Anthony R. Mazzarella, 77, of Tappan, formerly of Long Island City, Queens, passed away at home on Saturday, January 24, 2015. Loving husband of Deanne (nee Pelio). Cherished father of his three children; Michelle Racca and husband Marcello of Tappan, Daniel Mazzarella and Bethziada of Middle Village, Queens and Kris Mazzarella and husband Kenneth Kugaczewski of Tappan. Adored grandfather of Francesca and Daniel. Dear brother of Mickey, Andrew, Elizabeth, Gabriel, Josephine and Anne. Predeceased by his first wife Frances Toal.
Tony was a hard-working Restauranteur who owned The Waterfront Crabhouse in Long Island City for over 35 years, as well as many other businesses over the years.
Tony served as a member of the American Cancer Society, Queens Division. He was the founder of the Patty Fund for Childhood Cancer, and together with his many friends, for over twenty years, has helped ease the pain and suffering of children with cancer. Tony started an annual July 4th block party that raised thousands of dollars for the benefit of cancer patients. Other events like Jail and Bail, and bachelor and bachelorette auctions were held at the Crab House all for the benefit of The American Cancer Society. Every year he would host a Christmas party for kids with cancer. The rule was any of Tony’s friends had to come dressed in a costume to help with games for the children. It was a great event.
Tony was instrumental in the development of the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Manhattan where cancer patients and their care givers can stay free of charge while undergoing cancer treatment. Through his efforts a day room for kids was funded at Hope Lodge.
He helped with many programs for children with cancer at Schneider Children’s Hospital such as funding for chairs that turned into beds so parents could stay with their children at night, and cheerfully colored hats for kids that were losing their hair from treatments, just to name a few, .
In recognition of his commitment to finding a cure for cancer, Tony was honored with the American Cancer Society’s St. George Medal, which is the highest and most prestigious award for outstanding service and leadership in the fight against cancer.
The Sunnyside Lions Club honored Tony with an award as a “Knight for the Blind” for helping to raise money for a guide dog named Grieco in memory of Vinny Grieco.
Tony was a member of the New York State Wine and Grape Foundation and served during Mario Cuomo’s term as Governor. Anthony was a member of the New York State Boxing Commission, Treasurer of the Ring 8 Veteran Boxers Association and the driving force to establish a New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in Queens.
When illegal drugs were a major problem in western Queens, Tony with Father Costello, called for a “Walk on Crack” to raise public awareness about the dangers of crack cocaine.
Tony started the Golden Mittens as way for young kids to focus and learn skills by encouraging physical fitness as a way to work with kids to not use drugs.
Tony was instrumental in Golden Glove events throughout Queens to raise money for the Patty Fund.
He was well known and well-liked by politicians who would seek Tony’s advice and guidance on many community issues.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday 11 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church, Tappan. Visiting hours are Thursday 2-4 and 6-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956 or the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 132 West 32nd Street, NY, NY 10001 (800-227-2345).