Obituary of Nick Mazzone

Nick Mazzone passed away peacefully at Dominican Hospital on December 31, 2012 after a short illness. He was 86 years old. Born in San Jose, CA on October 4, 1926 to Rocco and Rose Mazzone, his parents had emigrated from Italy in the 1910's, settling in the Almaden Valley. There, they purchased fruit orchards, growing prunes and apricots while raising their children, who became involved in the family business. Nick moved his family to Santa Cruz in 1958, where he purchased a pizza restaurant on Beach Street. He sold the business in 1964 and purchased a retail gift store on the wharf in Santa Cruz that he and his wife, Bonnie, operated until 1998. The business was sold to his daughter, Rose Ann, who currently still owns and operates. Nick and his late wife, Bonnie, enjoyed retirement in both Santa Cruz and their cabin in Eastern Oregon. The outdoors were Nick's favorite hobby, where he loved to fish and hunt with his buddies. He was also an avid gardener, who enjoyed sharing his produce with friends and neighbors. Nick is survived by his daughter, Rose Ann Mazzone, and son-in-law, John Eicholz, granddaughters, Katie Eicholz, and her husband Jon Mata, Jackie Eicholz, and great granddaughter Makenzie Mata, niece, Nancy Holme-Elledge, and nephews, Richard Guardino, Tom, Ben and Don Mazzone. Nick was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Mazzone, and daughter, Terry Mazzone. A memorial service will be held on Saturday January 5, 2013, at 2:00pm at Oakwood Memorial Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz. Donations in Nick's memory can be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066.