A memorial service to celebrate the life of John Mazarak has been scheduled for Sunday, January 8th, starting at 2 p.m. at the Goodrich Theatre in the Fine Arts Building on the Oneonta State Campus. A program of music and remembrances is planned with a reception to follow. All who knew John or were just touched by his music and photography are welcome to attend.

ONEONTA - John Mazarak, teacher, musician, photographer, and longtime resident of Oneonta, passed away December 3, 2011 at Albany Medical Center. He was 81.

John was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, on January 11, 1930 to Philip and Mary Mazarak and he grew up in the Wintersville and Cadiz, Ohio area. He attended Ohio State University and graduated Summa cum Laude with MA in music education. He taught public school in Ohio from 1953-1959 when he was then offered a position in the Music Department at Oneonta State. He accepted the position over the phone and he would spend the rest of his teaching career at Oneonta, chairing the Music Department for 19 years until his retirement in 1993. John was well respected on campus and served on many committees, chairing the curriculum committee for 10 years.

His music career was diverse and varied, mastering many instruments, but most of his performing was with the viola. He played with many orchestras in the northeast, and was for many years principal violist for the Catskill Symphony and the Glimmerglass Opera Orchestras. He also conducted the Catskill Symphony Orchestra for several years and was founder and conductor of the SUNY Oneonta Concert Band. He performed on tuba with the Oneonta Community Concert Band and was a founding member of their board of directors. He also served on the board of directors for the American Federation of Musicians, Local 443.

His second career began in earnest after his retirement from the College. His lifelong interest in photography blossomed into passion that lasted until his last days. He could be seen at many rehearsals for Orpheus Theatre or SUNY Oneonta stage productions shooting photos from the aisles. His artistic photos garnered many accolades and were presented in numerous regional art exhibits and continue to appear in national calendars. He was very active in the arts community in the area and for many years served on the board of UCCCA and was a longtime member of the Artisan's Guild. His photos are on permanent display in the "Catskill Room" in the Hunt Student Union at Oneonta State.

John's interests were many and varied. He and Mary Ann had traveled extensively, and he was particularly fond of his many summers spent in Cape Cod. He was a very enthusiastic follower of Ohio State football.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ann; his son, Eric and wife Karen, of Oneonta, and his daughter, Ann and his grandchildren, Collin and Emily Martindale, also of Oneonta. He is also survived by a brother, Fred Miller of Vancouver, WA; his two nephews, Doug and Mark Miller; as well as his in-laws, Jim and Barbara Mottice of Wintersville, OH and their children, Rob, Susan and Barb; and Jim and Joanne Cook of Steubenville, OH, and their, children Greg, Cheryl, Karen, and Mary.

John came to Oneonta not knowing that it would be his home for the next 52 years. And although he didn't have any plans to affect as many lives as he did, his presence here forever changed our artistic community for the better. Whether family, friends, colleagues, students, or those he touched through his music and art, all our lives will be diminished by his absence. John will be well remembered for his warmth, good humor, wit and diplomacy. Oneonta was truly fortunate that he chose this place to live his life.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Catskill Symphony Orchestra, Inc., PO Box 14, Oneonta, NY 13820 or to the charity of one's choice.


Condolences to the family may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com


Arrangements are under the guidance of the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.