Times-News columnist and grammar specialist Mazzatenta passes away
Speaking of words, Ernie Mazzatenta had a way with them.
He loved writing and loved educating others about the correct way to write with his Times-News columns on grammar called "Speaking of Words." According to his daughter, Maureen Mazzatenta, Ernie Mazzatenta passed away on Feb. 11 after suffering health challenges since Jan. 3. He was 91.
Even in his final days, he wanted to make sure his last words were read by his loyal Times-News readers, his daughter said.
"I've been in Hendersonville (from Michigan) nearly that entire time, so was able to be with him," she said in a Feb. 15 email to the Times-News. "When I first arrived, his main concern from his hospital bed was ensuring (content planner) Will (MacDonald) had received the two articles Dad submitted in advance of the holidays, so his column could run uninterrupted. He did not want to let the Times-News down."
MacDonald said it was always a joy working with Mazzatenta and even learning from him.
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"I shared with his daughter Maureen that even though I'm a seasoned wordsmith, editing his writing was a bit intimidating. Ernie's love for the written word inspired all of us," MacDonald said. "His command of the English language helped everyone - from students writing term papers to CEOs working on annual reports. We all learned to be better communicators through the gift of his monthly column. And best of all, in his friendly, approachable style, he made grammar fun."
Mazzatenta has been writing his Times-News column regularly since 2012. According to his obituary, prior to retiring to Hendersonville in 1992, Mazzatenta lived in Warren, Michigan, where for 26 years he worked as a science writer and educator at General Motors Research Laboratories. More than 1,300 General Motors engineers and scientists graduated from technical writing and business communications courses he developed and/or taught.
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In his retirement years, he spent more than 20 years as a volunteer mediator for The Mediation Center of Hendersonville. While there, he helped resolve 250 disputes and also served six years on its Board, including three as president. He was also a senior adjunct instructor at Montreat College’s School of Professional and Adult Studies in Black Mountain, teaching managerial communication and public speaking.
Mazzatenta was also an active member of Immaculate Conception Church, where he served as a Sacristan, Eucharistic Minister and Minister of the Sick, sharing prayer and socialization with thousands of patients or home-bound people over the decades.
Mazzatenta was also a 34-year member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), cofounding its International Technical Publications Competition. Among several leadership positions, Mazzatenta served as President and was awarded Fellow and Exemplar status. In his honor, The South Carolina Foothills Chapter of STC created an annual student scholarship in his name. For his lifelong commitment to adult continuing education, Mazzatenta was awarded the Consortium for the Advancement of Adult Higher Education’s (CAAHE) faculty outstanding service award.
Mazzatenta was born in Ashtabula, Ohio and continued to write and edit stories for his high school class alumni newsletter, “The Forty-Niners,” up until his passing. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from Kent State University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism after which he was a news reporter in various cities before joining GM. He also served in the U.S. Army as an infantryman and clerk typist.
Surviving are his son Mark (Toni Kirkman); son Michael (Joan Zimmerman); daughter Maureen (Dean Horiski); beloved grandchildren Andrew and Carolyn; and several nieces and nephews. His wife Joan (Canavan) of 47 years, his cherished sister Carolyn (Eiswerth) and dear brother O. Louis Mazzatenta preceded him in death.
Visitation will be 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 23, followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 3 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mazzatenta’s lifelong charity of choice, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, or to Elizabeth House hospice center in Flat Rock.
Dean Hensley is the news editor for the Hendersonville Times-News. Email him with tips, questions and comments at DHensley@localiq.com. Please help support this kind of local journalism with a subscription to the Hendersonville Times-News.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Times-News columnist and grammar specialist Mazzatenta passes away
