Richard John "Rich" Mazzola

Richard (Rich) John Mazzola, beloved husband, father, grandfather and cherished friend, passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 80. Born October 19, 1944, Rich was a man who lived his life with passion, generosity and a deep love for his family.
Rich's greatest joy was spending time with his loved ones. His wife of 31 years, Deborah Wondrak Mazzola, his daughters Lisa Moore (David), Michele Lott (Greg), Jennifer Collins (Troy), and Courtney Washbrook (Jeff) and grandchildren, Alexis, Cassidy, Ryan, Tyler, Colton, Brody and Cooper. His two nephews Steven Mazzola and Jeff Mazzola were the sons he never had but loved as if they were. He created a home filled with laughter, warmth, a bit of sarcasm and an abundance of unconditional support. There was no better way to enjoy time together than around a dining table at home with his family and friends sharing a meal and exchanging stories.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, raised in New Jersey, Rich was the typical Italian guy playing football, hanging out with friends at the Jersey Shore and cruising the streets in his royal blue 1964 Pontiac GTO with gold wheels.
In 1963 he was 2nd Team All-State left tackle for the State Champion River Dell High School football team, which earned him a football scholarship for the University of South Carolina. After a knee injury, he left school and began a successful career in a new industry - computers and technology. He began as a Computer Programmer, but spent most of his career as an Analyst across various industries.
Rich spent many happy hours boating and fishing. Whether he was fishing in the Gulf, cruising the bay, wildly tubing his grandchildren or just cruising up to the restaurant on the water, he relished the peace of being on the water. He lived out his dream when he and Deborah retired to Lake Conroe, often entertaining family and friends on the back patio - living lake-life full-time.
It's well known to all friends and family that more than anything Rich loved watching his children and grandchildren grow and thrive. The number of team hats, t-shirts and photos taken from participating in the activities of his seven grandchildren was his happy place. He wanted to know every artistic stroke, every hoop, every base hit, every tackle, every backflip and every school accolade that each grandchild achieved. He was the biggest fan of not only each grandchild, but of each of their friends, teammates, parents and coaches. Everyone loved Mr. Mazzola!
Rich's presence in this world will be deeply missed. His legacy of love, laughter and family will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00am, Monday, April 7th at: St Laurence Catholic Church, 3100 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to Child Advocates of Fort Bend .