John Victor Mazza Jr.

John V. Mazza Jr. September 11th 1952 - October 25th 2025

On October 25th 2025 Johnny unexpectedly “flew west” from his longtime home in Matoaca, Virginia after creating an amazing life for himself and his family. At the age of 8 years old he started working with his Dad when Medallion Pools was founded in 1960. From 1960 on he worked by his Dad’s side learning every aspect of the business. Knowing how much that meant to him he was inspired to do the same with his son. Over the years Johnny grew Medallion Pools into one of the leading manufacturers in the country of swimming pools and spas. Upon graduation from Prince George High School, he attended East Carolina University and Virginia State University graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.

As an active member in the community Johnny served on many boards and foundations ranging from Chairman of the Board for Medallion Swim Pool Co Inc, President of Offshore Corporation, President of Ocean Breeze Properties, President of Jon-Mar Company, Virginia Aviation Board, Capital Region Airport Commission, Dinwiddie County Airport and Industrial Authority, Pilot Safety Officer for the Military Aviation Museum, Chesterfield County Airport Advisory Board, Virginia Transportation Safety Board, Virginia Aviation Foundation, Virginia Airport Owners Association, Aviation World’s Fair, Crater Planning District Commission, Governors Motorcycle Advisory Board, Virginia Commission on Volunteerism, Chesterfield/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers, Chesterfield County School Health and Advisory Board, Chesterfield County School Family Life Advisory Board, Richard Bland College Foundation Board of Directors, and former Board of Directors, President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, and Ethics Chairman for the National Spa and Pool Institute.

Although the swimming pool industry was his life long career, aviation was his passion. At the early age of just 16 years old, Johnny earned his pilot’s license. Quickly climbing the ladder in the aviation world, Johnny earned his Commercial Pilot Rating, Airplane Single Engine Land Rating, Multi Engine Land Rating, Instrument Rating, Drone Rating, and Formation Lead Card. In his early aviation career air racing and aerobatic competition were also a big part of his flying experience. Johnny went on to own and fly a variety of different aircraft. Although he flew 100+ airplanes and racked up several thousand hours of flying time, warbirds were his favorite. Johnny flew the P-40 Warhawk, F4F Wildcat, DC3/C47, B-25 Mitchell, PBY Catalina, PT-17, Chipmunk, Fokker DVII, Spitfire, and his beloved SNJ-5 that he has owned for many years. Those who knew Johnny in the aviation world new him as “Pappy”, and they also knew that his favorite airplane to fly was the Spitfire. If you were around him and flying was mentioned he was definitely going to tell you about the Spitfire. Along with the warbird flying Johnny was a long-time pilot for the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Not only did he enjoy flying for the museum, he loved the comradery and friendship he built with the fellow pilots, mechanics, and volunteers there, often calling them the best group of pilots he had the pleasure of flying with. Johnny was a 2015 inductee to the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame and also a regular on CBS Channel 6 as an on-air commentator as their Aviation Safety Expert. Because of aviation he met many friends, however, he always valued his friendship with his brothers of the QB’s (Quiet Birdmen).

However, if you asked Johnny what his highlights of aviation were, he would tell you that flying formation with his son was his favorite, often saying he was the luckiest guy in the world to be able to fly these planes and look off his wing and see his son flying with him. Not only were Johnny and his son flying buddies, they were best friends. They worked together and spent so much time together; it was a bond that many people say they have never seen before. Not only did Johnny love flying, he loved his wife Maria of 55 years. Johnny and Maria spent so much time together, dinners and then ice cream were some of their favorite things. Johnny loved his family more than anything and it showed.

Johnny has never met a stranger. He would talk to everyone and always had a story to tell. He was always trying to meet new people. If it was someone interested in aviation, he would do anything he could to help guide them in the right direction. He loved everyone he met and always said no matter where you go you should meet a new friend. When it came to business, he was 100% focused and would work until the job was done. When it came time to have fun he was just as committed. Whether it was flying, the pool business, spending time with friends and family, spending time at the beach, or a pool party on the weekends, Johnny always had a smile on his face and was the life of the party.

Johnny leaves behind his beloved wife Maria Mazza, Johnny Mazza III (son), Vicki Parks (sister) Pete Parks (brother in law), Dora Allen (sister in law), Ray Allen (brother in law), Sheri Daisey (niece), Rob Parks (nephew), Austin Daisey, Andrew Daisey, Victoria Daisey, James Parks (great nephews and nieces), long-time friends Rick Henshaw and Ray Francis, all his is son’s friends that he considered his own kids, very dear friends at the Colonial Heights Moose Lodge, his fellow aviators and friends at the Military Aviation Museum and aviators around the world, his wonderful employees and James Hinkle, and his newly adopted four-legged furry “Kitty”. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Virginia Mazza, his mother-in-law Stephany Gabriele, and his cousin Jim Hudanich.

As much as Johnny is going to be missed by his family and friends, we know he is happy to reunite with his four-legged fur babies that he loved so much.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Friday November 7th 2025 at 20109 Little Road South Chesterfield, VA 23803 on Johnny’s runway at his home. The celebration will start at 11am. Fellow aviators are encouraged to fly their planes in for the celebration. For guests flying in that have questions please email Johnny Mazza III at johnny3@medallionpools.com. There will be plenty of parking for planes and cars. Dress is casual, blue jeans are perfect. Fellow aviators and guests are encouraged to wear their leather jackets and/or flight suits. There will be a tent in case weather is a factor, but let’s pray for blue skies.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Colonial Heights Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 3401, Colonial Heights, VA 23834.

Condolences may be register online at www.ealvinsmall.com