Tamara Lynn Mazzetti
Tamara Lynn Mazzetti (July 23, 1960-Jan. 11, 2024)
Tamara Mazzetti, 63, a long-time resident of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly Jan. 11, 2024, while surrounded by her life partner, Jeffrey Fields, and other loved ones.
Tamara was originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the second born to August and Bette Mazzetti. Along with her beloved brother, Larry, the family relocated to Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Their father, August, was a Smithsonian-awarded NASA engineer. Bette was a stay-at-home mother to her two children. The family moved to Knoxville, where August worked for TVA.
Tamara graduated from both Doyle High School and with Magna Cum Laude honors from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a degree in psychology in 1997.
Tamara loved writing and acting, and was an on-air talent for Jewelry Television for more than a decade. She partnered in a metal fabrication company with her then life partner of 20-plus years, Ronald Tourte.
Sadly, Ron lost a battle with cancer. Tamara took care of him, as well as her mother, Bette, who succumbed to Alzheimer’s.
Through many hardships and losses, Tamara was able to persevere with the help of her beloved Chihuahua, Rio, and her long-time friend Dr. Jeffrey Fields. Tamara and Jeff reconnected in 2015 and were life partners for the remainder of her life. Rio was her best friend — and in Jeff’s words, “if you knew Tamara you knew Rio!”
It was with great sorrow that she lost Rio in 2022 at 13 years of age.
Tamara led a remarkable life.
From her obvious external beauty to her kind heart, she was a light to all who knew her. She would take wounded birds to UT Vet Hospital, and no bug would have an undignified passing on her watch.
One of her favorite events was a fundraiser for Tiger Haven in Kingston, Tennessee. Tamara personally brought the fabulous Tippi Hedren in as guest for the event.
Something she was rightfully very proud of: After Rio passed away, she and Jeff became accidental parents to a family of kitties. Perfectly Tamara. Tamara had such empathy for animals and people.
Always trying to lift the spirits of those in need — be it with a kind word, a handwritten letter or a small gift to show how much she cared — it is only fitting that her final gift will go to those who will never have the chance to know her.
Organ donation meant so much to Tamara, and she truly wanted to do good even after she was no longer on this earth.
Tamara was preceded in death by her parents, August and Elizabeth, and her brother, Lawrence (Larry).
She is survived by an aunt, Rose Stasny, several cousins, dear friends and the love of her life, Dr. Jeff Fields.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Click Funeral Home in Farragut, Tennessee, beginning at 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Young-Williams Animal Center, Tennessee Donor Services or to your worship center of choice.
was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on Nov. 10, 1933. But you can call him Jack. He was born to Arthur Raymond and Clemencia Mae Sicard, née Miller, and grew up in Metairie with his siblings with whom he is now reunited: sister, Carol Blythe (Donald); brother, Raymond (Joan); and twin, Charles (Cynthia). At this point, Jack would have reminded us that he, Jack, was the better-looking twin. They took turns.
Jack graduated from Ridgewood Prep in Metairie, having met the great love of his life, Marilyn Jean Sicard, née Munster, at Metairie Grammar in the fifth grade. They would share 70 years of wedded bliss, growing a life together.
After they were married, Jack served as Skipper of a Coast Guard rescue boat during the Korean War. When he left the Coast Guard, he matriculated into Tulane University, where he graduated in 1963 with a Master of Architecture degree and a mission to build.
He began by building his family with wife, Jean. Daughters, Cynthia, Tamara and Melissa were born, as was his small practice. Jack designed buildings across New Orleans, most importantly a home for his own growing family.
Jack built a career in design and construction management, which took his family to Dunwoody, Georgia. Over the years he also built furniture, boats and toys for his children. He even “rebuilt” doodle bugs. We’re still not sure how.
Jack’s career then took the family to Southern California. After several years in corporate architecture, Jack landed in the University of California system, serving first at UC Irvine and then at UCLA as director of Capital Programs Project Management.
Eventually Jack and Jean made their move to Tennessee, which allowed Jack the opportunity to not only continue his executive role, but also fulfill his passion for teaching at the University of Tennessee.
Finally, Jack retired, but only briefly. Dear friends Michael and Romaine Evans asked Jack to help build a new division within their existing business as vice president of Construction for GEM Technologies.
Jack and Jean’s family continued to build throughout their journey with the addition of Thomas Baynham and Sue Long. The family built again, adding two more bright women: granddaughters, Kate Baynham and Megan Chang (daughter of Melissa Sicard and John Chang, Div.). Even this past year, the family was building with the marriage of Megan to her husband, Campbell Casseb.
Over the years, Jack built more toys, more playhouses and yet another home for his family on a peaceful cove overlooking Lake Loudoun in Knoxville. He designed it with care and a curated space for his much-loved mother-in-law, Lucile (Nanny), and room for the whole family and a select few very special dogs.
Jack was a sailor, a pilot, an artist, a mentor, a friend, a son, a brother, a husband, a father and a Papa Jack. He also is survived by several beloved nieces and nephews.
He was loved so much in this world and built so much within it; his legacy is unfathomable.
On Nov. 27, 2023, Jack Sicard passed away in his home in Knoxville, having just listened joyfully to Pete Fountain’s “When the Saints Go Marching In.”
The family wishes to thank the caring professionals from Parkwest Hospice, as well as Clay Harrington and Michele and Eric Leaver for their pastoral care and friendship.
A memorial service will be held beginning at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at in the chapel at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, Knoxville. Pastor Clay Harrington will be presiding.
Richard Bennett McConnell — aka Dick McConnell, aka “The Judge” — was a brilliant man, beloved father, friend and mentor who was born May 24, 1935, in Lake Bluff, Illinois near Chicago.
The Judge passed away Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2023, joining his youngest son, the family’s beloved Johnny, who also passed on Christmas Eve, 2009 — both at 12:30 p.m.
The family moved to Milwaukee, where Dick attended Bay View High School, earning the moniker “The Human Encyclopedia.” Dick was a four-sport letterman at Bay View in football, basketball, baseball and track.
Upon graduation, Dick joined the U.S. Army and earned the G.I. Bill, achieving Expert with the M1 Carbine rifle.
Upon discharge, Dick finished his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Soon thereafter he got into a fender bender right in front of the Milwaukee Courthouse. The other driver was a lawyer in town and Dick was blamed, wrongfully he assured. That’s the day the future judge declared “never again, I’m going to law school!” He did so on his own dime, no loans.
Upon law school graduation from Marquette University, Dick worked for Procter & Gamble, then returned to Milwaukee, practicing law as a trial attorney. In 1970, he campaigned and won Waukesha County District Attorney, serving two terms while amassing a record 12 or 13 homicide convictions, one hung jury. Several neighboring counties appointed him Special Prosecutor to handle high-profile cases.
After returning to private law practice, Dick moved his family to Knoxville in 1980, where he began as Assistant Attorney General for Knox County. That same year, the Town of Farragut, where he resided, was incorporated and appointed Dick as its first Town Judge.
Then, after practicing in a private law practice and holding monthly court for 10 years, the Judge was appointed under President George H.W. Bush in 1990 to Administrative Law Judge with the Social Security Department, presiding over hearings though 2000. The Judge also joined the Army Reserves, achieving the rank of major while providing legal counsel.
Upon retirement, the Judge continued part-time law practice, specializing in helping clients obtain Social Security Disability.
In addition to wonderful family vacations, the Judge enjoyed tennis with the Village Green club, golf at Fox Den Country Club, bowling, racquetball, fishing, billiards, bocce, snowmobiling and, of course, grilling.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary (Mitchell) McConnell; brothers, Bart, Bob, Ansley, Malcolm; sister, Ann; son, John. Survived by brother, Don McConnell; son, Steve McConnell (Jayme); daughter, Suzanne Purcell (Michael); son, Joe McConnell (Lyn); daughter, Martha Looney (Michael); along with grandchildren, Morgan, Erin, August, Lucy, Patrick, Miriam, Claire.
Special thanks to the Judge’s irreplaceable caregivers, Calvin and Linda Gaskey, who provided outstanding and loving care in their own home. Special thanks also to the amazing staff at Ben Atchley Veterans Home, absolutely world-class care.
A funeral Mass will be held beginning at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 6, in St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 633 St. John Count in Farragut. Receiving of Friends begins at 10 a.m. in the church. Graveside service with Military Honors immediately following at Pleasant Forest Cemetery, 401 Concord Road in Farragut.
In lieu of flowers, make donations to Special Olympics.
Joe Pacia passed away peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at the age of 83.
Joe and his wife, Pat, made East Tennessee home for the last 20 years. One of Joe’s favorite spots to spend time was Willow Creek Golf Club, where he worked and played. It was his second home.
Joe was born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York, the son of the late Antony and Antonina Pacia. Joe primarily spoke Polish and attended Polish school until junior high. With the help of a teacher, he successfully transitioned to English. He graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1959. Joe served in the U.S. Army and Reserves from 1961 into 1975. After an Honorable Discharge, he returned home and married Rebecca Good and started a family. Joe spent more than 30 years employed with the Exchange (also known as the Army and Air Force Exchange Service).
With his strong management and people skills, Joe worked his way into upper management in Services and Contracting. He liked helping people with their tax returns and worked for H&R Block for many years in retirement.
Joe’s interests included hunting, when younger, and traveling for work and pleasure. Recent road trips included Natchez Trace Parkway one year and Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway another.
One of his passions was golf. Through the years he developed into a competitive golfer. He was happy on a golf course or watching it on TV.
Joe’s other passion was family and supporting his grandchildren’s activities. Family and friends were important to Joe.
He valued each relationship.
In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his first wife, Rebecca Good Pacia.
Joe is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patricia Pacia; his daughters, Deborah Chumney (James), Christina Pacia and Patricia Sager. He is survived by grandchildren, Kim Schmitt (Tim), Nick Taylor, Hannah Campbell (Jake) and Rebecca Sager. He also is survived by great-grandchildren Alice and Lily Schmitt.
A memorial celebration of life will take place at a future date. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society. For online condolences, visit rosefuneraltn.com.
Laura Madge Maples, 68, of Villa Hills, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, at her residence.
She was a retired pharmacist with Nie’s Pharmacy, Thriftway, Rite Aid and Remke Biggs.
Laura participated in the founding and ongoing operation of the Kenton Paw Park at Pioneer Park in Covington, Kentucky, and also was involved in Puppy Tails, a program at Kenton County Libraries in Northern Kentucky to help children learn to read by reading to dogs.
She enjoyed her five labrador retrievers, all certified-therapy dogs.
Laura graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Northern Kentucky in 1973 and graduated at the top of the Dean’s List in the University of Kentucky Pharmacy School with a Bachelor of Science degree.
She was preceded in death by her father, Gregory K. Maples Sr; and brother, Gregory K. Maples Jr. Survivors include her mother, Barbara Bays Maples of Farragut, Tennessee; sister, Elizabeth (Beth) Maples of Farragut; best friend, Scott Mattingly of Villa Hills; and her black lab, Java.
Services have been held.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Homeward Bound Animal Rescue, Levi Turner, 3856, Tator Know Road, Peebles, Ohio, 45660.
John Milton Cypherd Jr., 83, of Knoxville, passed away peacefully at home Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. John was born in Peru, Indiana, to John Milton Cypherd Sr. and Iva Mae Hanger. His mother passed away from cancer when he was just a young boy. His father remarried Jean Sharp Ward and she raised his children as her own.
John was a very talented athlete in high school and college. He lettered in both basketball and track when he graduated in 1959 from Peru High School. After high school, he attended his beloved Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where he played basketball for the Purdue Boilermakers and graduated with a degree in civil engineering in 1964.
Shortly thereafter, he proudly enlisted and served for more than six years in the U.S. Army. The years that followed led to many new adventures. In 1970, John moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, and was named the youngest vice president for a nationwide infrastructure construction company called Burnup & Sims.
A few short years later, he met and married the love of his life of 46 years, Peggy Sue. They moved to Orlando, Florida, and started their own engineering and construction company called STS, Inc., raised five children and spent many wonderful years with cherished friends in the Bay Hill Country Club Community.
In 1994, they retired and moved to the mountains of North Carolina where they resided for several years between the Sapphire Lakes and Kenmure Golf Communities and made priceless friendships along the way.
In 2016, they made their final move to Knoxville, to be closer to family.
John was an avid sports fan, golfer, fisherman and a diehard Boilermaker alumni. He was a huge supporter of Purdue Athletics and a long-time honorary John Purdue Club member.
He was active in each community he was a part of throughout the years and passionate about giving back. John would be the first to donate to a fundraiser or volunteer for an event. He was an active member with the Community Church of Tellico Village.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Iva Mae Hanger Cypherd, John Milton Cypherd Sr. and stepmother, Jean Ward Cypherd; sisters, Joan Fites and Judy Potts; and wife, Margaret S Cypherd.
John is survived by his children, Kathryn Nagy and husband, Philip, of Knoxville, Christopher Cypherd and wife, Ronda, of Orlando, Florida, Robert G. Cypherd and wife, Gail, of Fishers Island, New York, John M. Cypherd III and wife, Stacey, of Tampa, Florida, Sonya Gauer of Orlando, Florida, Lt. Col. Peter Zike and wife, Sonia, of El Paso, Texas; niece, Bebee Mullen Bugge and husband, Adam, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota; cousins, Dick Cypherd and wife, Judy, of West Lafayette, Indiana, and Eileen Cypherd See of Denver, Indiana; 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, in Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel with a service to immediately follow. Afterward, friends and family are asked to join a reception and time of fellowship.
The family has designated Purdue Intercollegiate Athletics for memorial contributions in honor of John Cypherd. Please make donations payable to Purdue Foundation and mail them to Purdue Foundation, 403 W. Wood St., West Lafayette, IN 47907 or online at https://connect.purdue.edu/IMOJohnCypherd
Juanette L. Edwards, 90, went home to be with Jesus Tuesday morning, Nov. 21, 2023, at home surrounded by her family.
Juanette was known for her generous heart and lifelong devotion to her family and friends.
She traveled extensively throughout her life and enjoyed the natural beauty of God’s creation and creatures, which she captured in many paintings.
Juanette also was an avid gardener, accomplished bowler and talented ballroom dancer. She loved to read and spend time bird watching and caring for her many pets.
Juanette had a beautiful singing voice and was a member of the Chattanooga and Atlanta choruses of Sweet Adelines and sang bass.
A wonderful cook, Juanette will forever be remembered for her delicious pound cake, which she was always willing to bake for family gatherings, neighbors or anyone who asked.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Roy Edward; son, Greg Edwards; grandsons, Brian and Jeremy Edwards; sister, Geraldine Suggs; brother, Wayne Harris; and parents, John L. and Myrtle Harris.
She is survived by sons, Bruce (Kathi) of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Jeff (Joy) of Bartlett, Tennessee; grandchildren, Lindsey (Ashley) Edwards of Knoxville, Jessica (Jason) Fleener of Olive Branch, Mississippi, Melissa (Keith) Betts of Olive Branch and Natasha (Brownie) Brimage of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
She also is survived by great-grandchildren, Jackson, Luke and Marley Betts, Dillon and Brownie Jaxson Brimage and Preston Edwards. And her precious dog, Bonnie Sue.
The Edwards family thanks Barbara Dowling, Dr. Flickenger and Jeanie Green, Tennessee Cancer Center, Amedisys Hospice Care and the Rev. Steve Peak for their loving care.
A graveside service will be held at Anderson Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Ringgold, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Dianna Lynn (Hendrickson) Daw announces her passing on Nov. 19, 2023.
Lynn was most passionate about her girls. but she also took great pleasure in riding her bike, passing on her knowledge of plants and gardening, going for walks and listening to her favorite oldies but goodies on her vintage iPod. She leaves a beautiful legacy and will be deeply missed.
Lynn was preceded in death by her husband, Stuart Daw; mother, Virginia Cunningham; father, Leland Hendrickson; brothers, Terry Hendrickson, Max Hendrickson, Lee Hendrickson and Jeff Cunningham; and niece, Rhonda.
She is survived by daughters, Robyn Norris and husband, Mark, and Amy Noe Howard and husband, Rob; granddaughter, Brittany Norris Hattley; nephew, Josh; nieces, Faith, Holly, Candice, Brandi, Sheila and Debbie; sister, Patty Sowders; several great-nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life Gathering is being held beginning at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10, in Farragut Presbyterian Church.
Friends and family also are invited to share memories and condolences online at rosefuneraltn.com.
