Remembering Russ Mazzeo

2010 came to a close with the loss of another member of our Naugatuck Historical Society Russ Mazzeo. Russ passed away on the morning of December 4, 2010 after a brief illness. Russ served in the U.S. Navy and was retired chemist from Uniroyal. As a member of the Naugatuck Historical Society, he was a real advocate for us with the rubber groups. Russ assisted in securing donations in our mission to establish a Rubber museum here in Naugatuck.

I had the opportunity to visit Russ a few times during his illness, and at one point I noticed him regaining his strength.

It was not until late in the summer of 2010 did I become aware that Russ had served in the Navy. It was then that I looked forward to having him sailing with me in 2011 on Long Island Sound, who better indeed to get hints from then a retired Naval Officer, but that was not to be.

Never one to say he was too busy, Russ served on the election committee, helped me begin a committee to bring building 25 back into the public interest, and when the society purchased new accounting software Russ came forward to lend assistance.

After serving on the board as a director, Russ became our vice president. Not only did I have Russ’ ear with issues that concerned the society, I had the pleasure of attending and socializing with Russ and his brother Gene at the Lega Siciliana Social Club Friday night dinners. Russ will indeed be missed by all those who knew him.

Not only did Russ serve on the Board of Directors with me as our Vice President, he was my friend, and a friend of the society.

Sincerely,
Charles Marino, Past President

Source
Naugatuck Historical Society Newsletter
Volume 16, Issue 1
February - March 2011