Obituary of Elio Ferdinando Mazzei

Elio F. Mazzei passed away at his Santa Cruz home on June 4, 2013. He was 89. Elio was born in Santa Cruz on January 21, 1924, the son of Settimo and Guiseppina (Cerri) Mazzei. He grew up in Davenport and later moved to Santa Cruz with his family. He was a graduate of Santa Cruz High School class of 1943. After high school Elio served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was stationed in the Philippines. Following his military service he returned home to Santa Cruz where he married Marilyn Sponagle. He and Marilyn settled in Santa Cruz where they raised their son and were lifelong residents. Elio worked as a facilities maintenance person for Victor Electronics in Scotts Valley, Intel and later retired from Santa Cruz Operations. He was a member of the Marconi Club and Sons of Italy. In his younger years he enjoyed boating and water skiing with his family. Later in life he enjoyed taking RV trips with Marilyn. He was also a skilled carpenter, who his family say's "could fix or build anything". He loved to tinker. He is survived by his son, Dennis Mazzei; his grandson, Anthony Mazzei and his wife, Melissa; two brothers, Aldo Mazzei and his wife, Barbara and Ed Mazzei. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Marilyn Mazzei in 1995. Services will be held at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St., Santa Cruz, CA on Monday June 10, 2013 at 11:00 am. Friends are invited to call at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel on Sunday from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Entombment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, 2271 7th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA. The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to his caregivers Minda Madronal and Tess Zarate for the loving care and attention they gave Elio during his final days. In lieu of flowers the family prefers contributions to Hospice of Santa Cruz, 940 Disc Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066.