Evelyn V. Mazzitelli, a cherished educator and the 1984 Teacher of the Year, has passed away at the age of 98. Mazzitelli, a lifelong resident of Staten Island, died on January 5, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to teaching and community service.
Born and raised on Scribner Avenue in New Brighton, Mazzitelli was the fourth daughter of Rose Caporale and Anthony Fressola. She graduated from Curtis High School and later earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Hunter College. Throughout her career, she taught at P.S. 34 and P.S. 13, where she also held an administrative role.
Legacy of Education and Community Engagement
Mazzitelli’s commitment to education was recognized when she received the esteemed Teacher of the Year award in 1984. She retired two years later, in 1986, after inspiring countless students. Her dedication extended beyond the classroom; in retirement, she became actively involved in various local organizations, including the Women’s Auxiliary at St. Vincent’s Hospital and the Women’s Auxiliary of Historic Richmond Town.
In 1952, Mazzitelli married Louis Mazzitelli, and together they had two daughters, Lois and Eva Lynn. The couple shared 35 years of marriage until Louis’s passing in 1987. Mazzitelli was also known for her love of reading and the arts, frequently attending performances at Wagner College, Broadway, and New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse.
Her family expressed profound gratitude to her healthcare team, including Dr. Jomarie Zeleznik and others from Safeharbor Healthcare Services, for their compassionate care.
Funeral Arrangements and Commemoration
A funeral service for Mazzitelli will take place at Sacred Heart Church on January 12, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. She will be laid to rest at Moravian Cemetery, with a committal service scheduled from 11:45 a.m. to noon.
Mazzitelli is survived by her brother, Michael, her daughter Eva Lynn, son-in-law John Hayko, grandchildren Benjamin Louis and Emily Rose Forman, and great-grandson Henry Christopher. Her contributions to education and her community will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
