Richard Mazzio, age 74, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2021.  He was born in Wilmington, DE, was a proud Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War, and was even more proud of being a member of the Wilmington Fire Department for 43 years, retiring as a lieutenant.  Mazz loved that job with all of his heart.  He retired in 2011 after a traumatic brain injury, an injury that ultimately evolved into a miracle of love, laughter and family.  The final decade of Rich’s life was filled with an abundance of quality time with friends and family, and a true attitude of never taking a single day for granted. 

Rich enjoyed fishing (or drowning worms), traveling, going on cruises with friends, attending his children’s and grandchildren’s many activities, watching Seinfeld, Big Bang Theory and Law and Order, spending time at the beach, and yelling at cars in the neighborhood who sped past his house too fast; but most of all, he loved the quiet time spent with his wife listening to music and simply chatting about life.

Rich is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Eleanor.  He leaves to cherish his memory, his son, Richard Mazzio (Amanda) and daughter, Julie Lee (Robert), both of whom he was extremely proud of.  He was the greatest Pop-Pop to his four beautiful granddaughters, Adrianna (16), Alana (15), Gabriella (14) and Alexandra (11).  Those girls lit up his world and will miss him dearly!  He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Ford (Dave); step-sister, Nancy Farenski (Joseph); and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Rich was predeceased in death by his father, James Mazzio; mother, Mary Shannon Godfrey; brother, James Mazzio Jr.; sisters, Mary Lam and Joan Musser; and his step-sister, Debbie Marini.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 5:00pm -7:00pm on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at St. Elizabeth Church, Cedar and Clayton Streets, Wilmington, DE 19805, where an additional viewing will be held from 9:45am – 10:45am. Interment will be held privately with Rich’s family at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Rich’s honor to an organization his family is passionate about; Attack Addiction PO Box 36 Bear, DE 19701.