Lieutenant Colonel Thomas F. Mazzella Husband, Father, Son, Friend June 9, 1968 - October 23, 2008   Our Loss On October 23rd, 2008 Tom Mazzella lost his long battle with cancer. As his friend and high school classmate, Paul McConnel put it, “We know that Tom is in a better place now and not suffering any longer.” Tom is survived by his wife, Teresa and two young sons, Tyler and Logan. Everyone connected with Ram Football and NCHS send our thoughts and prayers to his family.   About Tom Tommy Mazzella was born in New Canaan, CT and attended New Canaan High School. During his time there, he was a captain of the football team and still holds many NCHS All-Time records.   After NCHS, Tom headed off to and graduated from Western New England College with a degree in sociology. He joined the Marines and was commissioned on December 10, 1993.   While Tom was deployed to Iraq, a lump was discovered in his leg which turned out to be cancer. He was operated on and the lump was removed, but the cancer eventually spread to his lungs. He fought long and hard - never giving up hope - and always looking for the good and the wisdom and the lessons to be learned.   While Tom was deployed to Iraq, a lump was discovered in his leg which turned out to be cancer. He was operated on and the lump was removed, but the cancer eventually spread to his lungs. He fought long and hard - never giving up hope - and always looking for the good and the wisdom and the lessons to be learned.   Tom lost his final battle on October 23, 2008, and he will be missed by many and honored by even more.

Funeral A church service was held on November 1st in California with a military burial and full honors. It was a true celebration of Tom’s life.   New Canaan Memorial Service There will also be a memorial service in New Canaan, CT on Saturday, November 22nd at 11:00am at St. Aloysius Church. There will be a small gathering afterwards for family, and there may also be an opportunity for friends to gather as well. The details are still being worked out.

Contributions in Tom’s Name Tom and Teresa requested that anyone wishing to pay tribute to Tom can do so by contributing to “The Tom Mazzella Memorial Fund to Benefic Cristian Mejia”. Cristian is a 7-year-old boy who was diagnosed with brain cancer one month after Tom. Tom and Teresa both felt strongly that Cristian and his family need their help and support at this incredibly difficult time.   To make a contribution, make checks payable to “The Tom Mazzella Memorial Fund to Benefit Cristian Mejia”.   You can mail your contribution directly to the bank: Washington Mutual Bank Account # 940-1940394 3748 Mission Avenue Oceanside, CA 92058   Or you can mail your contribution to Teresa: Teresa Mazzella 5507 Papagallo Drive Oceanside, CA 92057

Tommy holds 9 NCHS all-time records: *4th place for TD passes in a career (17) *5th place for passing yards gained in a career (2,037) *2nd place for passing yds gained in a game (1986 - 317) *4th place for pass completions in a season (1986 - 100) *1st & 2nd place for pass completions in a game      1986 - vs. Fairfield - 18 passes      1986 - vs. Wilton - 17 passes *2nd place for pass attempts in a career (352) *4th place for pass attempts in a season (1986 - 194) *2nd place for pass attempts in a game      1986 - vs. Darien - for 88 yards

A Ram Tribute On Saturday, October 25th, the New Canaan Rams dedicated their game against Staples to Tommy. We won 21-20 at Staples. It was a very exciting game and, as Tim Parry said afterwards, “Tommy was here and he loved it!”

To view thoughts, memories and tributes to Tom, click (here). If you’d like to add a tribute, please send it to Mary Miller.