Joseph Sebastian Mazza

Joseph Sebastian Mazza, age 91, passed away on December 2, 2021 in Bradenton, FL. He suffered with Alzheimer’s for several years and is now forever healed and in his heavenly home with his Lord and Savior.

He attended St. Francis Prep School in Spring Grove, PA and graduated in 1947. From there, he went to Penn State where he graduated in 1951 majoring in Science. He married the love of his life, Gloria Pagano Mazza, in 1951 and moved to Pittsburgh. He began his career with PPG at the Glass Research Center in Harmarville, PA and a few years later moved into the Pittsburgh offices as a technical sales engineer working on special glass developments for the nuclear energy field and later for the aircraft industry. Eventually he became Director of Sales and Marketing for the Aircraft Division of PPG in Huntsville, AL until 1985. He was then promoted by PPG to become General Manager of the aircraft group for Europe, Middle East and Africa and lived in Milan, Italy from 1985 through 1988. He returned to Huntsville, AL and later retired from a very successful career with PPG in 1989.

Joe served as President of the World Trade Association and was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to serve on the Alabama Export Council. He also served as President of his Homeowners Association at Tara Golf and Country Club in Bradenton. He was involved with the Knights of Columbus and was recognized for his Fourth Degree membership status. He was very devoted and proud of his family, many close friends, his faith, Catholic church and many volunteer endeavors he was involved in. In his spare time, he loved to fish, golf, camp, cook Italian food, grill, travel the world and spend time with family.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Ellen and Mazza, and his sister, Virginia Kelsesky. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Gloria Mazza, his three children, Christine Culp (Tom Lang) of Bradenton, FL, Sharon Valavicius (Richard) of Huntsville, AL and Joseph Mazza (Celina) of Orlando, FL. He is also survived by his sister, Carol Randolph of Pittsburgh, PA, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A memorial mass will be held at his church at a later date. In his memory, his family requests memorials be made to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, Florida 34238.