True to his quiet warrior strength, Jeff passed away peacefully from complications of leukemia on February 18, 2021, after battling his illness for a year and a half where he was surrounded by his soulmate, wife of 47 years, Linda Mazik, and their beloved children, Craig and Jenny.
Predeceased by his father, Frank Mazik, mother, Lillian (nee Jensen), brother, Richard “Dick” Mazik and his recently passed dachshund, Sasha, whom he affectionately called “kid”.
Jeff was born on August 13, 1947, in Newark, NJ. He grew up in Union, NJ, living there for most of his life, and was a graduate of Union High School. He served in the U.S. Army, where he went on to work for Schering-Plough/Merck as a pharmaceutical operator for 40 years. Jeff also had a small handyman and remodeling side business in the 90’s, a great passion of his.
Jeff’s hobbies were working with his hands, which included woodworking, anything tool related. Never one to be unprepared, he always had a tool for every job. Having an appreciation for all-things craftsmanship, Jeff enjoyed fixing cars, playing guitar, making everyone laugh with his no-fail quick wit and driving on Sundays to Western Jersey to be out in the countryside, being one with nature.
His lifelong dream of living in the countryside, or as he referred to it as “being in the sticks,” came to fruition in 2018 when Jeff and his family moved to Fredon Township after living in Union for 40 years. He saw it as a new chapter to be enjoyed with his family.
Due to his humble and on-the-go personality, his most treasured hobby was to be a help to anyone - family, friends, neighbors, strangers, or animals. It didn’t matter; he was there. All you had to do was ask. Even if Jeff sensed you needed help, he would immediately get up and offer is assistance. That alone, gave Jeff the most joy. To top it off, he never expected, nor wanted, anything in return.
And sure enough, thanks to his no pomp and circumstance demeanor, right to the very end of Jeff’s life, he requested no big funeral arrangements to be made. A private family viewing will be held at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, charities Jeff supported.
Jeff is also survived by his dearly loved mother-in-law, Janet Hilson, of Fredon Township, his special sisters-in-law, Jennifer Gentilucci, of East Stroudsburg, PA, and Judy Mazik, of Portland, OR, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins.
On behalf of Jeff, his family would like to thank the wonderful medical team at John Theurer Cancer Center and Hackensack University Medical Hospital for their round the clock compassion in caring for this simple and quiet guy who will be greatly missed by all the lives he touched.
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