NMU Football Hall-of-Famer & AFL Alumni
Jack Mauro passes at 74
February 8, 2016
MARQUETTE, MI. - Giovachino (Jack) Mauro entered eternal life February 5, 2016 in the loving comfort of his Shot Point home.
Jack was born on May 26, 1941 in Saginaw, Michigan to Bartolomeo and Stella (Wiercinski) Mauro. He was their first born son and in keeping with the Sicilian tradition, Jack was named after his grandfather, Giovachino Mauro.
Jack grew up and attended Saginaw public schools. From the time he could throw a football, Jack's passion became playing THE game!!! He graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1959 winning letters in basketball, football, track and was named an All American Defensive Tackle. After high school graduation, Jack attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie on a full football scholarship. He returned to Michigan after one year to be nearer his close knit Sicilian family.
He was recruited by Northern Michigan University where he played football for three years. During his tenure with NMU, Jack was a two-time NAIA All American Tackle in 1962 and 1963. The '62 1st team All-American recognition was the first by an NMU footballer!!
Jack was elected to the NMU Sports Hall of Fame in 1982 and received this comment from one of his State Farm Agents: "It's the only time we have seen you at a loss for words!" Jack not only excelled on the football field, but also on stage. He played "Big Julie" inn the 1963 production of "Guys and Dolls"!! Also a wonderful cook, Jack's recipe for Venison Pizza Dip won him first place in the Fred Trost Fish and Wild Game Cooking Contest and an appearance on Michigan Outdoors in 1983.
After graduating from NMU, Jack was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 11th round (one of 11 members drafted by the NFL from the 1963 NMU football team).
He then played with the Denver Broncos in 1965-1966 until a severe shoulder injury forced an early out. Jack played football with passion, perseverance, and enthusiasm. Having known back then what he would be dealing with later in life, Jack would not have changed his mind about the game and the way he played it. Football concussions caused his death, but his life was football!!!!
After his football career, Jack taught and coached at Loretto Catholic High School in Sault Ste. Marie and Bishop Baraga Catholic High School in Marquette. During that time, he met Nick Gualazzi Sr. who offered Jack an opportunity with State Farm Insurance Company.
Jack was employed by State Farm for 35 years as an agent in Marquette, an agency manager in Frankenmuth and a Senior Agency Consultant in Saginaw until his retirement. Jack was inspirational, enthusiastic, and truly dedicated to his company and his agents. One of those agents commented in a letter of retirement: "Jack, you left your legacy with State Farm as you did with football."
In 1993, while skiing at Marquette Mountain, Jack met the "love of his life" Mary Lou Marsh. After one ride up the chairlift they knew they would be forever soul mates!!!
Jack and Mary Lou were engaged shortly after that day and began building Jack's dream home at Shot Point. They spent weekends and every vacation working side by side until each and every detail was perfect!!! They were married on July 2, 1994 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with their families in attendance. They spent the next seven years finishing their careers in Frankenmuth, Michigan before retiring to Marquette and Shot Point in 2001.
Jack's dream was fulfilled.....he became a "Yooper"!!!!
During retirement, Jack and Mary Lou left no stone unturned. They were fortunate to have been an adventurous couple, so created many cherished memories that will never be forgotten! In the last fourteen years, they traveled all over the United States and Canada in their RV's. Their most memorable trip was 3 months exploring Alaska and the beautiful sights there and back. They traveled almost 13,000 miles in those 3 months and backtracked only 100 miles.
Jack and Mary Lou also attended the Harley Davidson 100th year anniversary (Milwaukee) and the Corvette 50th anniversary (Nashville) in 2003. For many years they belonged to the Marquette Golf Club, skied each winter at Marquette Mt., took the Amtrak to ski in Colorado, and honeymooned at Whistler/Blackcomb in British Columbia. They fished in the U.P. and Canada, boated in Lake Michigan and the North Channel of the Georgian Bay in Ontario for several summers, snowshoed, camped in the U.P., and bird hunted all over Marquette County with their dog, Max.
Both Jack and Mary Lou were long-time runners and raced together in the Daytona Beach Easter Bunny Run and the Bay City St. Patrick's Day 5 K. Jack was also an avid deer hunter both with a bow and rifle. He hunted for many many years (driving from Frankenmuth) at Shakey Lakes in Menominee County. Jack and Mary Lou rarely missed an NMU homecoming and attended every home game after retirement. Jack received the NMU Outstanding Alumni Award in 2000, was a member and past president of the NMU N Club and both he and Mary Lou were members of the NMU Alumni Association.
Jack was a spiritual man and a devout Catholic, seldom missing mass even while traveling around the country.
One of their most memorable masses was at Cathedral Basilica in St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest Catholic Church in the nation. He and Mary Lou were members of St. Louis The King Catholic church in Marquette where they could be found almost every Saturday at 4:30.
Jack is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Mary Lou; son, Giovachino (Corrine Chase) Mauro II; daughter, Kimberly Temple; son and special daughter-in-law, Christopher and Theresa Marsh. He is also survived by grandchildren: Brian (Whitney) Temple, Jessica Temple, Sophie Belt Marsh, Lake Edward Marsh and great granddaughter, Addison Temple. Siblings: brother, Bartolomeo Mauro II; sister, Ann Marie(Jack) Brummel; brother-in-law, Patrick (Diane)McNamara. Nephews: Trevor Brummel, Patrick (Nicole) McNamara; Nieces: Stacy McNamara (Jamie) Perry, Tracy (Walter) Schiemann, Marcy (Brian) Gallagher, Debbie (Andy) Kiteley; and his loyal dog, Brandy! He is also survived by his devoted friend /caregiver, Bill Sampson. Bill and Jack were best buddies who loved to ride around Marquette County in Jack's Jeep trying to stay out of trouble while smoking cigars!!!!
Jack's family would like to offer sincere thanks to the entire staff of Mather Nursing Center. Their professionalism, compassion, and respect for Jack will always be remembered and cherished. Nancy McCullough, Kelly Stone, Michelle Gray, and Tammy Hoffman were Jack's angels and Mary Lou's comfort!! Blessings to each of you!!!! During his final days, Jack was attended by Lake Superior Hospice whose presence made it possible for Jack to return to his Shot Point!!!!
Jack's family extends a special THANK YOU to the remarkable aides and nurses from Lake Superior Hospice who bring such comfort as our loved ones move on to eternal life!!!!
Jack Mauro was truly a man of dignity and integrity and his outgoing personality, smiling face, and love of life will be missed forever!!! He had many friends due to his loyalty and his ability to return that friendship three-fold! As one of his friends once said: "Who doesn't like Jack?" May you rest in peace Jack we will love you always and miss you forever!!!
Friends may call at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey on Saturday, May 14, 2016 beginning at 10:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 pm Saturday, May 14, 2016 with Rev. Glenn Theoret, pastor, as celebrant. A reception will follow in Father Gauthier Hall.
Burial will be made in the Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations can be made in Jack's memory to the NMU Foundation, 1401 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 or to Lake Superior Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.
The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com.
Jack grew up and attended Saginaw public schools. From the time he could throw a football, Jack's passion became playing THE game!!! He graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1959 winning letters in basketball, football, track and was named an All American Defensive Tackle. After high school graduation, Jack attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie on a full football scholarship. He returned to Michigan after one year to be nearer his close knit Sicilian family.
He was recruited by Northern Michigan University where he played football for three years. During his tenure with NMU, Jack was a two-time NAIA All American Tackle in 1962 and 1963. The '62 1st team All-American recognition was the first by an NMU footballer!!
Jack was elected to the NMU Sports Hall of Fame in 1982 and received this comment from one of his State Farm Agents: "It's the only time we have seen you at a loss for words!" Jack not only excelled on the football field, but also on stage. He played "Big Julie" inn the 1963 production of "Guys and Dolls"!! Also a wonderful cook, Jack's recipe for Venison Pizza Dip won him first place in the Fred Trost Fish and Wild Game Cooking Contest and an appearance on Michigan Outdoors in 1983.
After graduating from NMU, Jack was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 11th round (one of 11 members drafted by the NFL from the 1963 NMU football team).
He then played with the Denver Broncos in 1965-1966 until a severe shoulder injury forced an early out. Jack played football with passion, perseverance, and enthusiasm. Having known back then what he would be dealing with later in life, Jack would not have changed his mind about the game and the way he played it. Football concussions caused his death, but his life was football!!!!
After his football career, Jack taught and coached at Loretto Catholic High School in Sault Ste. Marie and Bishop Baraga Catholic High School in Marquette. During that time, he met Nick Gualazzi Sr. who offered Jack an opportunity with State Farm Insurance Company.
Jack was employed by State Farm for 35 years as an agent in Marquette, an agency manager in Frankenmuth and a Senior Agency Consultant in Saginaw until his retirement. Jack was inspirational, enthusiastic, and truly dedicated to his company and his agents. One of those agents commented in a letter of retirement: "Jack, you left your legacy with State Farm as you did with football."
In 1993, while skiing at Marquette Mountain, Jack met the "love of his life" Mary Lou Marsh. After one ride up the chairlift they knew they would be forever soul mates!!!
Jack and Mary Lou were engaged shortly after that day and began building Jack's dream home at Shot Point. They spent weekends and every vacation working side by side until each and every detail was perfect!!! They were married on July 2, 1994 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with their families in attendance. They spent the next seven years finishing their careers in Frankenmuth, Michigan before retiring to Marquette and Shot Point in 2001.
Jack's dream was fulfilled.....he became a "Yooper"!!!!
During retirement, Jack and Mary Lou left no stone unturned. They were fortunate to have been an adventurous couple, so created many cherished memories that will never be forgotten! In the last fourteen years, they traveled all over the United States and Canada in their RV's. Their most memorable trip was 3 months exploring Alaska and the beautiful sights there and back. They traveled almost 13,000 miles in those 3 months and backtracked only 100 miles.
Jack and Mary Lou also attended the Harley Davidson 100th year anniversary (Milwaukee) and the Corvette 50th anniversary (Nashville) in 2003. For many years they belonged to the Marquette Golf Club, skied each winter at Marquette Mt., took the Amtrak to ski in Colorado, and honeymooned at Whistler/Blackcomb in British Columbia. They fished in the U.P. and Canada, boated in Lake Michigan and the North Channel of the Georgian Bay in Ontario for several summers, snowshoed, camped in the U.P., and bird hunted all over Marquette County with their dog, Max.
Both Jack and Mary Lou were long-time runners and raced together in the Daytona Beach Easter Bunny Run and the Bay City St. Patrick's Day 5 K. Jack was also an avid deer hunter both with a bow and rifle. He hunted for many many years (driving from Frankenmuth) at Shakey Lakes in Menominee County. Jack and Mary Lou rarely missed an NMU homecoming and attended every home game after retirement. Jack received the NMU Outstanding Alumni Award in 2000, was a member and past president of the NMU N Club and both he and Mary Lou were members of the NMU Alumni Association.
Jack was a spiritual man and a devout Catholic, seldom missing mass even while traveling around the country.
One of their most memorable masses was at Cathedral Basilica in St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest Catholic Church in the nation. He and Mary Lou were members of St. Louis The King Catholic church in Marquette where they could be found almost every Saturday at 4:30.
Jack is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Mary Lou; son, Giovachino (Corrine Chase) Mauro II; daughter, Kimberly Temple; son and special daughter-in-law, Christopher and Theresa Marsh. He is also survived by grandchildren: Brian (Whitney) Temple, Jessica Temple, Sophie Belt Marsh, Lake Edward Marsh and great granddaughter, Addison Temple. Siblings: brother, Bartolomeo Mauro II; sister, Ann Marie(Jack) Brummel; brother-in-law, Patrick (Diane)McNamara. Nephews: Trevor Brummel, Patrick (Nicole) McNamara; Nieces: Stacy McNamara (Jamie) Perry, Tracy (Walter) Schiemann, Marcy (Brian) Gallagher, Debbie (Andy) Kiteley; and his loyal dog, Brandy! He is also survived by his devoted friend /caregiver, Bill Sampson. Bill and Jack were best buddies who loved to ride around Marquette County in Jack's Jeep trying to stay out of trouble while smoking cigars!!!!
Jack's family would like to offer sincere thanks to the entire staff of Mather Nursing Center. Their professionalism, compassion, and respect for Jack will always be remembered and cherished. Nancy McCullough, Kelly Stone, Michelle Gray, and Tammy Hoffman were Jack's angels and Mary Lou's comfort!! Blessings to each of you!!!! During his final days, Jack was attended by Lake Superior Hospice whose presence made it possible for Jack to return to his Shot Point!!!!
Jack's family extends a special THANK YOU to the remarkable aides and nurses from Lake Superior Hospice who bring such comfort as our loved ones move on to eternal life!!!!
Jack Mauro was truly a man of dignity and integrity and his outgoing personality, smiling face, and love of life will be missed forever!!! He had many friends due to his loyalty and his ability to return that friendship three-fold! As one of his friends once said: "Who doesn't like Jack?" May you rest in peace Jack we will love you always and miss you forever!!!
Friends may call at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey on Saturday, May 14, 2016 beginning at 10:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 pm Saturday, May 14, 2016 with Rev. Glenn Theoret, pastor, as celebrant. A reception will follow in Father Gauthier Hall.
Burial will be made in the Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations can be made in Jack's memory to the NMU Foundation, 1401 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 or to Lake Superior Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.
The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com.
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