Gioacchino Ernest Mazza

85, from Brooklyn, New York

Passed away on May 14, 2025

Jack Mazza was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 29, 1940 to Seraphina (Fanny) and Ernest Mazza. He was married to Ann for 42 years, and had two younger siblings, Michael and Rosemarie. Jack is survived by his two daughters, Christine and Roseann and their families.

Jack and Ann met while working at Rispoli’s bakery in Brooklyn. They married on June 14, 1963. Christine was born in 1964. They moved to Los Angeles in 1971 and Roseann was born. The family moved to Staten Island for a few years before moving to San Diego in April of 1976. Jack and Ann moved to Menifee, CA in 2000.

Jack was a naval architect. He worked on government contracted aircraft carriers and ships. He retired in 2005, 6 months after losing Ann. He worked for the post office briefly, then at Target for 10 years. He moved to Lake Havasu for 3 years, then back to Menifee, then settled at Sunrise Assisted Living in Carlsbad, CA for his last 3 years.

Jack loved shooting and woodworking. He built a workshop, hope chests for all his granddaughters, a potter’s bench, coffee tables, bird houses and had started on a model ship of The U.S.S. Constitution. He loved light houses and all things nautical. Always known for his sense of humor, he was notorious for having his grandchildren pull his finger and emitting the worst gas. He had a green Chevy truck for many years and the grandchildren called it Green Cloud because Pop-Pop Jack thought it was funny to pass gas with the windows rolled up.

While at Sunrise, Jack was the happiest resident. Always smiling, tipping his hat, and flirting with all the ladies. He spent most of his time sitting in the sun room by the entrance, welcoming those coming in and saying goodbye, be safe to those leaving. He said, “How does a guy from Brooklyn wind up in a place like this.” He was so grateful, never complained and will be missed by all.

My sister and I rejoice that because of our Dad’s faith in Jesus Christ, he is in heaven with our loved ones who have gone before, and that we will all be together one day.