Maria Mazzella

Maria Mazzella, age 94 of Trenton, passed away peacefully February 8th, 2023.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband Gene in 2019. She is survived by her children, Anthony, Diane (Gerry) Donnelly, Angela (Mike) Sims and Frank (Kelly). She is also survived by her six grandchildren Philip (Meghan) Sims, Steven Sims, Georgia (Kevin) Branham, Colleen Donnelly, Maria (Joe) Suda and Marissa (Gino) D’Orazio and her great grandchildren Avery, Aniston, Henry and Ellis. She is also survived by her sister Carmela (Ennio) Iadeluca of Traverse City.

Maria was born on the island of Ponza, Italy and immigrated to New York in 1947. It was there that she met her husband Gene. He was from the same island (having immigrated years earlier) and their marriage was arranged by their mothers. They wed in 1950 and eventually came to Michigan and opened their first restaurant in Detroit before settling in Trenton in 1953. All while simultaneously raising a family.

Maria’s life revolved around having a successful business, family and friends. Her hobby was obviously cooking (69 years at Del’s Pizza) but also grocery shopping. Although she could afford it she loved scouring the ads for sales and coupons. Her frugalness stemmed from growing up poor during World War II. She was raised by her mother while her father was in the United States working. They could not join him until after the war ended.

Del’s Pizzeria, the business Maria and her husband Gene built is still in operation and is a staple in the Trenton community through 3 generations.

It wasn’t uncommon to hear people talk about their parents or grandparents having their first date there.

Maria loved children especially babies! The last few years her great grandchildren brought her much joy.

She had many friends both thru the business and thru her trips to the supermarket. She remembered everyone she met and was very personable and would ask about their families and the events in their lives. Her four children would often hear about how much every one who met her, adored her. She was beloved by not only her family but her extended family in the community who also called her “mama”.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Maria may be made to St. Philip Lutheran Church Food Pantry. 1790 Fort St., Trenton, MI 48183.