Mildred Mazzei

Mildred Esther Knaus Mazzei, 93, affectionately known as “Millie” to her family and friends, passed on to her heavenly home on December 7, 2018, supported and surrounded by her loving family. Born November 30, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Paul Knaus and Mary Krasovic Knaus of Lynnwood. At North Belle Vernon High School, Millie met the love of her life, Frank Mazzei, now deceased.  They exchanged wedding vows on January 27, 1944, and enjoyed 65 years of married life, all of it while residing in Rostraver Township where they lovingly raised three sons and two daughters.

Millie had a great fondness for babies and will always be remembered for her compassion. She was a member of Saint Sebastian RC Church, the Catholic Daughters of America and the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. She was a devoted wife, homemaker, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved spending time with family. Preparing authentic Italian and Slovenian holiday foods and hosting Sunday dinners were a meaningful and an important part of her and Frank’s lives. Millie was an active member in several card clubs, bowling, golf and bocce leagues. She was a devoted fan of Belle Vernon Area High School football and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Traveling with her husband Frank to Italy, taking a road trip across the United States with Anita and Frank Sefchok, experiencing the life of a “snowbird” with extended winter vacations in Florida with life-long friends, and frequent regional bowling trips with Dominic and Martha Mazzei, made for some of her happiest years.

She is survived by her brother Bob Knaus,  Ellisville, MO, her cousin, Philomena Tillman of Charleroi, who has been like a second sister to her, two sons and daughters in law, Jim and Helga Mazzei, of Middletown, CT, and Frank and Bonita Mazzei of Hollidaysburg; two daughters and sons in law, Sharon and Dan Mochnaly, of Belle Vernon, and Michele Mazzei and Scott Brooks, of Silver Spring, MD; 11 grandchildren, Christina Mazzei, Eric Mazzei, Daniel Mochnaly (Amy,) Patrick Mochnaly, Christian Mochnaly (Ashley,) Melissa Mazzei Gates (Brian) Joshua Mazzei  (Debra,) Jacob Mazzei (Jenn,) Angela Rickabaugh (Brad,) Benjamin Brooks (Emily) and Ethan Brooks; and 16 great- grandchildren, Cassie and Dylan Heidecker, Lincoln Mochnaly, Abigail, Camilla and Samantha Gates, Olivia and Lucia Mazzei, Adriana, Ryker and Natalia Mochnaly, Zelma and Rylan Mazzei and Isabella, Micah and Eli Rickabaugh, and blessed with many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to Frank, Millie was preceded in death by her son Joel Mazzei, and sister Florence Petros.

Visitation will be held Monday from 4-8 PM at the Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations, Family Owned and Operated, 626 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon 724-929-6183.  Prayers of Transfer will be held Tuesday at 9:30 am in the funeral home followed by funeral mass at 10:00 am at St. Sebastian R.C. Church with the Rev. Francisco R. Gan Jr. Pastor as celebrant.  Entombment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery.  Members of the Belle Vernon Knights of Columbus will conduct services Monday at 7 pm in the funeral home.