Obituary published on Legacy.com by Beck-Givnish Funeral Home, Inc. on Dec. 16, 2024.
Anthony (Tony) Benard Mazzocchi Sr.
February 19, 1935 – December 14, 2024
Anthony (Tony) Benard Mazzocchi Sr., age 89, passed away on December 14, 2024. A devoted man of faith, a veteran, a tireless worker, and the beloved cornerstone of his family, Tony leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and unwavering kindness.
Early Life
Tony was born on February 19, 1935, in Trenton, New Jersey, to Antonio B. Mazzocchi and Maria Mazzocchi, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up in Tullytown, Pennsylvania, with his sister, Irma DeMarchis (also deceased). During his youth, Tony attended Pennsbury High School, where he excelled as an athlete in football, basketball, and track, eventually serving as class president. He was later inducted into the Pennsbury Hall of Fame, a testament to his leadership and achievements. After high school, Tony served his country honorably in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960. In 1994, he and his beloved wife Carol moved to the Poconos, where they shared many happy years together until her passing in 2016.
Career and Dedication
Tony embodied a work ethic unmatched by many. He retired from U.S. Steel and Amtrak but never stopped keeping busy. Later, he worked part-time at Jack Frost Ski Resort, filling his days with purpose and energy. Even after full days of work, Tony refereed football, basketball, and baseball games for 37 years, a role that brought him joy and deep connections with his community. Tony also served as a town councilman in Tullytown during the 1980s, contributing to the town he loved so dearly.
Faith and Values
Tony was a man of deep Catholic faith, attending Sunday Mass faithfully and volunteering his time in service to the Church. After retiring, he and Carol devoted themselves to St. Peter the Fisherman Church in Lake Harmony, PA. After Carol's passing, Tony continued to volunteer at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Tullytown on Wednesday mornings. His values of compassion, humility, and integrity shone through in all he did.
Family Life
Tony was married to the love of his life, Carol (White) Mazzocchi, for 58 wonderful years. The couple eloped on April 19, 1958, before Tony left for military service, and together, they built a family rooted in love and faith. Tony is survived by his four children: Anthony Benard Mazzocchi Jr. (JoAnn), Mary Jo Kemmerer (David), Lisa Mumma (John), and Lori Riley (Ed).
He was a proud "Pop" to his ten grandchildren: Nicole Mazzocchi, Ashley Miele (Andrew), Amber Wenik (Dylan), David Kemmerer (Jaime), Joy Kitzmiller (Matt), Michael Kemmerer (Kiara), Brittany Mumma, Brianna Yetter (Brendan), Jarrod Saunders, and Paige Riley. His great-grandchildren-Livia Miele, Robert Miele, Luca Wenik, Keegan Wenik, and Monroe Kitzmiller-brought him endless happiness.
Tony valued family above all else and found joy in simply being surrounded by his loved ones. Since 2016, he rotated homes, living with his children and spending time in their care. He was always ready to lend a helping hand around the house, sneak treats under the table to the family dogs, or wrap a blanket around someone he loved.
Legacy and Personality
Tony's laughter was infectious, and his warm smile could brighten anyone's day. He found joy in life's simplest pleasures, from reading Sunday comics after church-his giggles filling the room-to preparing and sharing Italian family recipes passed down through generations. Known for his boundless energy, Tony rarely sat still, finding fulfillment in cooking, helping, and giving to others. He leaves behind a legacy as the patriarch of his family, a man of steadfast faith, and a role model for humility, love, and service.
Predeceased and Survivors
Tony is preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Maria Mazzocchi; his sister, Irma DeMarchis; and his beloved wife, Carol Mazzocchi. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless family members and friends who loved him dearly.
Closing Message
Colossians 3:14: "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this difficult time. Your kind words, acts of generosity, and presence have provided us with strength and comfort as we celebrate his life and cherish his memory. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by such love and friendship.
Family and friends are invited to Tony's Life Celebration on Thursday, December 26, 2024, from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM, followed by his Memorial Service at 11:30 AM, at the Beck-Givnish Life Celebration Home, 7400 New Falls Rd.,
Levittown, PA 19055. Interment will follow at Washingto Crossing National Cemetery at 1 PM.