Farmingdale, New York
The 'Family Fisherperson'
When Kathy Mazza threw her line into the water, fish couldn't resist.
At least, it always seemed that way. Ms. Mazza didn't get to fish as much as she would have liked in recent years, but she was known as the "family fisherperson" because of her chronic success.
When she was growing up and went fishing with her brothers, she was the one who came home loaded down with all the fish. "On our honeymoon, we went to Acapulco and we went deep-sea fishing," said her husband, Christopher Delosh. "No one got anything, except her. She hooked a sailfish. It took her 90 minutes to reel it in, but she did it."
Ms. Mazza, 46, lived in Farmingdale, N.Y., with Mr. Delosh. She was a police captain with the Port Authority, and the first female commander at its police training academy. Trained as a nurse, she taught emergency medical service at the academy, a fact not lost on her neighbors.
"Everyone in the neighborhood would come to the house when anything was wrong," Mr. Delosh said. "Like, a young man across the street hurt his hand and he was with his grandmother, who didn't know what to do. Another neighbor was having chest pains. It turned out she was having a heart attack."
Some years ago, Ms. Mazza saved her own mother's life. Her mother complained of chest pains, and Ms. Mazza recognized that her arteries were blocked.
I did a project on you in my criminal justice class, I read every single comment on this and read so much about your life. I wasn’t even born when this tragedy happened and although it’s horrible, I’m thankful you were there to save so many. I only wish you could have been saved as well. Thank you for being so selfless and a hero. You are not forgotten.
Hayley
September 11, 2023 | Student
Am not quite sure why it's taken me this long to sign Kathy's guest book, but am finally doing it. I first met Kathy when we were both working at St Francis Hospital. Then - oddly enough - I began working at Nassau CC, and Kathy was a student in the very first class that I taught! She was a remarkable person and made an indelible impression on me and on so many others. Not a year goes by that I don't think of her and pray for her. My continuing condolences to all who knew and loved Kathy.
Fran Hilliard
September 10, 2023 | Work
RIP Hero Love Amar
Amar Smith
September 14, 2021 | Moreno Valley, CA
Last month, I finally made it to the ground zero memorial. I found your name listed among the thousands listed. I cried, and said a silent prayer. There was nothing more I could do.
Mark Sample
September 09, 2021 | Chittenango, NY | Family
Still so sadly missed is Kathy who is always remembered. Our deepest sympathy to your family.
Lucas Family
February 17, 2020
Kathy and a few coworkers from LIJs recovery room went fishing on a party boat years ago...I have a wonderful photo of Kathy and a bluefish she had caught. I will try to find it and post it very soon. Unforgettable, thats what she is
Kathy Derych hunt
September 14, 2019 | Formerly N.h.p., NY | Coworker
18 years, still miss you sis! ♥
Vic Mazza
September 13, 2019 | Massapequa, NY | Brother
Every year, on 9/11, the San Diego FDNY Retirees has a memorial service aboard the USS Midway. They invite the public to join them reading the names of the 9/11 heroes. This year, I was honored to read Capt. Mazza's name
Brian Brady
September 12, 2019 | San Diego, CA
I am a sophomore at Shanley high school in Fargo nd and I am doing research on Kathy and she lived a very good life. She was very heroic to rush into the towers and save many people.
Gabe
September 03, 2019 | Fargo | Student
