Francis “Franny” Gerard Mazzola, 74, of Franklin, died Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at Medway Country Manor Nursing Center after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the beloved husband of Bonita A. (Almeida) Mazzola.
Born June 15, 1937 in Newton, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Antonio “Henry” and Elizabeth (Sampson) Mazzola. He was a resident of Franklin for the past 35 years and a former resident of Bellingham.
He was raised in Newton and was a graduate of Newton High School Class of 1957. He served in the US Army Reserves for 6 years. In addition to being employed as a Meat Cutter for Star Market for 37 years, Mr. Mazzola was later employed as a Special Needs Van Driver for the Franklin Public Schools until his retirement in 2010 after 13 years of service.
He enjoyed everything in life… and as a hard worker, he did it all. An avid Red Sox and Patriots fan, he coached and umpired Little League and Senior League Baseball in Bellingham and Franklin, as well as served as a Group Leader for Boy-Cub Scout Troop 100. He received the 1999 Volunteer Recognition Award from the Franklin Youth Baseball League and a special Service Recognition Award from the Franklin School Committee in 2010. Most importantly, he cherished spending time with his family and friends.
In addition to his wife of 52 years, he is survived by 5 loving children: Dr. Gary F. Mazzola and his wife Joyce of East Walpole; Michelle Mazzola, Joseph Mazzola and his wife Kimberly all of Woonsocket, RI; Lisa Downie and her husband Tom of Franklin; and Karen Mazzola DiTroia of Acworth, GA. Also surviving him are his five brothers: Norman “Joseph” Mazzola of Dover, DE; Phillip Mazzola of LaGrange, GA; Donald Mazzola of Tewksbury, MA; Paul Mazzola of Brookline, MA; and Larry Mazzola of Columbia, SC; and two sisters: Theresa Aiello of Brighton, MA and Janet Proia of Brewster, MA.
Francis was the proud grandfather of 7 grandchildren: Matthew Mazzola of Somerville, MA; Danielle and Taylor Downie; Monika and Drake DiTroia; and Andrew and Justin Mazzola.
He was predeceased by one brother: Richard Mazzola of Newton, and three sisters: Rita Mazzola of Newton, Alice Rizza of Randolph, and Bernadette Marino of Uxbridge, MA.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend his calling hours on Sunday, March 4th, from 4-8 PM at the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main St., Franklin, MA.
His funeral will be held Monday, March 5th from the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin at 9:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St Mary’s Catholic Church, One Church Square, Franklin at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Blue Hills Cemetery in Braintree, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to Best Buddies Massachusetts- Franklin Chapter, c/o 27 Dover Circle, Franklin MA 02038 or online at http://www.bestbuddies.org/donate