Antonio "Tony" Mazzocco, Age 84, passed away on January 25, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. He was born December 14, 1936 in Piano D'Ischia, Italy. The youngest child of five born to Giulio Mazzocco and Alfonsina Giancola. Beloved Husband of the late Carmela Mazzocco (nee Di Domenico) married 24+ years until her death in 1985. Devoted and Loving Husband to Karen Mazzocco (nee Samp) sharing a wonderful life together for the past 32+ years. Loving Father to his son Giulio and Dear Father-in-Law to Julie. Loving Step-Father/Grandfather to Kimberly Pinto and her beautiful daughter Eliana and dog Jade. Loving Step-Father/Grandfather to Anthony Pinto and his beautiful daughters Virginia and Pricilla. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Brothers Guido and Remo and Sisters Ines and Adelina (who died in infancy). He was a Beloved Brother-in-Law to many.
Survived by and a Very Much Loved Uncle to many Nephews and Nieces including their Children, sharing a close relationship regardless of whether they lived in Italy, Chicago or Canada. Survived by and cherished by many Cousins, Paesan, Friends and Neighbors. He especially treasured his neighbors Rigoberto and Jose who were always there for him. Lastly, he is survived by his dearly loved childhood friend Benito Di Ianni of Piano D'Ischia/Rome who always made him laugh so hard that it was actually snorting instead of laughing. He considered everyone as part of his extended family.
Some fun facts about the life of Antonio Mazzocco. He was born and grew up in a Renaissance Era house (aka “il Palazzo”) in Piano D'Ischia or more accurately a small three room apartment that housed six people, fireplaces for heat and no bathroom. His formative years were spent in Italy during World War II. He was not fond of farming or herding goats or basically anything where he didn’t get paid for his hard work. He escaped to Rome as soon as possible to work and live with his brothers. He found Rome’s urban setting and nightlife a bit more appealing.He always had his sights set on living in the U.S. with all the opportunities it might afford him.
He ultimately met and married Carmela in Villa Scontrone, Italy in 1960 who was already living in Chicago since the 50’s. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to join her until 1962. Once he arrived he worked as a general laborer at several companies until he eventually landed a job at The Department of Streets and Sanitation for the City of Chicago. Where he retired after 16 years in 1998 at the ripe old age of 62. He said one of the best things he ever did was retire. Though he never really retired with a house to maintain and his daily coffee rounds to make. He became a very proud U.S. Citizen in 1969 and he absolutely loved living in Chicago at his beautiful home that he shared with Karen. He refused any opportunities to move.
He was a Proud and Dedicated Member of the Molisani Nel Mondo Club of Chicago and The Blessed Virgin of Mt. Carmel Society of Villa Scontrone. He enjoyed Bocce and Poker and gathering with all his friends and Paesans. He enjoyed Western Movies especially John Wayne. He loved Italian Music, Country Music, Dean Martin and Elvis. He was also quite a good dancer.
Being Old School Italian he was quick to share his opinions and offer unsolicited advice - usually very loudly. He was tough but gentle, pigheaded but flexible, serious but goofy, impatient but patient, tightfisted but generous. He was a great man with a contagious laugh who leaves a void in the lives of many people. His plan, which was repeated many times, was to live forever or at least reach his Mother’s age of 100+ years. Unfortunately, this was not meant to be.
We will always love you and our memories of you will never fade.
In the end it was a life well-loved and well lived.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18