John "Jack" James Mazzitelli

Jeremy Anderson2021-06-25T18:38:36-05:00

Name: John "Jack" James Mazzitelli
Location of Birth: Keewatin, Minnesota
Date of Birth: March 1, 1915
Date of Death: November 24, 2003
Parents: Dominic Mazzitelli & Christina (Bevaqua) Mazzitelli
High School and Class: 1934 Greenway High School, Coleraine, Minnesota
College: 1940 Colorado State University, Greeley, Colorado - degree in education
Highest Rank: 1st LT (First Lieutenant)
Branch: Army
Other Branch:
Date Sworn In: August 3, 1942
Place Sworn In:
Date of Discharge: March 3, 1946
Place of Discharge:
Military Awards:

Military Highlights:
WW II Draft Registration Cards – 10/16/1940 – 03/31/1947
State: Minnesota
Name: John James Mazzitelli
Race: White
Age: 25
Birth Date: March 1, 1915
Birth Place: Keewatin, Minnesota, USA
Residence Place: Bovey, Itasca, Minnesota, USA
Registration Date: October 16, 1940
Employer: Unemployed
Weight: 165
Height: 5-8
Complexion: Dark
Eye Color: Hazel
Hair Color: Black
Other characteristic: Wears glasses
Next of Kin: Dominick S. Mazzitelli, father, Bovey, Itasca, Minnesota

Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota – May 26, 1944 – “Fort Briggs, N.C., March 16, 1944. Dear Friends: Hello fellas, and how are things? I’m not trying to be funny – that’s what prompted this short message – I’m not getting the Bovey Press. The first of March I was transferred from Camp Cook, California to Fort Briggs, so am not at that address, but have not received a Bovey Press. I am really curious and interested in what goes on in Bovey, and especially so in what goes on with “our men in service.” Perhaps my card was lost in the mail, Horace???, certainly hope this letter gets through O. K. Luck to you and yours, Friend, Jack Mazzitelli
P.S. Are any of the fellows from around home located out here? Sure would like to run into someone from home. Fritz Thompson of Bovey and N. Bogdanovich and Rody Chupurdia of Calumet are at Fort Briggs, N.C.

Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota – May 18, 1945 – “Belgium – April 12th. Dear Ann: Remember me? Yup, I’m the guy who has been owing you a letter since way back when. I’m not bragging about it and any further discussion would only involve me more. So -- Of course, the first thing all your correspondents must do when writing to you is shower you with bouquets for your wonderful letter in the Press each week. I do not choose to be different. Consequently, I wish you would accept my sincerest gratitude as a token of one who appreciates a good job well done. Life overseas has not been too cruel to me, but contrary to what you might think, Ann, I have not found a home over here, and am as anxious as the next man to get back to my loved ones and friends as soon as possible. No doubt many changes have taken place in the old hometown since my last appearance there. People have died, others have married and brought new faces into the world – and still others have allowed “time” to stamp its changes. So much for the people. Then, too, the physical appearance of the buildings must have changed some. Us fellows away from home and expecting to return some day to a Bovey slightly changed in outward appearance. However, time will never change the hearts of people we love so well in the old hometown. That is why, Ann, we are all anxious to return. That is why we thank you with so much reverence for your weekly letter. I’m sure you know what I’m trying to say. Yes – what everyone of us try to say when we write “thank you” letters to “Our Ann.” I wish you would thank Rose T. for giving me the dope on the basketball situation (in her Service Club Letter) which I received yesterday. Also, I wish you would greet all of my Bovey friends for me. Thank you. Sincerely, Jack Mazzitelli.”

Newspaper article - December 1945 – “Lt. Jack Mazzitelli arrived home Monday from overseas, where he spent 18 months in Germany. He has been in service 40 months. His wife and son have been living in Grand Rapids during his absence, but are now living at the Mazzitelli home until suitable living quarters can be secured. Other guests to be at the Mazzitelli home over Christmas will be Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Yates (Mary Jo) of Sandstone, Joseph, who teaches at Tracy, and Dominic of Minneapolis.”

Wars Involved:
World War II

MIA / POW:

Civilian Life:
Jack Mazzitelli taught school & was athletic coach at Itasca Junior College, Coleraine, Minnesota until entering the Army in 1942. He married Kathleen “Kitty” McAlpine in 1943 in Roseau, Minnesota. He owned Jack’s Army Navy Surplus Store in Bovey, Minnesota from 1948-61. He taught school at Connor-Jasper Junior High School in Bovey from 1960-1980.

Jack died in Rogers, Minnesota and is buried in Itasca Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Minnesota (C-C-15-13). He is survived by his children, John “Jack” Mazzitelli, Michael Mazzitelli, Patty Skordahl, James Mazzitelli, and Loni Flaherty; eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Dominic Mazzitelli; sisters, Mary Jo Yates, Helena Atkinson, Angela Kozak, and Carmella Klinker. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Kathleen in 1998; and a brother, Joseph Mazzitelli.

Tribal Affiliation(s):