![]() He would gather all the neighbors’ leaves in the fall for mulch and in the spring a load of horse manure to the chagrin of the neighbors. John was an accomplished gardener and often had the first red tomato in the neighborhood. He rebuilt his home on Swanzey Street, one room at a time with his own hands. ![]() ![]() He was a perfectionist in his craft and a 32nd of an inch was meaningful. He was an accomplished carpenter and enjoyed many hours in his workshop building furniture and repairing the broken chairs, tables and other furniture that neighbors and friends would bring to him. He was a proud member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and was awarded "Elk of the Year". On his return, he spent a short time assembling automobile seats until he finally found his calling as a cabinet maker at Heywood Wakefield Furniture in Gardner where he spent most of his working career. Weeks later he left to serve his country during World War II in England and France where he was stationed for 3 years as a Surgeon Tech. He married Frances (Pralinsky) Mazaika in 1943. He often spoke of the hundreds of newspapers he delivered for the Gardner news as a youngster. John graduated from Gardner High School in 1936. He leaves behind his daughter, Jean Laakso and husband Daniel Laakso (who passed away January 4, 2011) of Athol, son, Paul Mazaika and his wife, Jeanine, of Manchester, NH four grandchildren Scott Laakso, Gary Laakso, Erica Mazaika and Ken Mazaika, and two great-grandchildren, Colin and Cali Laakso. John was born in Gardner, February 21, 1918, son of the late John Mazaika and Mary (Slegris) Mazaika. Athol - John Mazaika, 93, passed away in his sleep on Monday, February 28th at the Providence Cliff Senior Residence in Athol. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |