Michael S. Mazza

Michael Stino Mazza, 80, died peacefully Thursday afternoon, February 22 at Life Care Nursing Home in Seneca.
     Michael was born in Kansas City, MO on August 12, 1926 the son of Frank and Mary Theresa Picone Mazza. Before enlisting in the Navy at the age of 16, he attended Karnes Elementary and Manual High School in Kansas City. Michael served on the U.S.S. Duluth and the U.S.S Pasadena and was honorably discharged with the rank of Fireman First Class on January 21, 1948.
     After service to his country, Michael worked as a bartender at his uncle’s business, the Quality Hill Bar in Kansas City. In 1959, Michael went to work for KSG, Kansas Service Grocers, which was later bought out by Associated Grocers, where he continued working as a delivery driver until he suffered a stroke in 1987, which led him to retire. He was a member of Teamsters Local Union 955 of Kansas City, MO.
     On May 14, 1955, Michael married Esther Mardell Willkie in Kansas City. The couple raised three children. In February 2006, Michael and his wife moved to Seneca to be close to their granddaughter Kelly Schmelzle.
     Michael enjoyed playing cards, bowling, horseshoes, hunting and fishing. He also took pleasure in watching western movies.
     Survivors besides his wife Esther of the home are two daughters, Cathy Sue Harper of Lewisville, TX, and Sherry Ann Scott of Kansas City, MO; a son, Frank Joseph Mazza of Kansas City; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
     The rosary will be prayed at 7 PM on Sunday February 25 at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM Monday at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery, with full military honors by the VFW Memorial Post #7458, and the American Legion Earle W. Taylor Post #21, both of Seneca.
     Memorial fund will be designated later; memorials may be sent in care of the family.