Colonel Edward P. Mazak, Jr., 90, died peacefully at Ohio Living Rockynol in Akron on May 24, 2019 with his loving wife, Marcia at his bedside.
Col. Mazak was born on July 2, 1928 in Akron, Ohio to Edward P. and Julia Mazak. Upon his graduation from Buchtel High School (Akron, Ohio), he attended the University of Akron and earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Degree. Subsequently, Ed received a regular commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force. Assignments included two tours at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton; Kirtland AFB and Sandia Army Bases in Albuquerque, N.M. and the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. His final assignment was as Commandant of the University of Akron Air Force ROTC program.
Col. Mazak also obtained degrees from the Air Force Institute of Technology (Masters in Aeronautical Engineering) and The George Washington University (MBA).
Upon his retirement from the Air Force in 1978, Col. Mazak continued his education by obtaining a law degree (JD) from the University of Akron, where he was a member of the Akron Law Review. Ed established his private law practice in the Highland Square neighborhood of Akron. He sat on the Bath Township Zoning Board of Appeals for many years, including serving as its Chair.
An avid golfer, Ed was a thirty-year member of the Rawiga Golf Club, serving as its President during the 1990s. He was a music lover, especially of jazz and bluegrass and frequently regaled his family, friends and colleagues with his poetic talents. His hand-carved wooden figurines are family treasures.
Ed and Marcia travelled extensively, taking numerous trips to Europe and the Caribbean, as well as an extensive visit to China and Southeast Asia. At home, he was a passionate supporter of nutritional sustenance for his avian friends.
He is survived by Marcia, his wife of 69 years; his son, Mark (Mahnaz); his granddaughters, Suzanne and Julia (Mark); and great-granddaughter, Eloise. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sara; his brother, James; and his loyal canine companion Bailey.
A celebration of Col. Mazak’s life will take place Saturday, June 8th at 2 p.m. at Hummel Funeral Home at 3475 Copley Road, Copley, Ohio 44321. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Haven of Rest Ministries, 175 E. Market Street, Akron, OH 44308 or on-line at https://havenofrest.org.