Robert Mazzei
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Robert Mazzei, 63, of Cobden, died at 2:46 PM on Saturday, January 1, 2011 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.</span></strong></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt;">He was born July 13, 1947 to Otto and Barbara (Gordon) Mazzei in Benton, IL.<span style=""> </span></span></strong></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Having been born into a career military family, Robert for the first fifteen years of his life traveled extensively residing both abroad as well as “stateside”.<span style=""> </span> In 1965 enrollment at Southern Illinois University brought Robert back to Southern Illinois a place which he always considered to be “Home”.<span style=""> </span> It was in southern Illinois that he felt a kinship with the heartfelt kindness of the locals as well as the general pace of life.<span style=""> </span> Robert earned his bachelor’s degree in Art education in 1972 following which he was employed for a short time by the Missouri River Industry working on a barge.<span style=""> </span> Later, and for the rest of his life, he worked as a self employed Antique Dealer.<span style=""> </span> Robert’s love for food was a life long affair.<span style=""> </span> He derived great joy in preparation and eating a good meal throughout his life.<span style=""> </span> Whether working in the kitchen at Charley Pickles – a 70’s restaurant and fixture of the then Carbondale “scene” – or preparing a spaghetti meal for family and friends.<span style=""> </span> Robert was an avid antique collector and enthusiast.<span style=""> </span> In keeping with his appreciation for the Arts- Robert greatly enjoyed and found peace with music- especially blues-classical, and classic rock music of the 60’s and early 70’s.</span></strong></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt;">He is survived by his mother, Barbara Mazzei of Cisco, IL;</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt;">2 sisters, Sandra Mazzei of Cisco, IL and Michele (Art) Cox of Savannah, GA</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Along with Many special friends</span></strong></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt;">He was preceded in death by his Father, Otto Mazzei previously of Cisco and his cherished Labrador Retriever, Dolly.</span></strong></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Robert’s family will hold a private ceremony later in the spring.<span style=""> </span></span></strong></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Crain Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.</span></strong></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Memorials may be made to PAWS Place in Anna, IL and will be accepted at the Funeral Home.<span style=""> </span> <span style=""> </span></span></strong></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt;">To leave online condolences visit <a href="http://www.crainsonline.com/">www.crainsonline.com</a></span></strong></p>