Michael C. Mazzarella

Michael Mazzarella - A LIFE WORTH SHARING
After 66 years of an incredible journey, I tearfully said farewell to my loving husband on February 4, 2025, one month from his 91st birthday. Together with our four children, Joseph, Michelle, Frank and Elizabeth, Mike's daughter Dawn and all their loved ones, we struggled with the tremendous physical challenges and loss of dignity Michael was plagued with over the past year and a half. I was so fortunate and thankful to my children for the love and amazing care they gave their dad. Donna, his aide, was a Godsend and in his final days the dedication of Hospice care givers was comforting and heartwarming.
Michael deeply loved his children, his 8 grandchildren, a great grandson and hoped he'd be here to meet his newest great granddaughter. His Italian heritage was very important to him. he especially enjoyed our family celebrations and mealtime gatherings filled with love and laughter. He would reminisce and enjoyed telling stories that left our grandchildren in awe. He'd shared stories of his Huck Finn childhood, war time experiences and of course, hospital tales.
Michael was an amazing dad. Even though pressured by 60 and 80 hour work weeks he always made time for our children's activities. He'd drop in to a basketball, soccer or baseball game between meetings, he attended their concerts and special events. He taught them to ski, play golf and tennis. He took great pride in their accomplishments. As our children married, we were blessed with grandchildren, each unique and special, they were an important part of Mike's legacy and represented that great circle of life.
Michael and I were so blessed, we shared an incredible life together. We each cherished family life. We traveled throughout the world, enjoyed each other's professional and volunteer involvements and respected the time we each needed to fulfill our community commitments.
Michael was born in Philadelphia and at the age of five suffered the tragic loss of his mother. He was sent off to live with his elderly grandparents in a small country village on Long Island. They led a simple life, living off the land. He cherished spending time with his granddad hunting for rabbit and other wildlife. He felt indebted to them for the love and nurturing they bestowed upon him. Their influence was manifested in many of the decisions he made throughout his life, especially during his career. While CEO of Northern Dutchess Hospital, he paid homage to them with the development of the Wells Manor subsidized housing project and honored their legacy when he opened The Thompson House Senior Living facility. These initiatives were unique and bold for hospitals at that time.
Growing up in a home with immigrant grandparents who spoke very little English motivated Michael to achieve good grades and excel academically. At the age of 12 he moved in with his dad and a very loving stepmom. He lived happily through the typical high school years and decided on his 18th birthday to surprise his parents by enlisting in the United States Army. He spent 18 months in Korea during war time, working as a heavy weapon specialist. This exposure resulted in a significant hearing disability that had great manifestations throughout his life and career.
Michael was a prolific reader. He would often have three books opened at the same time. He was a wiz at crossword puzzles and unscrambled letters into words in seconds. I believe these attributes compensated for his childhood where neither a book nor a newspaper could be found in his home.
Michael and I began our life long journey together at his homecoming celebration upon returning from the Korean War. Four years later we were married, I continued work as secretary to the Bishop of Brooklyn, while Mike attended Adelphi College's psychiatric nursing program. After graduation he worked double shifts at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City while attending Columbia University School of Hospital Administration. Mike did his Internship at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in New Jersey and soon after was offered a position as Assistant Administrator at Hackensack Hospital. During his fourth year, he received a call from the Dean of Columbia recommending he apply for a job opening as CEO of a small 100 bed country hospital in rural upstate, Rhinebeck New York.
Alas, the beginning of Michael's 34-year illustrious career as CEO of Northern Dutchess Hospital. I've heard him many times describe the hospital in the early days of his arrival as not much more than a first aide facility. He knew that there would be monumental challenges and if he were to chart the destiny of this institution it would need his grit, perseverance and boldness to pursue the best health care for the people of this region. Medicare had just emerged and every hospital throughout the country was frustrated with the chaotic government protocols. He needed to attract board-certified doctors with diverse specialties and find a niche that would bring patients from throughout the region. This was a time when many small hospitals were closing their doors throughout the country due to economic strife.
Mike knew that he had to seize the opportunity and create a course that would gain the recognition and respect of the health care industry in New York State. He courted doctors from large prestigious hospitals, served on State-wide health care boards and took on leadership roles to network with the best of the best. He developed the first Birthing Center in New York State, where women from throughout the region flocked to have their babies delivered in a safe, more natural environment. This pursuit also paid homage to his mom, whose death resulted from a childbirth tragedy. He built a reputation for NDH as an institution that specialized in orthopedics, he ensured that there was state of the art medical equipment for his doctors and nurses, he had numerous capital campaigns to make possible the many construction projects needed to achieve excellence. Mike was grateful to the Thomas Thompson Trust for their significant generosity and participation in every brick-and-mortar project pursued during his 34-year tenure as CEO. When the timing was right, he facilitated a merger with Vassar Hospital to guarantee the longevity of an institution he loved and was devoted to.
Mike was highly respected in the health care, non-profit and private industry communities. He was awarded Governor's appointments and was honored by over 35 prestigious awards from organizations throughout NYS. He took on leadership and chairmanship roles in the numerous organization he served.
I have no doubt that the legacy of Mike Mazzarella will live on. As one travels through the Rhinebeck village one can't help but notice our community hospital. I feel nostalgic thinking of the extraordinary health care it provides, the thousands of jobs it made possible, as well as the diversity of employment opportunities it offers. The enormity of Mike's accomplishments helped strengthen the economic well-being of our region.
Those who know and love him take great pride in a man who dedicated his life to improving the lives of thousands and thousands of people who were in need of special care. Michael Mazzarella is indeed that ordinary person that did extraordinary things and for that we celebrate his life and legacy.
Michael, this remarkable legacy is further defined by the tremendous love and devotion you've shared with your family. Your amazing influence on our lives will be cherished forever. Arrivederci amore mio.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 8, 2025, 1:00 PM, at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 3 Msgr. Joy Plaza, Rhinebeck. Immediately following Mass the family will receive family and friends at The Beekman Arms. There are no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation - Honoring America's First Responders, Veterans and their Families at dogood.t2t.org
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