Ralph A. Mazza Sr.

The true gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deeds follow his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.
When John Walter Wayland wrote that in 1899, little did he know that he was describing Ralph Anthony Mazza Sr.
Born on Wednesday, November 18, 1925 in Connellsville, Pa., Ralph graduated from Connellsville High School, Class of 1943.
He served throughout the European Theater in World War II in the 66 Division of the 263rd Anti-Tank Infantry. Ralph was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal, EAME Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Liberation of France Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and Bronze Star.
After the war, Ralph played semi-pro football for the Elizabeth Merchants and the Port Vue Quakers.
Ralph lived a long and active life dedicating himself to his family, his community and his profession.
A Tool and Die Maker by trade, Ralph worked 32 years for Anchor Hocking Cap of South Connellsville.
He was an active member of the Glass Bottle Blowers Union Local No. 188 where he served as Shop Steward and as a member of the Business Committee.
For many young men growing up in the Tri-Town area during the 1960’s and 1970’s, ‘Mr. Mazza’ will always be remembered as a great influence on their lives as their Cub Scout Pack Leader, their Booster League Football Coach or Pony League Baseball Coach.
An avid bowler, Ralph bowled in the Anchor League for over 50 years. This current season, at nearly 89 years of age, Ralph averaged over 160. He also served as the League President the last several years.
There is nothing in his life of which he was more proud or more devoted to than his three grandchildren. ‘Papa’ was always ready to play a game, be a horsey or drive 600 miles to see a play in which a grand child had even a minor role.
In recent years, Ralph served the community as a political activist. He would work tirelessly campaigning for candidates and was a regular attendee of the Fayette County Commissioner meetings and the Uniontown Area High School District Board meetings.
Most recently he was a key player in defeating the proposed jail initiative for the county.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 62 years, Geraldine (Jerrie) Mazza of Vanderbilt; his son, Ralph Mazza Jr. and wife Liz of Winter Haven, Florida; his daughter, Michele Clayton and husband Jim, Scottsdale, Arizona; his daughter, Melanie Phillips and husband Jeff of Natick, Massachusetts; his son, Rich Mazza and wife Patty of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania; his granddaughter, Katie Phillips of Cambridge, Massachusetts; his grandson, Jacob Phillips, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania; his granddaughter, Keli Mazza, Mobile, Alabama; his surrogate grand daughter, Dr. Erica Smith of Pittsburgh, Pa.; his brother, Michael ‘Mickey’ Mazza and wife Dolores of Connellsville, Pennsylvania; his sisters-in-law: Aquilla Nagy of Monongahela, Pa., and Sandra Russell of Levittown, Pennsylvania; his brother-in-law, Joe Tignanelli and wife Sherri of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania; his nieces: Andrea Tignanelli and Carol Tignanelli both of Jefferson, Pennsylvania; his brother-in-law, Frank Tignanelli and wife Phyllis of Bunola, Pennsylvania; numerous other nieces, nephews.
Predeceasing Ralph were his parents, Ferdinand Mazza and Catherine (D’Auria) Mazza; his brother, Vincent Mazza; his uncles: Ralph Mazza, Gabriel D’Auria, Michael D’Auria; his aunts; Antoinette D’Auria and Ada D’Auria; his cousins; Pasqual D’Auria, Dr. Thomas M. D’Auria, Vincent D’Auria, Michael D’Auria and Frank Serra; his brother-in-law, Andrew Tignanelli; and his sister-in-law, Yvonne Tignanelli.
Friends will be received in the VITO C. MARTUCCI FUNERAL HOME, 123 South First Street, West Side, Connellsville, PA 15425 (724.628.9033) today from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m
Funeral Service will be held in the VITO C. MARTUCCI FUNERAL HOME on Friday, November 14, at 10 a.m. with Father Gerry Juarez as Celebrant followed by Full Military Rites conducted by members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 21 and the American Legion Posts 301 and 762.
Interment will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville Pennsylvania
Ralph’s family asks that donations in lieu of other tokens of sympathy be made to the American Cancer Society Post Office Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.
When you were born you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.
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