Phil MAZZONE

1935 - 2022

Surrounded by the enduring strength of his family, Phil Mazzone, 86, a lifelong resident of the local Niagara Falls community, passed away peacefully at his home, on January 6, 2022. His family was everything and more to him. It was his foundation and greatest joy in life. Born to hard-working Italian immigrants, Dominic and Catharina in 1935, he later met the love of his life, Norma Pasco, and married in 1958. She would be with him through thick and thin, supporting his career in Education, raising a family and becoming his tireless and amazing caregiver in his final years. He is survived by his wife Norma, their three children and spouses, Jeff Mazzone and Liane Middleton, Peter and Kim Mazzone, Marci and Sean Hilliker, and five grandchildren, Lucas, Morgan, Zachary, Jordan and Maela to complete the pieces of his immediate family puzzle. As well, he is survived by his terrific sister Flora Kennedy (Don), his incredible brother Nick Mazzone (Shirley), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and in-laws, including Mary Ferro (Frank), Angelo Pasco (deceased) (Anne), and Carmel Aleo (deceased). He is predeceased by his eldest sister, Rose Saldarelli (Tony). Lastly, he is survived by the extended family grand-pet dogs, Maiya and Maggie, who are now pondering who will feed them their people-food instead of Papa. His life crossed paths with many people in the community of Niagara Falls for decades. Perhaps you knew of a person or were one of those to whom he made a difference. His loss will be immeasurable to his family, friends and acquaintances. He had a true gift of 'giving back', in the most selfless manner possible. His code of life was to 'never give up', 'never lose faith', 'stick to it', and never stop supporting and believing in those so gracious to accept the wisdom and advice he would impart upon an individual. Phil Mazzone was a leader and a revered mentor. He was a graduate of NFCVI High School, Assumption University of Windsor and Niagara University where he received a Master of Education. His career as an educator started as a high school teacher, teaching primarily at A.N.Myer for two decades, followed by his work in Career and Skills Development with the Niagara South Board of Education. He later worked with the Professional Hockey Players Association (PHPA), developing the Career Enhancement Program for professional hockey players. He honed his skills and natural abilities to relate to and connect with those in need. Like a ripple in still water, his guidance would reverberate with hundreds of people for decades. He was dedicated to helping students to launch their careers and making decisions to further their education, while gaining fresh perspectives on the challenges of life. He did this to make his world a better place, generously offering his time and life-long support. In 2012, he was the first person to be inducted as a Builder into the A.N.Myer Wall of Distinction He was recognized in 2015 with the naming of the Phil Mazzone Sports Complex at A.N.Myer. In 2018, his achievements earned him a place on the Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame. His professional success could only be matched by his personal success with his family. He loved his family gatherings, birthdays, holidays, especially sitting in his daughter's backyard by the pool, watching his grandchildren laugh and have fun. He loved to attend his children's and then grandchildren's sporting events and theatrical performances. He loved to watch his Pittsburgh Steelers, instilling the appreciation of the team with his family. He was a voracious reader of books of many interesting topics, particularly history and mystery. He loved his routines and rituals of frequent meet-ups for coffee with friends and family, weekly poker games and pizza dinners. Let's not forget about golfing with him, where six-foot putts were considered gimmes. He had a terrific sense of humour, loving to bring a smile to our faces with his mannerisms and friendly jokes. This was a man who simply loved his life, and his desire to share his exuberance with so many others. He made a tremendous difference in our lives, and we can't begin to fathom how much we will miss him in our world. Fare thee well to a Husband, Brother, Father, Grandfather, Uncle and Friend, we love you more than words can tell.
Respecting the restrictions of Covid-19 including the wearing of facemasks and social distancing, and the requirement for pre-booking appointments, friends are invited to join the family at the PATTERSON FUNERAL HOME, 6062 Main St. visiting Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Funeral Service in celebration of his life will be held on Monday at 9:30 am. at the funeral home. PLEASE NOTE: OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS WILL APPLY. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. In memory of Mr. Mazzone donations to the Education Foundation of Niagara would be appreciated by his family. Online condolences at www.pattersonfuneralhome.com