Tony Mazzitelli Plaque and Portrait Unveiled at Community Center

Tony Mazzitelli returned home Saturday to the natatorium that bears his name.

Friends and family gathered at noon at the Ocean City Aquatics and Fitness Center for the unveiling of a portrait and plaque dedicated to the memory of Mazzitelli. The two pieces hang just outside the pool entrance.

Mazzitelli always loved the water and the physical freedom it offered, so after he died of muscular dystrophy at age 16, his parents — Frank "Muzzy" Mazzitelli Sr. and Doris Mazzitelli — donated generously toward the construction of the pool at the Ocean City Community Center in 1979.

The Tony Mazzitelli Natatorium was named for the young man, and generations of swimmers became familiar with a mural that featured a likeness of Mazzitelli and the name of the facility.

But the mural had to be painted over when renovations to the pool were completed in 2011. The portrait and plaque are a way for new generations of swimmers to learn about the pool's inspirational namesake, Recreation Programs Manager Wendy Moyle said on Saturday.

The Tony Mazzitelli Natatorium continues to support a strong adaptive aquatics program.

Tony's brother, Frank Mazzitelli Jr. and his wife, Carol, and three generations of the family were on hand Saturday for the dedication.

The plaque dedicated on Saturday reads as follows:

Tony was a very special young man who had many interests.
Tony was also unique in many ways, and not just because of his Muscular Dystrophy.

Tony loved building models and opened a hobby shop.
He also had a passion for painting and found it was a way to express his feelings through colors on canvas.

Tony also loved to swim. And it was in the water that he found physical freedom from his disabilities as well as peace of mind.

Tony will always be remembered for making people smile with his courage and zest for life and for the many lives he touched.

We hope you will be inspired by Tony's story and enjoy the Tony Mazzitelli Natatorium.