VICTOR EMANUEL MAZZARELLA

NEW LONDON, N.H. — Victor Emanuel Mazzarella passed away peacefully at New London Hospital on Dec. 28, 2023, at the age of 104, 26 days shy of his 105th birthday. Victor “Pete” was born to Vincenzina and Mariano Mazzarella on Jan. 24, 1919, in East Longmeadow, Mass.

Victor was raised in central Massachusetts in a large, loving family. He married Geraldine Bump of Forestdale, Vt., in Springfield, Mass., on April 24, 1943. He served in World War II for 2.5 years and later worked as a compositor in a print shop. After the passing of the G.I. Bill, he started taking night courses at Fitchburg State College and received his Bachelor of Science in Education on Aug. 10, 1956. He continued his education, receiving his Master’s of Education from Westfield State College on June 11, 1961.

After teaching in the Holyoke Mass., district he moved to Hyannis, Mass. He instructed teachers and students in graphic arts. During this time he became the principal of the vocational high school, Cape Cod Trade School, where he worked until his retirement. Following Pete’s retirement, they moved to California then back to Cape Cod, where Gerry predeceased him. They had one son, David.

At the time of his 90th birthday he had published a book, “Atsa Mi Paese,” which detailed his family’s move from Italy to the United States in the early twentieth century, first to Massachusetts then to southern California.

Pete enjoyed fishing, hiking, and music, as well as continuing his examination of the country that his father adopted. His wit and wisdom were absorbed by all who came to know him throughout his 104+ years.

Pete was predeceased by his first wife, Gerry; his son, David; and his second wife, Beverly. He is survived by Carole Bicknell of Middlebury, Vt., whom he thought of as his daughter, and her husband Norman, their family, and nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life gathering will take place at Lyon Brook in New London, N.H. on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. ◊