John Mazur

John Edward Mazur, 94, of Chatham, MA, for many years a resident of Pittsfield, died Sunday at Liberty Commons in Chatham, MA. Born in Derby, CT October 30, 1920, the son of Adam E. and Elizabeth Stocklin Mazur, he attended schools there and was a graduate of Canaan (CT) High School. At the age of 16, MR. Mazur received his aircraft pilot's license from the State of Connecticut Board of Aeronautics on September 10, 1937. A US Army veteran of World War II, Mr. Mazur enlisted on October 27, 1939, served with Company A, 18th Engineer Combat Battalion where he worked to complete the Alcan Highway in Alaska. He was also involved in the invasion of Attu Island in the Aleutians and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant on June 11, 1945. Mr. Mazur was a carpenter and together with his brother, Robert, owned Mazur Brothers' Construction Co. in Pittsfield building many homes in the surrounding towns. He later was employed at Berkshire Medical Center in the carpentry department, retiring several years ago. He and his wife, Mary Roux Mazur, were married in St. Ann's Church in Lenox October 30, 1948. Besides his wife of Chatham he is survived by five daughters: Cynthia A. Mole and her former husband, Richard of Pittsfield; Jane S. Riddell of Dalton; Lynn M. Paladino and her husband, Robert of Centerville; Ann M. Lasoskie of North Grafton and her former husband, William of Northborough; Lisa M. Mazur of Pittsfield; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Mazur of Louisiana, and his sister, Betty Sojka of Connecticut. He was predeceased by his son, Dennis J. Mazur on January 12, 1978, and his sister, Rita Doughty. John's family and friends will remember him for making the best homemade bread in the world. Nothing compared to "Grandpa's bread." He was an avid nature lover, certifying his home in Pittsfield as habitat for wildlife with the National Wildlife Federation. He was also a passionate New England birder and a member of the Mass Audubon Society for many years. However, John's greatest fulfillment and happiness came from being with his family. His wife, Mae, was his constant companion for 67 years. He instilled in his children his love of nature and old-fashioned hard work. His greatest legacy is the love he had for his family. We will dearly miss his laughter, his quirkiness, and above all, his wonderful, warm heart. FUNERAL NOTICE: A private funeral service for Mr. John E. Mazur who died October 4, 2015 in Chatham, MA will be conducted at the ROCHE FUNERAL HOME in Lenox by the Rev. Christopher J. Waitekus, Pastor of St. Ann's Church in Lenox. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Veterans of Foreign Wars both in care of the funeral home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.