Anthony Sylvester Mazzuca, a Cold Spring Resident, Dies at 91
Anthony Sylvester Mazzuca, born Antonio and known fondly as “Tony”, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 28, 2017, at Vassar Brothers Hospital, Poughkeepsie, NY. He was born April 12, 1926 in Peekskill, NY and just recently celebrated his 91st birthday. Tony was born to the late Antonio Mazzuca and Concetta Merante-Mazzuca in Peekskill, NY. He lived for a short time in Pennsylvania, but grew up and resided and in Cold Spring, NY. Tony and his family had strong roots in Cold Spring and Nelsonville and he considered himself a native.
Tony is survived by his four children, Raymond Mazzuca of Arcadia, FL, Peter Mazzuca of Saratoga, NY, Karen Mazzuca-Biddiscombe and her husband Kevin of Wallkill, NY, and Tony Mazzuca and his wife Tammy, of Key West, Florida. He also leaves behind four grandchildren whom he loved dearly; Scott Russo and his wife Janel of Wassaic, NY, Erika Mazzuca-Galish and her husband Skyler, Peter Mazzuca and his wife Katie of Tucson, AZ, Connor Biddiscombe of Wallkill, NY and Joseph Ferrante his step-grandson of Wassaic, NY. Tony was immeasurably blessed with six beautiful great-grandchildren whom he also leaves behind; Anthony Russo, Samara and Maliah Galish, Kari and Madeline Mazzuca and another grandson who is on the way. Tony is the 2nd eldest of nine boys. He is survived by his brothers Samuel “Bobby” of Maryland, Richard “Richie” of Maryland, William “Billy” of Cold Spring, Ronald “Ronnie” of Cold Spring, Michael “Mickey” of Fishkill, NY. His brothers John, Joseph “Moe” and Philip all predeceased him. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Tony was previously married to the former Jeanette Maddox-Mazzuca of 19 years who pre-deceased him.
Over the years, Tony shared many amazing stories of the Mazzuca family and their heritage, growing up in Cold Spring, driving trucks on the frozen Hudson River and many historic places that were once thriving. He would also share stories of how he progressed up the corporate ladder at IBM Fishkill and East Fishkill where he was recognized for outstanding achievement in management and training. His personal performance management principles were modeled by IBM management. He was known to be tough but fair and retired after 35 years of dedicated service. However, the greatest achievement and part of his life that he was most proud of, was that as a Private 1st class in the United States Army. Tony proudly served two consecutive terms as a Light Truck Driver and Sherman Tank Crewman both in Rhineland Central Europe, under the General Patton in the Hell on Wheels, 2nd Armored Division. Tony earned the American Theatre Ribbon, Army of Occupation Medal Germany, World War II Victory Medal, EAME Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. If you asked him about his medals he would dismiss them humbly and tell you that he was more proud to have just served his country. After an honorable discharge, Tony returned to Cold Spring where he started his family. He continued his patriotic duty by becoming actively involved and committed to community service. Tony was a member of both the Nelsonville Fire Company and North Highlands Engine Company. He served as a Scoutmaster of Cold Spring Boy Scouts of American Troop # 137 and President of the Cold Spring Lion’s Club. He was a Trustee of Nelsonville, then Mayor of Nelsonville, followed by becoming the Supervisor of the Town of Philips town for two consecutive terms. In all of these rolls he was actively involved in making his community a better place to live and held his positions in office with integrity and loyalty. Tony distinguished himself by his dedication to the ideals of hard work, responsibility, sincerity, integrity and diligence, enriching his community by his unselfish efforts. He was so proud of the military service held by many Mazzuca family members to include a number of his brothers and nephews, but especially of his son who has made his career in the Coast Guard and is MKCS Tony Mazzuca Senior Chief Engineering Petty Officer, and of his grandson Peter who is an Airman 1st Class in the Airforce, and his grandson-in-law Skyler who is a Machinist Tech 3rd Class in the Coast Guard. Tony was a deeply patriotic man, which was evident in his day-to-day life and steadfast loyalty to his country. He faced many difficult challenges throughout his life, both as a civilian and in the military, but on this Memorial weekend of May 2017, Tony has fought his final battle. He will be missed greatly and remembered with love.
Family and friend may attend calling hours that will be held at the McHoul Funeral Home, 895 Rt 82, Hopewell Jct., NY on both Friday, June 2, 2017 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm and again on Saturday, June 3rd from 11-12 noon. A brief memorial service will be held at that time at the funeral home. Following the services at the funeral home, there will be a brief burial service at the Cold Spring Rural Cemetery, Peekskill Road, Cold Spring, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #236, 10 Cedar Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516, or the American Legion Post #275, 3 Cedar Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516.