Fred J. Mazzarello

Fred J. Mazzarello, a lifelong resident of College Point, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 5. He was 84 years old.
The son of immigrant parents, Madeline and Frank Mazzarello, he was born on January 28, 1922.
He served his country as a Sergeant in the 104th Field Artillery Battalion in WWII, and received many medals of bravery, most notably the Purple Heart.
Mazzarello began his business career in partnership with his friend Milian Loeb, forming the L & M Beer Distributors in 1947. Later, Mazzarello was the proprietor of the College Point Lanes bowling center for 31 years, and the founder of the College Point Board of Trade, which he began in 1969. He served as president of that organization for 36 years.
He was a member of the VFW Post 885, the American Legion Post 853, the Knights of Columbus, Community Board 7, the Poppenhusen Institute, St. Fidelis Parish, and various other civic organizations.
Mazzarello was dedicated to improving the quality of life in the community and fund raising for people or organizations in need. Friends and colleagues remember Mazzarello as devoted to civic activism, patriotism and generosity. According to family members, he considered coordinating the annual College Point Memorial Day Parade - a salute to veterans of all wars - one of his greatest accomplishments.
In his spare time, Mazzarello enjoyed gardening and gourmet cooking with his wife of 55 years, Helen.
He is survived by Helen; three daughters, Helen Rinelli, Rita Henderson, Mary Edwards and her husband Kevin; grandchildren Lauren, Jonathan, Philip, Peter, Kenny, Tina and Julianne; brother Michael; sister Jean Drechsel; and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sister Angelina and brother August.
A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 8 at 10:15 a.m. at St. Fidelis R.C. Church. Interment will be at Mt. St. Mary's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fred J. Mazzarello Memorial Scholarship Fund, care of the Poppenhusen Institute, College Point.