Jerry Edward Mazzanti

Was known by many names: Jerry, Moose, Lieutenant, Husband, Dad, Judge, and his favorite, Papa Jerry.

Jerry was born July 13, 1940, to Egino and Franchina (Carnevaletti) Mazzanti, the youngest of their 11 children. Lake Village, Arkansas was Jerry’s home from birth until his peaceful passing on January 18, 2025.

Jerry spent his early years at St. Mary’s school and graduated from Lakeside High School in 1957, where one of his crowning achievements was contributing to the Beavers undefeated/untied District 8 Championship.

Jerry/Moose’s next achievement was a stellar academic and football mark at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Jerry was a proud member of Coach Frank Broyle’s first recruiting class and was named All Southwest Conference. He was inducted into the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor in 2003. Those years solidified lifelong friendships with his trusted teammates, coaches, and brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

Jerry’s next journey was a montage of titles lasting 7 years beginning with Rookie, having been drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. Jerry then served two years in the Army as a Second Lieutenant. Returning from the service, he played for the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Pittsburg Steelers, all while taking law classes at Ole Miss, University of Tennessee and completing his law degree at the University of Arkansas.

Returning to Fayetteville, he met and then married the love of his life, Sharon Bryant. The newlyweds began their lives in Little Rock with Jerry’s first job as a Pulaski County Assistant Prosecutor.

1973 began his title as Dad, the absolute best! In 1974, he returned to his hometown of Lake Village to raise their family and continue his legal career with William H. Drew for 10 years.

In 1985 his next title as Judge began. He was appointed by Governor Bill Clinton, and thereafter, elected to serve as 10th Judicial District Circuit Judge for 20 years. He was highly respected by the five counties he served.

In 2001, his most prized role as Papa Jerry began, where the answer “no” was rarely in the vernacular.

He was preceded in death by five brothers: Vincent, John, Joe, Tony, and Geno; and four sisters: Catherine, Pantilena, Lena Boyd and Rose Morara.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Sharon Bryant Mazzanti; brother Francis Mazzanti; sister-in-law Louise Mazzanti; three sons, Dean (Barbara) of New Orleans, Todd (Mary) of Lake Village, and Scott (Stephanie) of Little Rock; the gems of his life, grandchildren Katherine Louise, Mary Caroline, Anthony Bryant, Emmaline Rose, Michael Anthony, Louis Edward; and many nieces and nephews and the best of friends.

Jerry lived his life to the fullest and with intent. He focused on the things that mattered most in life: faith, family, friends, community and the Razorback Nation. His greatest gift was being truly present.

Jerry was a man of great stature but with a gentle soul.

His legacy of wisdom, humility, kindness and sense of humor will live on through all who knew him. He not only said “I love you” often but lived it in his actions.

A friend used the term “Blue ribbon best of the best” for Jerry. No matter his various titles in life, the resounding one for all who knew him was “a good man.”

Visitation will be from 4:30-6:00 p.m. on January 24, 2025, at Bishop-King Funeral Home with Rosary immediately following at 6:00 p.m. Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on January 25, 2025, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chicot County Humane Shelter, c/o Jacob, Chicot Casual 308 Main Street, Lake Village, AR 71653 or Lake Village Food Pantry, c/o Linda Haddock, 706 S. Lakeshore, Lake Village, AR 71653.