William Mazzier

William “Bill” Mazzier, 79, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away after a long battle with Covid-19 on Thursday, October 29, 2020, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital. He passed away as he lived, on his terms. Bill was a special man from the beginning. He was born February 23,1941, in Evansville, Indiana to Angelo and Viola (Tenbarge) Mazzier, but upon his birth he was nearly pronounced a stillborn, until one special nurse insisted that they “try one more time” to perform CPR and a miracle was witnessed. Bill was full of life and ambition ever since!

Bill was a great role model for many people throughout his life, but especially to his adored children and grandchildren. He instilled drive, determination and a desire to “be better’ to those who knew him well. Bill was a self-made man who excelled throughout his life, in school, athletics and business. Starting a paper route at 9 years old, he was off and running for the next 70 years. Bill was a “thinker”, always putting together successful strategies whether it be for business or for coaching.

Bill was a proud Reitz Memorial High School Graduate where he excelled in tennis, earning both city and state championship titles, which ultimately led to a scholarship to play for Indiana University. His IU experience made him a diehard fan of all things “IU”, especially IU basketball! Once, jokingly, he even insisted on painting a large “IU” symbol on his daughter’s red dining room wall, while helping her paint. Much to his chagrin, it took him 8 coats of paint to cover up his cherished letters.

Ultimately, Bill completed his bachelor’s degree from the University of Evansville. He was a proud member and Pledge Master of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, a 1st Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps, a member of the Honorary Society for Marketing and continued his tennis career. Regaling his children with stories of his SigEp days were a highlight, but his ultimate achievement during his U of E tenure was the blind date with fellow student, Sandy Hayden. Sandy caught his eye and true to his spirit, he became determined to make her his wife. On July 18, 1964, Bill married the “love of his life” and Sandy, her “sunshine” and the 2 embarked on a 56-year partnership and adventure.

Bill started his successful marketing career in Florida, then NY and Chicago, developing successful electronic sales teams both in the US and Internationally, winning many awards along his way. His magnetic personality was perfect for this position and he quickly rose up the corporate ladder to VP. However, in his heart, Bill was always a true entrepreneur. Bill and Sandy felt Evansville would be the best place to raise their young family and dove wholeheartedly into self-employment. His passion for success coupled with his mind for business ultimately led to owning 10 businesses in 3 states and multiple real estate holdings. To think all of this began from a paper route years ago.

Bill dedicated all his spare time to his family, coaching his children and later his grandchildren in baseball, softball and soccer. He had a knack for creating winning teams and was the ultimate competitor throughout his life. He fervently followed his favorite NY Yankees and IU basketball teams, a passion he passed down to his children Kelly, Todd and Andrew. Even at the end of his life he was reciting “stats” about his favorite players, teams and keeping up on the World Series.

Bill was honored to serve on the financial Board at St. Mary’s Hospital, and built one of the first St. Mary’s Convenient Care Centers in Evansville. He was a faithful member of Resurrection Catholic Church and a proud member of the West Side Nut Club for several years. He was an avid reader, loved the occasional poker game with the boys, or standing at the craps table for a few hours. Above all, he made sure his family created great memories together; traveling and adventures made for great stories- ones we’d recount time and time again. Bill loved his family and his family loved and adored him- this is the most important accomplishment of a successful man.

Bill is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sandra “Sandy” (Hayden) Mazzier; daughter, Kelly A. Mazzier-Devitt (Tony Panepinto); son, Andrew J. Mazzier (Megan Yeryar); grandchildren, Hayden M. Devitt, Jamison Delaney Devitt, Taylor A. Devitt, Reece N. Mazzier, Jacob A. Mazzier, and Ryan I. Mazzier. He was preceded in death by his parents, and son, Todd W. Mazzier on July 1, 2020.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2020, at St. Benedict Cathedral, officiated by Fr. Joseph Ziliak, with entombment in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery where military rites will be conducted. Friends may visit Thursday from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at Alexander East Chapel and from Noon until service time Friday at the church. Bill’s service will be livestreamed on Facebook at 1:00 p.m. on Friday at www.facebook.com/saintbenedictcathedral.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, in Bill Mazzier’s name, to The MazzierStrong Foundation (a 501c3 organization to fund ALS research and care) 3109 E. Blackford Ave, Evansville, IN 47714 or Reitz Memorial High School, 1500 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, Indiana 47714.