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FUNERAL HOME

Abriola Parkview Funeral Home

419 White Plains Rd

Trumbull, Connecticut

David Mazza Obituary

MAZZA, DAVID L. David Lawrence Mazza, age 71, of Trumbull, devoted husband of Deborah Simpkins Mazza, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2014 at his home with his wife by his side. Born on May 5, 1942 in Stamford, he was the son of the late Dominic and Clara D’Andrea Mazza. He received his master’s degree from Fordham University and his doctorate degree in American History from St. John’s University. Mr. Mazza was a retired educator with the City of Stamford Board of Education for 35 years and was an adjunct professor at Norwalk Community College. He previously served as the athletic director, basketball and baseball coach at the University of Connecticut, Stamford Branch. He had also served as director at the Long Ridge Swim and Tennis Club for over 20 years. He will be fondly remembered as a dedicated teacher and coach, and a man who always gave of himself for his community. But above all else he treasured the time spent with his family, especially his loved and cherished grandchildren. David was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother, who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In addition to his loving wife of 42 years, Deborah, survivors include a loving daughter, Elizabeth Mazza and her husband Christopher Quinn of Maplewood, NJ, two cherished and adored grandchildren, Liam and Maggie; a sister, Sister Mary Mazza CMD of Athens, NY, brother-in-law, Rob Simpkins and his wife Sabina of Florida, nieces and nephew, Kaylee, Delaney, Jane and Bill. He was predeceased by a sister, Anne Pirone. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. from the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 11:30 a.m. in St. Stephen’s Church, Trumbull for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Friends may greet the family on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 304, Chicago, IL 60611. To light a virtual candle, visit us at www.abriola.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Haven Register from Jan. 19 to Jan. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for David Mazza

84 Entries

Frances C. Uva

January 14, 2025

It seems from the number of
Legacy entries that some people just know how to live the good life...
Dave was certainly one of them...
Blessings to Dave´s family and friends, not just on his anniversary, but every single
day someone speaks his name
with the kindness that he bestowed upon others.
Sincerely,

Rob Trout

January 14, 2024

I echo my 2014 comments in response to Dave Mazza´s obituary, at that time. Upon reading all the comments, it´s evident he was a truly outstanding individual. I hope his family and friends have successfully adjusted to his passing.

Mark Valenti

January 14, 2023

A great teacher and mentor and one of the nicest men you would ever know. I think about him often.

Deborah Mazza

Planted Trees

Mary-Elizabeth Fitzgerald

January 14, 2022

David is one of the most memorable students I taught. He was kind, caring, and loving. David made each of us want to be caring & loving as well.

Mark Valenti

January 14, 2022

One of the finest men you could ever know. A wonderful teacher, coach and mentor, and most of all a wonderful human being. I think about him often. The best of the best. He helped me find my path in life.

Mary-Elizabeth Fitzgerald

January 14, 2021

David touched the lives of the many students he taught. As a high school student, he touched the lives of his teachers! I am blessed to be one of those teachers. He was an incredibly good, kind, caring young man in High school. I have never forgot him. My religious name was Sr. St. Sean Edward.

Nancy Sivak

January 14, 2021

Dave, you were a one in a million friend. You were a kind, true gentleman who was never without a smile. Sure miss the laughs and grandchildren stories while you were on floor duty!
Missed and not forgotten.

Jim ABONYI

January 14, 2020

Dr Mazza was absolutely the most revered teacher we had at Rippowam High School. He was an excellent educator, a great supporter of our athletic programs, and a friend to all.

I personally feel very lucky that I was able to attend his class while I was a student at Rippowam between 1978-1981.

We miss you, Doc!

John Horrocks

April 16, 2014

I am so sorry to come upon this obituary. I am a home inspector that worked with Dave for more years than I can count. I was thinking that I have not heard from him in a while and found the bad news. I never knew a nicer person. Dave will be missed.

Joe Baske

March 18, 2014

Just learned of "Doc's" passing, and am deeply saddened. He mentored me as new teacher, gave me a job for the summers and sold me my first second and third home.He even lent me money to help buy a car. Whatever he could do to help he would. He was truly a great human being and I think of him often. God bless him and his loving family.

February 18, 2014

So sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Mazza. He was one of my very favorite teachers at Rippowam High School.

Laura Santoro Masone

Judy (McPhee) Pucci

January 27, 2014

Dear Mazza Family,
So very sorry to hear of David's passing. So many kind words and condolences are expressed here by so many friends of yesterday. St. Mary's 4th grade was when I met David who was a friend to all. Many of us still get together remembering the good times at St. Mary's. I remember walking to Mazza's after Sunday Mass with my Mom to get the paper and have an ice cream.
Sincerest sympathy,

Richard Hirsch

January 26, 2014

Dear Mazza family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Dave's passing. He was my history teacher in 1972, my junior year at Rippowam. What a professional, and one who set high standards for all of us. I remember that he married during that school year. So long ago, and so sad that he has left us. My sympathies and all of the best to his family and friends. Richard Hirsch - Rippowam Class of '73

Pavol Saly

January 26, 2014

I am sending my deepest condolences to the Mazza Family. Doc was a great mentor to me and everybody at Stamford High School and the Long Ridge Club. Doc was one of the greatest people I have the opportunity to meet and work with. He will be missed.

Mike Lowney

January 24, 2014

Dave was one of the great guys at Carroll College. Student Body President,excellent student,always a smile. All of you who were former students,had a once in a lifetime experience having had Dr. Dave. Very sorry for your loss to all the Mazza family.

January 24, 2014

It can be so hard to face the new year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.

Georgiana White

January 24, 2014

Dear Deborah, Elizabeth, and family, Dave was a colleague and friend of mine and of my late husband, Denny, and I have many treasured memories of the years we shared: Dave and Denny--typical history teachers--debating the merits of this or that historian's view or of some political or sports event.... The respect and love Dave enjoyed from the entire population of the school was truly unique; he was such a fine and honorable gentleman. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers.

wendy goldberg carlyle class of '82

January 24, 2014

To the entire Mazza family, I remember Dr. Mazza during my time at Rippowam High School. I remember his enthusiasm, his bright eyes and warm smile and his pacing back and forth in front of the classroom. He was a true gentleman and an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to be in his class. Lots of fond memories are flashing for me as I think about Dr. Mazza. He will be missed by so many. May he rest in peace.

David Wolfsohn

January 23, 2014

Doc was my teacher of two history classes, my boss at the Long Ridge club, my running partner for summers, and most importantly my friend. He was passionate about all he did and he was always optimistic and easy with a smile. It was not unusual for Doc to tell me while I was working to get ready for a run. 16 miles later, after a slow slog, we would have talked just about anything. I miss those days. Doc taught me a lot more than history--he taught me how to teach and to be resilient. He faced a litany of health issues head on and never complained. It was clear he loved life. We were very lucky to have him. I will miss my friend dearly.

Kathleen Eagan, CSJ

January 23, 2014

Mary, Sorry to read of your bother's death. May he rest in peace.

bernie mitscherlich

January 22, 2014

I would like to extent you my deepest sympathy. He was a great teacher and mentor.
Rippowam class of 81

Mary-Elizabeth Fitzgerald

January 22, 2014

David was a student of mine at Stamford Catholic H.S. He was always an outstanding person-even at that young age. My thoughts and prayers are with him and the family.

January 22, 2014

Debbie and Elizabeth, so sorry to hear about Dave's passing; I grieve with you. I knew your husband and dad as a teacher, employer, and friend. At Rip he encouraged me to step up to his 0-level US History Class - the first advanced class I ever took. My brother Pete and I were his “unofficial ball boys” for the UConn-Stamford basketball team for a year when my brother Bruce played; he asked me to be the official scorekeeper for the UConn-Stamford baseball team for a season, and I even babysat for Elizabeth one weekend in high school. As good as he was in his teacher and employer roles, it was as a friend that he was head and shoulders above the rest. Teaching and coaching was more than a job to Dave, it was a platform for him to influence positively the lives of others. He chose to befriend and mentor a generation of awkward, oily-skinned teenagers from his “office” – Room 107 at Rip, and it has made a big difference in my life and those of countless others whose sentiments are contained herein. I hope in these days that you can find comfort in the kind words of your friends on these pages, and in the knowledge that Dave will live on in the lives of all people that he touched. Thanks for sharing him with all of us; our lives are richer for having counted him as a friend. Lastly, if I know anything about Dave, I suspect he is not “resting” up in heaven. You see, heaven is a historian's dream. Dave is already lining up meetings with historical figures that interested him most. I look forward to catching up again with Dave one of these days …

Tim Block
RHS Class of ‘79

Michele DeVita

January 22, 2014

Mr Mazza was my US History teacher at Rip--good teacher and a very nice man.

My sympathies to the family.

Patty Pikikero O'Hanlon

January 22, 2014

Deepest sympathies, Debbie, Liz, Mary and family. May your memories and love for him sustain you through this difficult time. Sending prayers.

Jeffrey Friedlander, MD

January 22, 2014

He was a wonderful educator and beloved by a generation of enthusiastic students. He brought out the best in all of us and will be fondly remembered.

R & E Blosio

January 22, 2014

Dear Debbie, Liz and Family
We are truly sorry to hear of Dave's passing. A true gentleman and friend. Remembering the good times we had together
Our thoughts and prayers are with you

Rosemarie and Manny Blosio

Jacquelyn Simmons

January 22, 2014

To the family of Dave Mazza,
I was saddened to learn of the passing of a colleague from my time teaching history at Rippowam. Dave always had a kind word and exemplified values of scholarship and wisdom. May God bless you with peace and comfort.
Jacqueyn D. Simmons

January 22, 2014

Condolences to the family of a fine outstanding person from our past. We will miss you dearly.
The old Gang

Robert Cooper

January 22, 2014

My condolences to the entire Mazza family. I feel very fortunate having recently spent time with Dave reminiscing about the times we spent together in the past. You were a great friend and will be truly missed, but always in my heart. Sincerely--Robert Cooper.

Kenneth Katz

January 21, 2014

RIP a gentleman, a scholar and the finest teacher at Rippowam Hight School.

January 21, 2014

Dear Debbie,
We are saddened by your personal loss. Dave was special. He worked for me at Rippowam for many years and I treasure the many great memories and experiences we shared. Dave personified the best of teaching. He was in that class of elite educators. I never heard one complaint from anyone - staff, students, parents. And, he never complained - always with that smile.
My son, Steve, had Dave for a "Law & Justice" course and considered him to be one of the best teachers he ever had - a view shared by many students. We will miss him. But his legacy remains alive with so many who had the honor to work with him. I've also lost a personal friend. Our prayers are with you always.
Art, Vicky and Stephen Iacuzio

Mike DiDio

January 21, 2014

My Condolences. Played for Coach Mazza at Stamford UCONN in the mid 70's and enjoyed every minute of it, also was able to do some open houses with him when he was a realtor and I was a Mortgage Broker. Good Man RIP

Dom Carpanzano

January 21, 2014

To the Mazza family, sorry for your loss. I had Coach Mazza as a history teacher at Ripp and also 2 years as a coach At UCONN baseball. He will be missed. A great teacher and a great and fair coach

John Roman

January 21, 2014

Another echo from the halls of Saint Mary's, where we were 7th and 8th grade classmates. Even then, Dave was respected and loved by all.

June Pierce

January 21, 2014

I worked with Dave at Rippowam and Stamford High where he showed himself to be a wonderful teacher and a true gentleman. My sympathy to his family.

January 21, 2014

Ann Marie and I extend our deepest condolences to the entire Mazza family. Dave was a colleague of mine at Rippowam, and even though we taught in different departments (I taught Spanish), my contacts with Dave were always memorable. He had a quick laugh, a sharp mind and a kind spirit. I was blessed to have known him. Rest in peace, Dave. Sincerely, Andy Carney

Stuart Hulbert

January 21, 2014

Deeply saddened by Dave's passing. As Dave's colleague at Rippowam for 15 years, he provided inspiration to students and faculty. He will be truly missed.

Cousin Denise Mazza

January 21, 2014

To Mary & the Mazza Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about David. Please know that my heart is with you at this difficult time.

Jim Abonyi

January 21, 2014

Rippowam's FINEST! One of the best teachers we ever had. He will be sadly missed.

January 21, 2014

Played basketball one year at UCONN Branch. Coach was gentleman in every sense of the word. He took genuine interest in us not only as players but people and students as well. Over thirty years later I still think about that one year playing for Caoch Mazza with fond memories.

I did not attend Ripp but have heard many people that did echo the sentiments expressed here that he was a fantastic teached and a great person.

Beth Levine

January 21, 2014

I always said I got a better education at Rippowam High School than I did at my fancy college. Mr. Mazza was one of the reasons that was so. Such an inspiring teacher. He made history come alive.

Dr. Richard Sass

January 21, 2014

To the Mazza Family, Dr Mazza was a great educator and truly a gentleman! With sympathy and respect...

Tyrone McCray

January 21, 2014

Mr. Mazza was a teacher of mine at Rippowam. A great teacher and man, I couldn't have graduated without him. I have seen him in the 43 years hence and he remembered me by my nickname. Prayers going up for his family. I loved that man.

Bruno Giordano

January 21, 2014

Debbie, Liz and family members: Personal and deepest condolences on the passing of one of the brightest, most gentlemanly and concerned humanitarians I ever knew. When I took my first teaching position at St. Mary's Parochial School in 1955, David was there to greet - and "teach" me ! His eager attentiveness to every expression or move by St. Mary instructors were absorbed and expanded upon over the years to where he is now known as "one of the best teachers" by many of today's area professionals and leaders. I shall always remember my frequent discussions of Stamford and its recreational offerings at Rippowam High, as well as happenings at UConn -my alma mater. Bruno Giordano (Superintendant of Parks and Recreation (1973-1990)

January 21, 2014

Dear Mary and your beloved brother's family,

Although I have not seen you since high school, my prayers and deepest sympathy are with you now. Those we love stay forever in our hearts...

Barbara (Kitlas)Cavolick

Griffin Gamcsik-Uly

January 21, 2014

I had Professor David Mazza for both of my U.S. History I & II courses in college over the past few years. At first glance, he was older than most of the other professors I had previously, but soon enough I realized he genuinely enjoyed everything about the past whether it be World Wars or Civil Rights events that changed who/what we are today. He made my most difficult subject (History) actually interesting, and because of that I tried my damnedest to absorb the material and get the best grades I could. His passion for teaching rubbed off on all of us, and for that I thank him greatly for all his efforts. You will be missed sir. Rest in Peace.

Kevin Roones

January 20, 2014

To the Mazza family,
So sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of having Dr. Mazza, or Dave the Rave as we called him, for history at RHS, and I don't hesitate to say that he was my favorite teacher. The tributes have been pouring in all day from my Rippowam classmates via email and on Facebook, which speaks volumes about his impact on his students. He will be missed by all.

January 20, 2014

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.

Stephen Weiss

January 20, 2014

Dear Mazza Family:
It is with a heavy heart that I write this, having just found out of Dave's passing. I was hired twice by Dave when he was AD at UConn-Stamford, as I coached men's basketball and women's softball for seven years there back in the late 80s and 90s. It was a true pleasure to work under this kind, caring individual. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He had great understanding of sports. In fact, I think he had 13 consecutive winning seasons at UConn when he coached basketball there. I last talked to him shortly after my former coach and his former player, Walt Durand, passed away in 2009. As always, it was nice to hear his kind voice. He will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to the Mazza family.

Dawn Blois-Reynolds

January 20, 2014

Dr. Mazza was a truly great teacher. He inspired me to voice my ideas and opinions, ignited my love of history and gave me my first job at the Long Ridge Swim Club. I will always remember him fondly. Rest in Peace Doc...

Ellis Crawford Jr

January 20, 2014

To the Family of Dave Mazza, one of the real good guys, from a very early age. May he rest in peace.

Raol Wolf

January 20, 2014

Debbie and family,
I was truly saddened to learn of David's passing. He was a warm and caring colleague,a wonderful teacher and a great guy who enriched the the entire Rippowam community.
My heart-felt thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
With Sympathy,
Ray Wolf

January 20, 2014

He was my teacher at Rippowam, and Baseball coach at Uconn Stamford. He was a great man and great coach, and I learned so much from him. I will always remeber him.

January 20, 2014

I taught with Dave at Rip and Stamford. Great guy and outstanding teacher. My sincere condolences. Art Brown

Stephanie Barrett

January 20, 2014

So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all!!

John Stone

January 20, 2014

My sincere sympathy to the Mazza family. Dr. Mazza was among the finest of educators and always a favorite of students.

Kevin Kotches

January 20, 2014

I met David when I was at TOR he was a great man.

Bonnie Kim Campbell

January 20, 2014

Dear Mrs. Mazza and Family,
I will echo the words of my dear classmate, Doug Karp-David was a rare man, one of the greatest teachers I have ever known. I know we who had ears to hear and eyes to see are far better men and women because David loved the teacher's task and he taught us! God Bless him and you all, richly! RHS,Class of 1973

Frank Silvestris

January 20, 2014

Dear Debbie and Family
As a former colleague and friend I am deeply saddened to hear of Dave's passing. There were many good times we had together both at Rippowam H.S. and during retirement.
David was a professional educator who was respected
and admired by all. WE will miss him and you will be in our prayers
Frank and Grace Silvestris
David was a g entlemen and a true professional through out

Mark Valenti

January 20, 2014

I have thought of Mr Mazza frequently. He was a great teacher and coach to me. I have always thought of him as the very best example of what a man should be. A true gentleman who cared for the people and students around him. I cannot praise him enough. He will be missed but always remembered. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mark Valenti Rippowam '67 & Stamford Branch UCONN

Rodger Burnich

January 20, 2014

My condolences to the family. I knew Dave from our time teaching at Rippowam; he was a fine teacher.

Bob Ferrara

January 20, 2014

A very sad day. Dave was a true educator. He captivated his students with his knowledge of history.
As a former guidance counselor, I can attest to the fact that Mr. Mazza was a favorite among students when course selections were made.
Deb, my deepest and sincere sympathy to you, your daughter and the Mazza family.

Kathleen Engel

January 20, 2014

I can't think of Mr. Mazza without remembering his smile and constant good cheer. My sincere condolences to his family. He was a rare individual, appreciated by so many of us at RHS.

Dr. John Raus

January 20, 2014

Dear Mazza Family,

It deeply saddens me to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences.

Dr. Mazza was one of my favorite teachers of all time..,U.S. History at Rippowam High School, Class of '68. I had the pleasure of catching up with him at Stamford High School years later when my children were students there. We had lunch together one day and I took that opportunity to thank him for being a great teacher and pushing us to realize our potential.

Frances C. Uva

January 20, 2014

Dear Mazza Family, David and the entire Mazza Family were an integral part of growing up on the East Side of Stamford. My sincere condolences to all of you. Sincerely, Frances Cyboski Uva

Rob Trout

January 20, 2014

As a 7th grader at St. Mary's Grammar School, I recall Dave and his HS basketball teamates (I believe it was the early days of SCHS with Phil Raggazino as coach) practicing in our gym. Dave stood out for his maturity and skill. I'm not surprised to read that he excelled in life and impacted many lives. Condolences and best wishes to his family and friends.

Dante Fedeli

January 20, 2014

Debbie and Elizabeth, I am deeply, deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Mr. Mazza was my true mentor from History class at Rip through my college days and then while I coached basketball and softball at Stamford UConn. I regret not being able to see him much after my UConn days but was fortunate enough to see once more at a Rippowam class reunion. I will miss his daily talks, joking around and his coaching wisdom while he did baseball and basketball at the Branch. A mentor, role model, teacher but most of all, a true friend. Not many were made as well as Dave Mazza, it's Stamford's loss. He was undoubtedly, one of the best men I ever had the distinct pleasure of knowing and have the distinction of calling my friend. See you Coach

Mike Lemon

January 20, 2014

Dave was a positive role model for me at a very young age. I will remember him always. My prayers are with him and his family.

January 20, 2014

To Deborah and Sister Mary, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Here in Catskill and Athens we share in your loss and mourning. May the Peace and strength of Christ be with. Pete and Terrie Gustas

Nancy Sivak

January 20, 2014

Deborah & Family,
My sincere condolences for your loss. I will always remember the many wonderful conversations we had about his grandchildren and how we both bargain shopped at Kohl's! Dave was a very special friend and I will miss him deeply. Rest in Peace my friend.

Louise Florentine Benisz

January 20, 2014

Debbie and family,
We are yery sorry for your loss. We cousins had a lot of fun times when we were kids. He was taken too soon. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Rick Henrietta

January 20, 2014

Dear Deborah, Liz and family. My sincere sympathies. It was my privilege and delight to call Dave a friend and guide. He is missed.

Al Thomas

January 20, 2014

So sorry to hear about hear about Mr. Mazza. He was a great teacher and later on a good friend. I used to see him frequently at NCC, we taught at the same time, and he always had a smile and words of encouragement. He will sorely be missed.

Marian Florentine

January 20, 2014

It was heartbreaking to hear of David's passing. He was so brave to the end. I am so proud and privileged to have been his cousin. My thoughts and prayers are with you Debbie, Liz, Mary and the family.

January 20, 2014

so sorry for your loss. Remember Dr. Mazza from Rippowam a great guy.

Alan Horowitz

Tony De Angelo

January 20, 2014

Toughest, but fairest teacher I ever had. God Bless Mr. Mazza.

Doug Karp

January 20, 2014

Dave will be missed by so many of us. He was the best teacher I ever had; I owe him a great deal.

We were fortunate to see him regularly for a long time, at Rippowam, our regular Sunday morning tennis games at the Rip courts, the too rare catch-up matches at Long Ridge, the long bus trips to video UConn basketball under his tutelage ... We saw his passion for history and respected his outside work on his Ph.D. thesis on Homer Cummings, watched him drip (the "Bear") after his regular workouts, saw him work extraordinary hours at Rip, on his thesis, at Long Ridge, at UConn. He was a rare man, who cared deeply about his family and his craft.

For so many of us, we were privileged to know him.

DIANE BRIA

January 20, 2014

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST HAD MR, MAZZA AS A TEACHER IN SCHOOL..GREAT GUY WILL BE MISSED

Marlene Marrucco Recchia

January 20, 2014

Dear Mazza Family, I am very sorry for your loss. I knew Dave from the real estate business and I always enjoyed working with him. He was a true gentleman and professional.

January 20, 2014

Dear Debbie and Liz -

We are deeply saddened to hear of Dave's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
~ Rose & Mary Sette

January 20, 2014

Dear Deborah & Family.
My sincere condolences to you and the family. I could not believe his passing. I will never forget Dave. I could always count on Dave being one of my last clients to see before April 15. I have been doing your tax return since 1975 and he will be deeply missed. I just feel sorry for the rest of those real estate brokers up in heaven, as they don't have a chance against Dave.

Again, my condolences to you and the family

Cliff Mack

Nancy Horta

January 20, 2014

Much love and prayer to the Family of "Doc" Mazza. He was an a wonderful man, and a wonderful teacher! He was special to all of us at the Rippowam Cluster Program. (Attended 1983 - 1987) He made a significant difference to my life. He will truly be missed, but always fondly remembered.

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