - and - of course, how when I was a little squirt on the farm you said to me "It's a good thing we were all born here on the farm or we wouldn't believe we had a little sister." Enjoy my loving brothers, Mama, Papa, and all of our loving relatives. You know we all love you and will miss you. xxx

Mary-Marie Robertson

August 5, 2012

So Sorry for your loss. Tom and his brothers were very good friends with my brother and myself growing up as children. He will be missed as they all are. Helen Desmarais ( Barlow )

Helen Desmarais

August 3, 2012

to the family of Mr Mazzarella- my son Chris accompanied him to DC and said it was one of the best days of his life. It is my hope that he sees him again in heaven. Bless you all
Debra Richeimer

August 2, 2012

Jamie, Guy and families- our prayers and thoughts are with you all. God Bless you all.
The family of Wayne Mazzarella-Jen, Steph and kids and Anthony and Andrea

August 2, 2012

Dear Melissa,
My prayers and thoughts are with you. I know your grandfather meant a great deal to you. He will be missed in your life but he will always be with you in spirit.
Michele Nahas

August 1, 2012

"All our prayers are with you, Jamie, Terry, Melissa and Jeffrey. He was real fine gentleman and I enjoyed taking about his memories and his advice."... Luis & Patricia Llontop (Guadalajara, Mexico)

Luis Barahona

August 1, 2012

My grandparents Alfred and Marguerite Carton, and my mother Carmen Beaudoin were friends of the Mazzarella family so long ago. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Marguerite Beaudoin

August 1, 2012

thank you for all you have done for our country.
R.I.P uncle Tom

melinda cornell

August 1, 2012

I also wanted to extend a heartfelt condolence to Uncle Tom's sister, Marie Robertson. She tried to be here to say her personal goodbyes but missed him by just a few hours. I am so sorry for your loss - God Bless you and may you find peace in all the memories you've made together within this past year! He was a wonderful man!

Darlene

August 1, 2012

August 1, 2012

August 1, 2012

August 1, 2012

August 1, 2012

August 1, 2012

So sad to have lost some very wonderful men. RIP Mr. Gaetano "Tom" Mazzarella.

August 1, 2012

August 1, 2012

Thank You for Our Freedom.

Al Dufresne

August 1, 2012

The world has lost a great man and true hero.Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Karen, and Tom's entire family. Tom will surely be missed, but his memories will live on in our hearts forever.

Carol & Bob Frizzola

August 1, 2012

We have lost another special member of the greatest generation. It was a privilege to have meet and known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mazz and Viola.

Bob Barber BMC (SW/AW) USNR-Ret and Karey

Bob Barber

July 31, 2012

I never had the pleasure of meeting Gunnery Sergeant Mazzarella, but after hearing about him from his son, Guy, I know enough to regret not having done so. Rest in Peace Marine, you deserve it. Semper Fi.

Edward Tracy

July 31, 2012

Tom was in the supply room in the 162nd Trans BN, HQ DET with me in the mid to late 1970's and when the AVCRAD was folded together he went to the supply room for a short time until he retired in 1980. He was a pleasant person to have in my supply room and always brought his sense of humor with him to each drill.

Alphonse Letendre CW4 (RET)

Al Letendre

July 31, 2012

What I sent out to my Organization:

Hello F.L.A.G. Members;

It is with great sorrow that I must inform you all of the passing of a great friend of F.L.A.G., A man most people just called "Sarge", "Tom" Mazzarella. I met Sarge just three months after I moved to CT. in 2007 and liked him right away. He was already 87 years young at the time, but was still spry as could be with a quick wit and a sharp mind.. He was a "Soldiers, Soldier" and could still fit into his Marine Corps Dress Blues.

I was so taken with Sarge that when F,L,A,G, was getting ready to do our first Veterans Day Concert, Sarge was my first pick as Keynote Speaker. He agreed and gave a memorable address (in true Marine fashion) that none will soon forget.. After our first, Sarge attended every Concret we did, decked out in his Dress Blues..

Sarge served in the U.S. Marines during W.W. II and survived many famous battles while they were "Island Hopping" in the Pacific Theater. He was a true American Hero. He was also my friend and I shall remember him fondly.. Rest in peace, my Brother!

Richard A. Hall
Chairman, F.L.A.G.

Richard Hall

July 31, 2012

Tommy,

Everyone here at the Norwich Ice Rink miss you! Our thoughts are with your family!

The Norwich Ice Rink

Norwich Ice Rink

July 31, 2012

Condolences!

Tom was a great American and one of the best people that I have ever met! He will be missed by many.

Bob Casagrande

July 31, 2012

Our Condolences to the Family of a Fine Man,

I first met "Tom" at one of his grandson's baseball games. What a personality. I took a liking to him immediately. He always offered his friendship & support of any umpiring I did for his Family. We will miss him dearly.

Pete & Peggy Ververis

July 31, 2012

In loving memory to a true hero, my Uncle Tom. He fought a good fight during his time in the military and continued with his fight for a good life. Sadly, it ended. He leaves behind so many great and wonderful memories for all of his family members to hold on to - known for his laughter, his smile and how he just simply enjoyed life!! A special thank you to his companion, Aunt Karen, who loved him and made the last few years of his life complete. Who promised she wouldn't leave his side and sat with him to the end. God Bless you! My condolences to Jaimey, Guy and their families. Thank you for all the memories Uncle, you will forever remain in my heart..Salute!

Darlene Mazzarella-Poitras

July 31, 2012

Jaimey, our thoughts are with you and the rest of the family. We only met your dad once, but he was a hoot!

Don and Karen Fischer

July 31, 2012

On behalf of the Norwich Area Veterans Council, Please accept our condolences on the loss of "Gunny". Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Robert A. Murphy Chairman

July 31, 2012

In loving memory to an amazing man, Marine and uncle. You will be sadly missed and loved. I will miss your smile and the way you made me laugh. I will treasure the fond memories I will always have of you, my Dad and Uncle Henry in all those parades and gatherings. I thank you for your outstanding service to our country....a true HERO through and through. SEMPER FI Uncle Tommy!

Jackie Mazzarella

July 31, 2012

My thoughts are with those who cared for Grandpa...
He certainly was one of a kind.
He will be missed and thought of highly.

Jenni Edwards

July 31, 2012

Karen
So sorry to read about Tom's passing. What a void for you and the family. The Mazzarella family is missing so much with the passing of the Mazzarella brothers. So are you too I sure. Bob and I are in Ohio. We arrived yesterday it was the first time I have seen Judy since my Mother's passing. A little emotional. Give me a call when things quite down. Love to catch up.

Pat and Bob Blain

July 31, 2012

Jay,
I have no words at this moment.. Dad was one of my Hero's... Rest in Piece Sarge !
We loved You !

Norm & Lucy Rondeau

July 31, 2012

Dear Karen and Family, Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Tommy will be dearly missed. Jessie and everyone at Classic Pizza

July 31, 2012

Our condolences to all the family members and our thoughts and prayers are with you. We enjoyed seeing him with Karen many times at Shady Acres and always was full of fun and jokes. He will be sadly missed.

Moe&Betty Bazinet

July 31, 2012

Guy and Viola, our thoughts and prayers are with you. The "old breed" numbers are dwindling, but their valor inspired Marines of my generation as well as today's. Rest in peace, brother Marine.

LtCol Joe Waldron USMC(ret)

July 31, 2012

As the last verse of our beloved Marine Corps hymn states, "If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines." For certain, that's where we can find Mr. Mazzarella today.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Semper Fidelis,

Timothy Rykowski and Shannon Carlos

Timothy Rykowski

July 31, 2012

Uncle Tommy led an amazing life! My thoughts and prayers to Jaimie, Terry, Guy, Viola, Aunt Marie, and Karen.
Love, Karen Mazzarella, Windsor, CT

July 31, 2012

Uncle Tom we miss you and love you so very much. Love always Gene Paul

Gene Harding

July 31, 2012

Gene Harding

July 31, 2012

Our condolences to you and Terry and Jeff and Melissa. He is now at peace after a long and fulfilling life. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Tom and Madeleine and family.

July 31, 2012

It was a very gloomy dark and damp day and was forcasted to be nice. Then I got the text of your passing and understood. SEMPER FI MARINE You will be missed by many and rest assured you made everyones day just by being a part of it. To the family: If there is anything I can do to help ease your sorrow, please, call...

William "TOP" Lee

July 31, 2012

Rest in Peace, Uncle Tommy. I'll never forget when you visited dad in the hospital and sang your military songs together. Dad was moving his feet up and down like crazy... I pray you're in heaven now experiencing perfect health on streets paved in gold in side by side mansions with Auntie Florence, Dad and Mom, Grams and Grampa Mazzarella, Wayne, and all the other Mazzarella's who've gone before....Love, Laurie Gaye

Laurie Mazzarella-Ganoe

July 30, 2012

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