Richard Alan Mazzochi

On July 26, 2023, our beloved son, brother, nephew and friend Richard Alan [Clay] Mazzochi passed away unexpectedly from complications of lung cancer. Richie was a loving and devoted son to his mother Margaret Bai [Bocchichio] of Whitestone, New York and father to his beautiful children Anthony, Thomas and Natalee Mazzochi of Gilbert AZ. Born in Queens, Richie spent his early childhood in Baldwin, LI. He then moved with his family to Springfield, Virginia where he spent his teen years making lifelong friends from Newington Forest Elementary and Hayfield Secondary School graduating in 1986. Richie later married his sweetheart and former wife Mary Winchell whom he met while working in Arlington, Virginia. They moved to Gilbert, Arizona to pursue their education and careers. It is no secret to those who knew Richie that he was an outstanding father to Anthony, Thomas and Natalee. He encouraged them in their schoolwork and beamed with pride during their sporting events - whether it be loudly cheering Anthony during Special Olympics Basketball, Thomas at Hamilton High football games or Natalee at her soccer, basketball and flag football games. More often than not, Rich could be found on the sidelines at Hamilton High recording sport stats and scores for the coaches. Richie was known to his friends as the Unofficial Mayor of Facebook, and the Arizona-Virgina Weatherman. He remained a rabid and loyal NY Jets fan and NY Mets fan hoping against hope they would see another title victory in his lifetime. Richie was a man of great character. He was loving and kind-spirited, always caring for others with words of hope and encouragement for his family and friends. Even during his critical illness, Richie was upbeat, positive and confident in the future. His step-dad Christopher Clay summed it up: Although life did not always deal him the best hand, Richie was humble and noble in dealing with adversity and in savoring the joys that presented themselves. Truly an example of “Blessed are the poor in spirit – theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” In addition to his three children, Richie is survived by his brothers Chris Mazzochi, and Jonathan Clay. He is also survived by his step-dad Anthony Bocchichio, Mary Winchell Mazzochi, brother and sister-in-law (Dr.) Joe & Kristen Winchell, aunts and uncles Cynthia Bai and James Yobs, Deborah Bai & William Lannon, cousins William, Tara and Olivia Lannon, Dane, Joli and Amelia Lannon, Laura Mendes-Rowe, Geralyn Mendes, Robert Mendes, Laura Bai-Hood, many Winchell nieces and nephews, a multitude of friends and co-workers, and his fur-baby Bruno. Richie will be welcomed to Heaven by his maternal grandparents Anthony and Helen Bai, and his cousin Stephen Mendes. The Mazzochi/Bocchichio family would like to thank the Winchell family for their tireless support and care during the course of Richie’s illness, especially his brother-in-law and best friend, Dr. Joseph Winchell for his deep caring and sound medical advice throughout. His kindness will never be forgotten. Richie, your family and friends will miss you more than you will ever know - the sound of your voice, your roaring laughter, and that big, big smile that was always on your face. You fought the good fight. You fought it with courage, grace and dignity. You went before us into Eternal Life. You will forever remain in our hearts. Until we meet again, son. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Special Olympics Arizona Donate | Special Olympics | Support Special Olympics. Use https://gofund.me/74b9f250 to make a donation.

Richard Alan Mazzochi

January 11, 1968 - July 26, 2023