Colleen M. Mazza

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Colleen M. Mazza (née Ryan), 65, of Lincroft, NJ. Colleen passed away peacefully at home on May 27, 2023,  surrounded by her loved ones after battling cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of bile duct cancer. She was a loving wife, mother, aunt, godmother, and friend to many.

Born in Middletown in 1957 to James and Idella Ryan, Colleen was the eldest of six siblings; James “Jimmy”, Robert “Robbie”, Wayne, Maureen, and Todd. Growing up, she was an avid dancer and graduated from Middletown High School, where she was a member of the baton twirling team. At 17, she began her first job working at the Carvel in Belford. Shortly after she started, she had a repeat customer; one who not only thought she was beautiful, but could not resist a daily cone of ice cream. Frank frequented the car wash next door and when Colleen began working in the summer of 1974, their love story began. Frank and Colleen married on October 7, 1979 in Pennsylvania and honeymooned in Disney World; a place where they’d soon bring their three children, Megan, Ryan, and Morgan, for vacation.

Colleen dedicated most of her life to Frank and to raising her children. She often spent time lending a helping hand to her nieces and nephews as well as the children of her friends. Her greatest joy in life was watching Megan, Ryan, and Morgan grow. She spent countless years shuffling between sporting events, dance classes, and cheerleading, but she wouldn’t have had it any other way. She loved going to the beach, laying out by her pool, and spending time with her closest friends and family. She will be remembered by her friends and family as selfless, openhearted, and caring. She knew no stranger and welcomed anyone into her home who needed support without question or judgment.

Colleen is predeceased by her daughter, Megan Mazza, and her parents, James and Idella Ryan.

Colleen is survived by her beloved husband of 43 years, Frank Mazza; son Ryan Mazza and wife Paige of Lincroft, NJ, daughter Morgan Mazza and fiance Josh Marsh, of Myrtle Beach, SC; her sister Maureen Head (Ron) of Myrtle Beach, SC; her four brothers James “Jimmy” Ryan (Debbie) of Keansburg, NJ, Wayne Ryan (Helen) of Lake Ariel PA, Todd Ryan (April) of Mount Pocono, PA, Robert “Robbie” Ryan (Renee) of Barnegat, NJ; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Friends of the family are welcome to join the memorial visitation which will take place on Friday, June 2, from 4-8 pm at John E. Day Funeral home, 85 Riverside Ave., Red Bank, NJ, 07701. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, June 3, at 10:30 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 30 Ward Ave., Rumson, NJ, 07760.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in memory of Colleen and Frank’s daughter, Megan C. Mazza, to the Neuroblastoma research team at Memorial Sloan Kettering: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/mazzafamily
 

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