Robert (Bob) Mazza, a well-known Los Angeles area publicist, passed away on September 24, 2012, from a two year illness in Ventura County, his home of 24 years.

Bob's public relations career spanned 42 years. He handled many athletes, sports organizations, entertainment industry figures, corporate executives, authors and entrepreneurs. He was involved in many Los Angeles and Orange County public relations groups, Rotary Clubs and other publicist guilds. Bob's noted clients included former Laker and businessman Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, USA Men's Olympic Water Polo Team, Steven Spielberg, World Cup Soccer, San Antonio Spurs Pro Basketball Team, and various film studios.

Bob was also instrumental in the Los Angeles Athletic Club's John Wooden Award and passed Coach Wooden's principles on to his children as words to live by. Bob also was Public Relations Director for The Jay Leno Show, and for Boss Film Studios. He also was Public Relations Director for the Miss America Pageant.

Bob was born in San Luis Obispo, on March 23, 1948, to Esther and Alfred Mazza. He was president of San Luis Obispo High School's Journalism Club and editor of the student newspaper. He was then awarded a full scholarship to Pepperdine University in Malibu, where he majored in Journalism. One of his prize photographs while editor of the Pepperdine student newspaper was of Robert Kennedy moments before he was assassinated. Bob remained active in Pepperdine Alumnae affairs.

His first positions included becoming the first Public Relations Director for the San Antonio Spurs and then Communications Director for Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn.

Bob leaves behind his wife of 25 years, Nancy Mazza, a well-known Los Angeles Criminal Trial Attorney, and two adult children, to whom he was a devoted father. His son, Brent Mazza, 24, received his Bachelor of Science from Boston University School of Management and is the assistant head tennis professional at High Altitude Tennis in Parker, Colo. His daughter, Marisa Mazza, 22, is a nursing student at Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu, Hawaii, obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Bob was extremely proud of this children and their accomplishments and loved them dearly. Bob is also survived by a sister, Kaye Klauke, from Reno, Nev., and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in Wyoming, Minnesota, and Connecticut.

Bob will be sorely missed by all those who loved him and worked with him and knew him.

A private family service and burial will be held. Arrangements by Rose Family Funeral Home in Simi Valley, Calif.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ventura County Star from Oct. 19 to Oct. 22, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Mazza

Sponsored by Bob's Loving Family.

16 Entries

George Putnam

August 22, 2016

My entry into show business was through Bob and his company, Cottman Mazza. He hired me as a receptionist, and from there I moved forward through the business. So sorry to hear about his passing.

John Charnay

March 17, 2013

He was star reporter at the Hollywood Reporter when I was news editor. We became best friends...for decades. I will always miss him! He was one of the greatest p.r. experts in Hollywood---and one of the best friends I have ever had.

Terry Stembridge

February 7, 2013

I knew Bob when he came to San Antonio in the fall of 1973 to be the PR director of the Spurs. He was just beginning his career. I was the Radio Voice for the team and worked closely with Bob. He was full of wit and had a passion to succeed. I admired his abilities and counted him a good friend in those days. After he returned to California we would talk occassional before losing touch. Today he crossed my memory and I googled him and sadly found him gone again. I am so thrilled that he had so much success. Belated sympathy to his family. There are others of that time in SA that remember Bob fondly. Terry Stembridge

chris lovejoy

November 12, 2012

Bob was an absolute joy to work together with~

I will miss him.
Chris Lovejoy

October 25, 2012

So sorry to learn oof Bob's death. It seems as though so many wonderful people go way too soon and I know we are the ones left behind to deal with the emptiness. peace to the family. Lenel(McGlasson)Hudgens...class of '66

Howard Carroll

October 24, 2012

Bob and I shared a passion for basketball from 7th grade through our senior year of high school. He focused his passion into a successful career around sports and beyond. My sympathies to the family and take care Buddy.

October 23, 2012

I'm thinkin' that Bob and I went through elem., middle and high school together, but in all those years I didn't know him well. (My loss...) He was, indeed, a modest, capable guy and I am saddened by his premature exit. The class of '66 mourns him; ours was a large, but close-knit class. Condolences to his family. -Wendy (Rich)Fast, Eugene, OR

martha Allen Santos

October 22, 2012

Bob was one of my most special high school friends. I am devastated to learn of his passing. He was always such a gentleman and had a great sophisticated sense of humor for a high school guy!! I still laugh out loud at some of our good times - like him giving me a lesson in parallel parking a car!! Sending prayers for strength and serenity in this difficult time. Martha Santos(Allen)

Barbara Pruitt (Greene)

October 22, 2012

Also a classmate San Luis Obispo High School class of '66 Bob was kind, enthusiastic and all around good guy. My sympathies to the family.

Kelly Pepper (Sweeney)

October 22, 2012

What an outstanding, full life he lived. I'm saddened it ended way too soon. He was a Tiger, a friend, a kid from the 'hood'. His children would have liked the person he was as a kid and young adult. We got to know him 'when'.. San Luis Obispo, and we..grew up together. We send our heartfelt sympathy. SLOHS class of '66

October 22, 2012

Sorry to hear of your loss, Bob was a classmate of mine at SLO Sr. and Jr. High, remember him fondly, very nice guy, also smart and a good athlete! God bless you all. Stephanie Mansfield (Cook)

Cathy LeMoine

October 22, 2012

So sorry for your loss. I too attended SLOHS with Bob.
Cathy Navoni LeMoine Class of 66

October 22, 2012

On behalf of the San Luis Obispo High School Class of 1966, I send our deepest sympathy to Bob's family. Whenever Bob's name was mentioned at our Class Reunion the first thing everyone remembers is "Outstanding Basketball Player," followed closely by "Tiger's Roar" and "journalist", and "all-around good guy".
Rest In Peace, Bob! You're among several classmates who have gone before you. God Speed!

Chuck Street

October 20, 2012

I met Bob recently through the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters. He volunteered to spread the "good word" about our organization gratis. He seemed like such a good guy and gentle man. I wish I could have gotten to know him better. Rest in peace! My warmest wishes go out to his family!

Susan Cuttriss (Preston)

October 20, 2012

I'm so sorry for your loss. Bob was a classmate of mine from San Luis Obispo. I remember a class reunion where he expressed interest in what I was doing and I remained unaware of all his accomplishments - modesty can be added to his many virtues.

Linda Lewis Seitz

October 19, 2012

Rest in Peace my long ago classmate. You were a star on the Tiger basketball team. Class of '66 rules.

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