Sep 25, 2013

World War II POW

Patric Mazza, a World War II prisoner of war, died peacefully at home in Vero Beach, Fla., September 22, 2013.

He was born January 3, 1918, the son of John and Mary Oliver Mazza, in Houston.

At 26, then Staff Sgt. Mazza landed at Utah Beach, crossed France and Germany before being injured and captured near Aachen, Germany. After five months in a POW camp, female Russian tank drivers freed the prisoners. Tired, hungry and dirty, wearing the same clothes that he was wearing when captured, Mr. Mazza and his fellow soldiers made their way to a military base in Odessa, Russia, and eventually home.

He received the Purple Heart.

Mr. Mazza moved to Vero Beach in 1952.

He married Sally Irwin in 1960.

Surviving is his brother, Victor Mazza (Jean) of Washington, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. Also surviving are two step-sons, Dennis King (Ronny) and Thomas King (Gay).

Deceased are his wife, Sally; three brothers, Sam, Peter and Ernest; and his sister, Rose.