Our
community sadly lost a pillar on May 25, 2024, when Richard T. Mazza
passed away from pancreatic cancer, with his family by his side.
The
youngest of five boys, born at home on September 4, 1939, to Joseph
and Mary Mazza, Dick or Richie to all who knew him was an
open-minded, generous, loyal, trustworthy and loving man.
A
lifelong resident of Colchester and graduate of Winooski High School,
first and foremost, Dick was devoted to his family and cherished
every moment spent together, making them his top priority. He
especially loved his role as a grandfather and great-grandfather.
He
was the owner of Dick Mazza’s General Store, starting alongside his
father 70 years ago this month and proudly operating the store since.
It is only fitting that Dick passed away on the sixth anniversary of
Gov. Phil Scott’s 2019 proclamation deeming May 25, 2019, “Dick
Mazza’s General Store Day.”
With
considerable pride, Dick spent 41 years serving in the Vermont
legislature and held various positions within the Statehouse
throughout those years, including dean of the Senate, chair of the
Senate Committee on Transportation, vice chair of Senate Committee on
Institutions and the third member of the Committee on Committees.
Dick was often referred to as the best dressed in the Statehouse,
wearing his trademark loud, colorful ties with a matching pocket
scarf and a carnation on his lapel. He was known for being a
relentless champion for his constituents, serving with integrity and
collegiality.
Dick’s
public service extended to his community involvement throughout his
lifetime, including board membership at the Champlain Valley
Exposition, Vermont Nurses’ Association, Colchester Senior Citizens
Housing Project, Fanny Allen Hospital, Friends of the Burnham
Memorial Library and others. He received many awards as well,
including Vermont Grocer of the Year, Citizen of the Year and
countless others.
His
lifelong philanthropic giving to the Town of Colchester, where he
spent his life, was honored recently by naming the road to the new
Colchester Recreation Center as “Dick Mazza Drive.”
Cars
— especially corvettes — Farmall tractors and Coca-Cola
memorabilia round out Dick’s passions.
All
who loved Dick dearly will never forget how he led by example.
Whether it was through his friendships, contributions, work ethic or
devotion to public service, he gave with kindness, enthusiasm and
respect. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone
Dick interacted with, as well as those he reached yet never met.
To
honor Dick’s memory, please treat everyone with compassion and be
of service to others and grateful for the day’s blessings.
Dick
is survived by his loyal wife of 58 years, Dorothy “Dolly” Mazza;
two faithful children, Mike Mazza (Lynn) and Melissa Mazza-Paquette
(David Paquette); his adoring grandchildren, Erik Mazza (Emily) and
MacKenzie Mazza (Blaze Vogliano); sweet great-granddaughters,
Charlotte and Caroline; and older brother John Mazza Sr. He is
predeceased by his parents and three brothers, Frank, Robert and
Joseph. Dick also leaves behind countless friends and family, who
touched his heart immensely.
A
funeral service will be on Thursday, May 30, 2024, 11 a.m., at Holy
Cross Church in Colchester, immediately followed by a celebration of
life reception in the Miller Building at the Champlain Valley
Exposition in Essex Junction. As Dick loved color, his favorite being
purple, we invite those joining to come dressed colorfully.
Due
to family floral allergies, please do not send flowers. For those
wishing to do so, memorial contributions in Dick’s name may be made
instead to Colchester Rescue, 687 Blakely Rd., Colchester, VT 05446,
or to the McClure Miller Respite House via the Jiggety Jog team
“Legacy of Love” fundraiser at give.uvmhealth.org/team/583766.
Arrangements are in the care of LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation
Service. To send online condolences to his family, please visit
vtfuneralhomes.com.
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This article appears in The Summer Preview 2024.
Dick Mazza was a great business man and politician who serve his community and country with honor . He will always be missed and remembered.