Robert "Bob" James Mazzeo, Sr., 78

Robert "Bob" James Mazzeo, Sr., 78, died on Saturday, March 7, 2015 in Hendersonville after a period of declining health. He is preceded in death by his parents Rocco Mazzeo and Rose, his brother Peter and his mother in law, Verna Suriano.

Bob was born in Emerson, New Jersey on September 12, 1936 where he attended Westwood High. He worked in the family business with his father and brothers which was established in 1928 called Mazzeo & Sons. His brother Joe still resides in the original family home. In 1959 he moved to Vero Beach FL to be near his parents and sister. Bob started his career as a United States Postal Letter Carrier in Vero Beach, FL . Families on his routes still ask about him to this day because of his dedication and commitment to his service. He was an avid LA Dodgers fan and for many years he had front row seats behind the dugout at Holman Stadium "Dodger Town" in Vero Beach, FL, home of their spring training. During his childhood, his parents were friends with the O'Malley's, former owners for many years of the LA Dodgers, and he knew personally many of the players. Bob even tried out for the Dodgers at one time. Up until the very end, he could tell you everything there was to know about baseball as it was his passion. The family spent their vacations every year in Maggie Valley, NC where they fell in love with the mountains. In 1981 Bob transferred to Hendersonville, NC to continue his letter carrier service. He retired as a letter carrier and had recently been honored with his 45 year pin for being a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

Bob was a devout Catholic and he attended Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville. He also attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Asheville NC.

He shared a very special bond with his daughter Lisa. After he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia/ Parkinson disease in 2010, Lisa's priority became taking care of her daddy. He loved his banana splits, watching Dean Martin movies together, baseball and football games, and enjoyed how she always decorated his room for the holidays and the seasons. Later when he moved to Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation, he became like a member of the family to all the staff.

Bob is survived by: wife Lareen Sisk Mazzeo of Asheville, his brother Joseph Mazzeo and his wife Barbara of Emerson, NJ, his sister Phyllis O'Brien of Vero Beach, FL, Barbara Mazzeo, mother of their three children, daughter Lisa Edney and her husband Michael of Hendersonville, son Robert Mazzeo Jr. and his wife Tina of Haines City, FL, and daughter Sandra Morrow and her husband Jason of Hendersonville, NC. Bob was blessed with three grandchildren: Hallie Mazzeo of Haines City, FL and Mitch and Megan Edney of Hendersonville, NC. Bob also had several nieces.

A private memorial service will be held at a later time. Memorial contributions may be made to Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation at 104 College Drive, Flat Rock, NC 28731. An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center are in charge of arrangements.