John Mazzola

John Mazzola, 96

July 9th, 1925 - August 27, 2021

Lifelong Butte native, John Mazzola, who resided on Thomas Avenue, peacefully passed away on August 27th. He was 96 years old.

John was born and raised on the East side and attended Grant School and Butte High. In 1943, at the start of his senior year, John enlisted in the US Army Air Corps to join his three older brothers who were serving overseas in World War II. John was a gunner on a B-24 Liberator in the Pacific theater and served in places like China, India, and Burma.

At war's end, after safely completing over 30 military combat missions, he returned to Butte, married, started a family, and became an autobody repairman. Following his apprenticeship, John opened and ran Mazzola's Body Shop on Galena Street until he retired around 1988.

John had three children with his first wife, the former Peggy Janhunen. They include Mike Mazzola who lives in Butte; Joe Mazzola and his wife Laura who reside in McKinney, Texas; and Patti Creswell who lives in Spokane Valley, Washington. Additionally, he and his second wife, Peggy Smith, had a daughter, Melissa Olson. She and her husband, Merle, live in Whitehall.

Mazzola's grandchildren include Jonathan Mazzola and his wife Antonietta who reside in New York; Jason and Catherine Mazzola who live in Virginia; Army Captain Marissa Mazzola and her fiancé, Commander Aaron Simpson, stationed in Texas; Maggie Creswell and her husband Joe Wilson who live in Spokane Valley; Taylor and Patty Olson of Butte; and Michaela Olson and her fiancé, Collin O'Keefe, who reside in Seattle. John's first greatgrandchild will be born in January.

John Mazzola was a devout Catholic who loved the lord. He also loved his family, his community, and his nation. John was a master fisherman and highly acclaimed artist who was once recognized by the President of the United States for his work as a sculptor. John also loved music, poetry, and animals. The family is asking that friends consider making a donation to the Chelsea Bailey Butte Silver Bow Animal Shelter in John's name in lieu of flowers. Due to COVID, there will not be service scheduled at this time. It will be arranged at a later date.