Obituary of Raymond D Mazzola

Raymond D. Mazzola, Sr., age 93 of Gibbstown, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2017 at Inspira Medical Center in Woodbury surrounded by his family.

He is the beloved husband of 69 years of Elenore (nee Riccio); devoted father of Raymond Jr. (Roseann), Leonora (Louis) Picciano, Elissa (George) Brooks and the late Angela (Stanley III) McGraw; Loving grandfather of Missy (Greg), Gabrielle, Laura, Natalie, Stanley IV (Julia), Jacqueline, Angela, George, Declan and Raymond, and great grandfather of Jackson, Taylor, Luke, Beau, Stanley V, Wesley and Madeline. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Raymond was born in South Philadelphia on January 16, 1924 to the late Domenic and Mary (Bregatta) Mazzola, and is predeceased by his adoring siblings, Peter Mazzola and Natalie Saporito. He attended Bok Vocational School for tailoring. He worked at R&C Coat Shop at 11th and Washington Avenue in Philadelphia as a Master Tailor of men's suits and tuxedos. Raymond was a head foreman for After Six Tuxedos and retired in 1997 after 60 years of devoted service to his craft. His custom-made suits fit like a glove and lasted forever. Besides his clients, he made many suits and pants for family and friends. He could sew women's clothing just as well, which his daughters and granddaughters appreciated during prom season.

Raymond served in the United States Army during World War II, beginning in 1943 and was honorably discharged in 1946. After marrying Elenore, he moved to the Frankford section of Philadelphia where he raised his family. Raymond was very social and freely gave of his time, serving on many volunteer committees at his children's school and home parish of St. Joachim Catholic Church. He loved to feel connected to his community and was proud of the life he built. After retirement, Raymond and Elenore were warmly welcomed into a new community in Gibbstown, NJ, which they made their home for the last fourteen years.  Raymond could often be found downstairs socializing and playing cards.

Raymond loved music, and played the clarinet and saxophone for many years. He was particularly passionate about young children studying music and believed it opened their minds to learning.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation and Funeral on Saturday, December 2 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the Parish of St. Clare of Assisi, Church of St. Michael, 313 Memorial Avenue in Gibbstown, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM. Interment will follow at the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Williamstown.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Raymond's memory to Guardian Angels Regional School, 150 South School Street, Gibbstown, NJ 08027 for Music Education.