Jersey shore mourns loss of former police officer after bout with cancer

BRICK, NJ – Retired Sergeant David Mazza, known affectionately as Dave or Maz, has passed away on July 27th, 2024, following a valiant struggle with cancer. Born and raised in Deal, NJ, Mazza was a true “clam-digger,” a local who spent his early years on the beach and waterways of his hometown.

Mazza, a barely graduated alumnus of Asbury Park High School, joined the U.S. Air Force and served in the underground missile silos at Grand Forks, North Dakota. After his stint in the Air Force, he returned to New Jersey with his high school sweetheart and wife, Sandy Mazza (nee Koenig), and settled in Ocean Township. There, he joined the Township of Ocean Police Department, eventually retiring as a sergeant in 1993.

Post-retirement, Mazza briefly relocated to Florida but soon returned to New Jersey, where he embraced his passion for the water in Beach Haven West. His retirement years were filled with boating, jet skiing, fishing, and crabbing, which were among his favorite activities.

Mazza later moved to Brick, NJ, where he indulged in his hobbies of showcasing his prize-winning Ford Cobra replica, the Backdraft Roadster, and doting on his beloved cat, Minnie-girl.

Above all, Mazza cherished his family. He was a devoted son to Roy and Marge, brother to Barbara, Judy, and Raymond, and a beloved cousin and uncle to many.

However, his most treasured roles were as a father to his children, Steven and Carrie, and as a grandfather to his five grandchildren: Jack, Lillian, Maeve, Louis, and Emma. His family remembers him not just for his titles and accolades, but for the profound impact he had on their lives and the unconditional love he provided.

David Mazza’s legacy as a dedicated public servant, a loving family man, and an enthusiastic life enthusiast leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him best.

As his family poignantly noted, he remains with them more than ever, a sentiment echoed by the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.