Donald J. Mazur

1935 - 2021

Mazur, Donald J., - 85, of Atlantic City, passed from this earth on February 15, 2021. Born July 31, 1935, in Atlantic City Donald spent his entire life residing and working there. Donald gave 40 years of service to the Atlantic City Police Department and the citizens of Atlantic City. He retired in 2000 at the rank of Detective Sergeant in the Juvenile Unit. Donald was the youngest of 11 children from parents Theodore and Pauline Mazur, first generation immigrants from the Ukraine. The Mazur Clan became a very well-known local family in South Jersey over the many decades they spent living and working in the Atlantic City area. "Big Don", as he was known to many, was a physically imposing figure standing 6-2, 240 lbs. He was a seasoned boxer who grew up fighting with his eight brothers several of whom later had successful boxing careers in the military. Donald also had several amateur boxing matches as a young man in his late teens and early twenties. However, Don was better known as a kind, generous, beautiful soul who had principles and never wavered from them. For Don, life was simple…right and wrong, good and bad…he was old-school and as loyal as they come. He would lay his life down in an instant for his family. While working as an Atlantic City Police Officer, he would often take clothes to work to give to those in need or provide food to people who could not afford it. He modeled this life of service to his six children who all later went into some area of public service as well (including law enforcement, education, and medicine). Donald's greatest achievement without question was meeting, marrying, and holding on to his beloved wife Maryann for their 70-year relationship. Together, they created an unbreakable bond that produced six children, 19 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild due in the coming days. He referred to Maryann as "Dreamboat" for as far back as anyone can remember and kept her laughing with the rest of the family through his never-ending cycle of quick-witted jokes. Their adherence to the family values they believed in were reinforced daily, not only by words of wisdom, but through action. Loyalty to friends and family, humility, generosity, honesty, helping your neighbor, respecting adults and authority, loving God and country, welcoming people into your home and keeping your word were held in high regard by Donald and Maryann. Donald had a special relationship with each of his 19 grandchildren who affectionately called him "Pop". Every member of the family from oldest to youngest looked to him for counsel regarding difficult decisions because they all knew he would provide sound, truthful advice…even if his words were not the ones they wanted to hear. Donald was a man of faith and accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ as his savior. Survivors include (wife) Maryann; (son) Victor Mazur (Jaime), (daughter) Pauline Ludwig (Jeff) , (son) Dr. Donald Mazur (Lisa), (daughter) Annie Rovillard (Hank), (daughter) Maria DeGaetano (Joseph) and (son) William Mazur (Tracy); Grandchildren Sadie Howell (Matt); Viktor and Victoria Mazur; Lainey and Cooper Ludwig; Lexi, Hunter, Katarina, Zane, Christian and Anna Mazur; Henry and Jack Rovillard; Chloe and Joseph DeGaetano, Luke, Bella and Ava Mazur. Donald was predeceased by his parents Theodore and Pauline Mazur as well as his 10 siblings Walter Mazur, Matthew Mazur, William Mazur, Milton Mazur, Helen Weslowski, Ann Poltorak, Paul Mazur PhD., Dr. James Mazur, Dr. Victor Mazur and Dr. Alfred Mazur. Donald was also predeceased by his mother-in-law Anna Bunting who played a huge role in Donald's life by supporting him and wife Maryann in raising their family. The Mazur Family would like to express our most heartfelt gratitude to select members of the Atlanticare Nursing Staff (His Angels, Charlene and Diana) including his niece, Dr. Kimberley Mazur-McLaughlin for the kind and compassionate care they extended to Donald during his illness. Kim was a true beacon of light for our family during this process. She embodies the competence, compassion, and sincerity you would expect from a medical professional. We are eternally blessed by the extraordinary efforts of Dr. Mazur-McLaughlin and select nursing staff to make our father Donald comfortable and at peace in his final hours. That show of humanity will impact our family for generations to come and the story will live on through our family legacy. A private visitation and burial will take place. A follow-up public memorial will be held later to be announced. Arrangements by the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home, Linwood - Ventnor. Condolences may be extended to the family at ghwimberg.com.