Donald Mazeroski

Donald Eugene Mazeroski of New Philadelphia (formerly of Cadiz) died Tuesday, November 1st. He was born on May 12, 1924 to Franklin and Mae Kelly Mazeroski (Cunningham). He attended Cadiz High School and was a Veteran of WWII. He was drafted into the Army in 1943 where, prior to being deployed overseas, he boxed and played halfback on the division football team. From there, Don served with the 27th Division in both the Saipan and Okinawa campaigns. At war's end, he was one of the first U.S. Army troops to occupy mainland Japan. After the war, Don returned home and like his father and uncles before him, found work in the coal mine operations of Harrison County. After some 35 years (15 of those working steady midnight), he eventually retired from his position in plant maintenance from the Y&O Nelms #1 plant. (Note: When Don was just 16, his father and two uncles died in the 1940 mine disaster there.) Don was a devoted husband and father who took great pride in his family. Tough on the outside but secretly soft on the inside, he always gave his best to provide for his wife and children - often working not only 6 and 7 days a week; but even double shifts if needed. He also had a great love for sports and besides attending a lot of Pirates baseball games on weekends at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, began coaching little league baseball in Cadiz back in 1961 thru 1966. After that, he found a new hobby that would sustain him for the next 25 years; harness horse owner. Whether at various county fairs through out Ohio or the big race tracks like The Meadows, Scioto Downs, or Northfield Park, Don made many friends with other horse owners while working with his horses, trainers, and drivers. During the fall months of the early 1970's, Don and Jane were also regular attendees of OSU home football games where they made many good friends. When the decision was made to build the proposed Robert Mazeroski Memorial Baseball Field, Don was ready, willing, and able to help spearhead the construction in memory of his brother. While he had a lot of help from a number of fine people in the community; he essentially served as its veritable "superintendent". That is, he not only coordinated much of the development phases with public and company officials, he also raked, picked up rocks, mowed, etc. He was a tireless worker who demanded more of himself than he did of others. Don had been a lifetime resident of Cadiz until he and wife, Jane (deceased 12/09) moved to their new home in New Phila in late 1996 to be nearer to their children and grandchildren. Prior to that, it was not unusual for them to make the trip as many as two or three times a week. And since being around family was so important to them, this was a perfect decision. As always, Don took great pride in keeping his home, lawn, and flower gardens looking their very best. Having been members of the Scott Methodist church in Cadiz for many years; they now joined the Broadway United Methodist church in New Phila. Whether it was having the families over for weekend dinners or just dropping in "to see the kids", everyone was welcome. With all the attention they got from him, Don's grandchildren had no doubt that he was the best Grandpa ever! His love for them was easily apparent but also immeasurable - as was their affection for him. (It was hard to tell who was more excited to see who!) Don Mazeroski was a good and decent man who left the world a better place than when he came in. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Vich Mazeroski, with whom he was married for over 59 years and a brother, Robert Mazeroski. He is survived by a sister, Emolene Mazeroski Kovacik of Malvern and two children; Donna (Bill) Ferris of New Philadelphia and David of Dover. Grandchildren are Matthew (Lisa) Ferris of Columbus and Mitchell Ferris of New York City along with Donnie Maz of Houston, Texas; Sara Maz (Scott) Kuecher of Trenton, NJ; and Ricky Maz, a student at OSU in Columbus. Great grandchildren are: Hailey Jane Kuecher and Patrick Eugene Kuecher. Friends may call Thursday, November 10, 2011 from 10:00 until time of services at 11:30 a.m. at Scott United Methodist Church, 817 East Market St., Cadiz, OH. Rev. Richard Hasley, Rev. William Sauers and Rev. Robert Mazeroski will officiate. Burial will follow at Holly Memorial Gardens. Military Honors will be performed by the Cadiz American Legion. In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Harrison Hills Athletic Boosters

Service

Thursday, November 10, 2011 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Scott United Methodist Church
817 E. Market St. Cadiz, 43907, United States

Service

Thursday, November 10, 2011 11:30 AM
Scott United Methodist Church
817 E. Market St. Cadiz, 43907, United States