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Michael Mazarick (1893-1970) was born in Kythera. His family came from the village of Hora. He was the only son born to Emanuel and Irene (Roditis) Mazarakis, along with his nine sisters.
He was educated at some point by the priests in Alexandra, as it was his parents dream that he become a priest. As it turned out, their dream was not his own. It was said that he spoke five or six languages, thanks to his fine education. But he had other plans.
He left, as a young man, for America to make a life for himself. He first worked in the courts of New York as an interpreter. Later, he made his way to Vandergrift Pennsylvania and worked as a cobbler, repairing shoes.
Wanting to do more for himself, he began reading books about carpentry and slowly taught himself to build. He saved money to purchase an old rundown house and restored it for resale. He used that money to purchase more houses, and so began his career as a builder.
As he progressed financially, he sent for his other family members, until they all joined him in America. With nine sisters, it is said through the years he worked hard to marry them off and provide a decent dowry.
He was in his mid-thirties when he fell in love and married May Fishel. She was not a Greek girl, which didn't go over so well with his family, nor hers...for that matter. For some time he felt slightly isolated from his family, though they all lived close by. As time heals all, eventually May won them over! Throughout the years, she became a dearly beloved member of the Mazarick family.
He was a loving son to his mother. It is said that he visited her everyday. She moved in with Michael and May in the later years and remained until her death.
Michael and May had two daughters and a son. His wife, May, claimed that through all the years together, when she served a good meal...he would stand and proclaim, "God bless the cook!" He was quite a character!
They lived out their entire lives in Sharon, Apollo, and Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. Although their children are also now deceased, they live on in the hearts and minds of their seven loving grandchildren.
A few of many fond memories include how he'd empty his pockets and give all of his coins to the children, turning them inside out to show he had given his all. He lived life that same way.
We remember the violin that he brought when he visited; the serious look on his face, as his bow made slow, sweet sounds.
Embedded in our memory also is watching how animated he became as he watched wrestling on TV. He cheered as if he'd bet his life on the outcome. Grandpa Mazarick was quick to dance a jig, or sing a song to entertain his grandchildren. When we did something that pleased him, he'd promise that he'd dance at our wedding. Nothing would send him into a frenzy faster than leaving lights on or being wasteful in any manner. He was never afraid to show emotion and could cry real tears of joy, often. He is gone, but in many ways he lives on. There is still a Michael Mazarick, a great-grandson, who will proudly carry on the family name.