A legendary Fredericton businessman has died. Augustine Anthony "Gus" Mazzuca was the last surviving proprietor of Mazzuca’s, the variety store on York Street which sold newspapers, magazines, cigarettes, cigars, lottery tickets, concert tickets and for many years, toys at Christmas time. Gus was born October 19, 1939 and died July 24, 2026.
He was predeceased by his sister, Josie and his brother, John.
The store was founded in 1924 by his grandfather, Augustine, and Gus’ father, Gabriel (Bill).
Gus was enjoying himself at St. FX University when the death of his father brought him home to run the store.
He and his brother, John, were the owners for the next forty-eight years.
Saturday mornings the brothers hosted an informal coffee club at the store.
Regulars had their own coffee mugs. Newcomers got labelled styrofoam cups which reappeared every Saturday morning until you were a "regular" and graduated to a mug.
Through thick and thin the brothers were Toronto Maple Leaf fans and sometimes Leaf players would show up for coffee when they were in town.
The brothers also hosted an annual Father’s Day barbecue, a particular favourite celebration of Lieutenant-Governor Marilyn Trenholme Counsell who’d drive up from Sackville every year to attend.
Gus loved hockey, baseball, harness racing, and golf.
For many years Mazzuca’s sponsored the Walter Dale Memorial Harness Race.
Gus volunteered as a member of the Fredericton Horseman’s Association and was a partial owner of the pacer, Hurricane Island.
As well, Gus was inducted into the Fredericton Raceway Hall of Fame.
Gus enjoyed travelling annually to the Fryeburg Maine State Fair and Las Vegas where he enjoyed his comped rooms and free dinners. What did Gus love about Vegas?…. we’re not sure. Because what happened in Vegas, stayed in Vegas!
He was also presented with the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for his community service to such organizations as the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick, Meals on Wheels, the Epsilon Y’s Men, and the Fredericton Exhibition Limited.
Gus was a life-time member of Saint Dunstan’s Catholic Church doing stalwart service as a greeter, a collector, and a sacristan.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Four East at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital as well as the nurses and staff of Medley Hall, Shannex.
Visitation will be held on Monday July 27th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Bishop’s Funeral Home. The funeral will be held on Tuesday July 28th at 12 noon at St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church with the burial to follow at the Hermitage Catholic Cemetery. A reception will be held at the St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church following the burial.
For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Gus, donations may be made to St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church, Meals on Wheels, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be made at www.bishopsfuneralhome.com.