Memoir officially becomes a part of library

Date: 10/19/2009

By Natasha Clark

Assistant Managing Editor



EAST LONGMEADOW -- East Longmeadow native Victor Mazzarella captures his parents in a heartfelt portrait in his book, "Atsa Mi Pease" (Vantage Press 2009).

Last week his book was officially donated to the East Longmeadow Public Library on his behalf by East Longmeadow Historic Commission Vice Chair Bruce Moore.

"Atsa Mi Pease" tells the story of Mazzarella's Italian parents who came to America in the early 20th century, raised a family in Massachusetts, and eventually settled in southern California. Looking back at the values his parents instilled in their children -- strength of character, hard work and love of country -- Mazzarella also examines the many blessings and hardships his parents and family endured during World War II and the decades that followed.

Moore, who is also a member of the East Longmeadow Alumnus Committee, said he met Mazzarella a few years ago at an alumni dinner.

"After that meeting, I found out he had worked at Redstone and he had some quarry photos," Moore recalled. "When he came down again last summer, I took him around town again. I took him around to Redstone Quarry and took some photos of him. He was telling me some stories about what he did [as a child]. He grew up on LaSalle Street."

Moore said behind CVS, on the corner of North Main Street and Mapleshade Avenue, there used to be a quarry on John Street, Brownstone Quarry.

"Apparently it never filled with water. They made a dump out of it, not garbage, more like metal and household debris. That was [Mazzarella's] playground, going in there and looking for treasures," Moore said. "He ended up making a two-part bicycle and riding it in the East Longmeadow parade. I think his buddy got enough parts to make a car. That was good childhood fun for them."

In line with the rich history Mazzarella's book provides, Moore presented "Atsa Mi Pease" to Library Director Susan Peterson in the library's history room.

"We're very happy to receive this book on town history," Peterson told The Reminder. "It will be available for circulation once its processed."

Mazzarella served in the Second World War after which he worked as a compositor in a print shop. Eventually opportunity, in the form of the G.I. Bill, allowed him to obtain his bachelor's degree. Once this goal was achieved, he went on to earn a master's degree in education. The author then spent years teaching students in graphic arts and in time he became the principal of a vocational training high school on Cape Cod where he worked until his retirement.

He resides in Merrimack County, N.H.