November 21, 2021
Alexander “Al” Mazzocca, 94, of Cornwall-on-Hudson, passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, on November 19, 2021, at NYS Veterans Home at Montrose.
The son of the late Frank and Rose Mazzocca, he was born at home in Peekskill, NY, on February 2, 1927. Al grew up in the Great Depression and attended public school in Peekskill. In high school, he was on the football (halfback) and track (220 hurdles) teams, and later played semi-pro football for the Peekskill Indians.
In 1945, Al joined the Army and was a Paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division stationed in Japan. In 1946, he returned to Peekskill and shortly after met the love of his life, Grace Pullano and in 1949 they were married.
Al and Grace moved to Cornwall-on-Hudson in 1954 and raised their five children. Al quickly grew to love his adopted home town and showed it in his service to the community. In the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, he has served as Trustee. He served the Town of Cornwall as a Police Officer, was on the Board of Assessment Review, and was the oldest person ever elected as Councilman on the Town Board.
As an active member of St. Thomas Church, Al has served as Chairman of the Fair Committee, President of the Board of Education, Chairman of the Parish Council, Usher and Lector, and, along with another church member, started the Bingo program and served as Co-Chair and Caller.
Al was a member of the Cornwall Lions Club, the American Legion, a Member and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Honorary Member of Highland Engine Co #1, a Member of the Storm King Golf Club, and a member of the Cornwall Republican Committee.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Grace; sons: Frank Mazzocca and Alex Mazzocca, Jr. (Glen); daughters: Cindy McGuinness (Michael), Susan Goldsmith (Bill) and Tricia Mazzocca; five grandchildren; Kahla Skonberg (Johnson), Courtney Coakley (Johnson), Jake Goldsmith, Mallory Frawley-McGuinness, Matthew McGuinness; as well as 8 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
The most important thing to him was his family and he instilled that love of family to his children and grandchildren. He also loved talking with the people in the town, and was well-known for his jokes and stories about the past.
Al is predeceased by his parents; sisters: Carmella Mazzocca and Rafaela Mastracchio; and his brother: Michael Mazzocca.
Based on new CDC guidelines adopted by NYS, fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks or be socially distanced, but unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks and be socially distanced in the funeral home.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 22nd at Quigley Sullivan Funeral Home, 337 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 23rd at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, 340 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on Hudson, NY 12520. Interment with Military Honors will follow the Mass at St. Thomas Cemetery, Cornwall, NY.
Memorial contributions may be made to the NYS Veterans Home at Montrose, 2090 Albany Post Road, Montrose, New York 10548.
Arrangements are entrusted to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc.; to send condolences or to get directions to the funeral home, please go to www.Quigleybros.com
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