Chester “Chet” Mazeika, 69, an avid sports fan, golfer, and one of the friendliest people you could ever know, passed away on February 19, 2025. Chet was born on November 26, 1955, in Salem, MA, the youngest of three sons of the late Francis and Shirley Mazeika. He was a longtime resident of Manchester, NH.
Chet graduated from Bishop Fenwick in Peabody, MA in 1973 where he captained the football, basketball, and baseball teams. He earned his degree from Nichols College in 1977 while playing baseball and earning a Major League tryout invitation. A passionate New England sports fan, he cherished throwing the first pitch at Fenway Park in 2019 and shot an unforgettable hole-in-one in 2005. He dedicated many years to coaching softball while raising his two daughters with his wife, Joyce, always encouraging them to approach sports and life with grit and intensity.
Chet spent forty years in the insurance industry, building lifelong friendships and countless connections. A natural people-person, he had a gift for making others laugh—his witty puns, “Chet-isms”, were legendary. He also served in the NH Sheriff's Department, striving to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
Of all his titles, “Gramps” was what he treasured most. Nothing made Chet happier than spending time with his four grandchildren—his face lit up in their presence. He loved attending games and throwing the ball around in the yard.
Chet is survived by his two daughters, Jennifer Manning and her husband Graham, Julie DiNicola and her husband Tim, his beloved grandchildren, Ryan and Lillian Manning, Miles and Annie DiNicola, his brother, Peter Mazeika and his wife Shirley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-and sisters-in-law, cousins, and many dear friends. He is predeceased by his brother, Michael Mazeika.
Following cremation, a private service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elliot Hospital NICU, an organization close to Chet’s heart, as he credited them with saving his premature grandson, Ryan.
Elliot Hospital NICU 1 Elliot Way, Manchester NH 03103