Carlo G. Mazzella

1938 - 2021

07/17/1938 - 01/04/2021 Carlo Gaetano "Tanino" Mazzella went home to be with the Lord on January 14, 2021 at the age of 82. He was born on July 17, 1938 on the island of Ischia, Italy to Giovanni Mazzella and Maria Rosa Pugliese. Carlo was the youngest and only son of four children in his immediate family. As a youngster growing up on the island, he worked hard with his father, a general contractor, to support his family. He also was an excellent student and loved to play soccer with his friends when he had free time. At the age of 16, he immigrated to the United States with his older sister, Rita. They came across the Atlantic to New York on the SS Andrea Doria, traversed the continent by train and reunited with their father, who had immigrated three years earlier, in San Pedro, CA in December of 1954. Their mother joined the family, in San Pedro, the following year. As a 16 year old who was new to America, Carlo worked at numerous jobs while becoming fluent in the English language and going to night school to complete his high school diploma. After high school, Carlo went on to graduate from Los Angeles Harbor College with Honors and later served honorably in the United States Army. Upon returning home after his military service, Carlo sought and gained employment at the McDonnell-Douglas Corporation (subsequently Boeing Corporation) in Long Beach, CA. Over 46 years, he worked in numerous departments and on a variety of projects that gained him accolades and recognition for the quality of his efforts and abilities. He ultimately retired as an Engineering Planner and was a proud member of the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Workers (UAW). Carlo was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Michelina (John) Nobilione and his sister Francesca (Francesco) DiCostanzo. He is survived by his devoted wife, Martha Guadalupe "Lupe" Mazzella, his loving sister Rita (Tom) Cigliano, numerous nieces and nephews, many in-laws, and his adorable Chihuahua, Blackie. Carlo was devoted to his family, his faith and was a kind, humble, and generous man. Without fanfare, or want of recognition, he became a patron of Holy Family Catholic Church in Tijuana, Mexico. As a patron, he helped pay for the rebuilding of the church building and also provided for a weekly feeding of the poor. Carlo was always generous with numerous charities, the Catholic Church, family members or friends. In contrast to his willingness to help others in need, his own wants were simple and few. He enjoyed sharing time with family and friends, playing golf, ping-pong, following the LA Lakers and taking trips with the Elks Lodge. He will always be remembered as a wonderful son, husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and great uncle. Arrivaderci Tanino, we love you, miss you and take comfort knowing that the Lord has welcomed you home with loving arms. A Catholic funeral service and burial will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 11:30 AM on the grounds of Green Hills Memorial Park, in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.