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| Max Mazzetti |
| October 04, 1921 - March 25, 2010 |
Valley Center, CA
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| Memorial Service: 10:00 A.M. April 03, 2010 at First United Methodist Church, 341 S. Kalmia St., Escondido, CA |
| Visitation: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. April 02, 2010 at Alhiser-Comer Mortuary, 225 S. Broadway, Esc., CA 92025 |
Interment: following the service April 03, 2010 at Rincon Cemetery
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Max C. is survived by his two sons, Ed Mazzetti (Suzanna) and Bo Mazzetti (Mary); sister, Alberta McNeal; brother, George Mazzetti (Jody); numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in his death by his wife, Clarinne (August 14, 2009), and brother, Frank Mazzetti, Jr.
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After graduating, Max joined the U.S. Navy and served in World War II. He met his wife of 64 years, Clarinne, who was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, at a dance. After the war, he returned to the Rincon Reservation where he served as tribal chairman and council member during the tumultuous "termination years" Max C. started working on the Indian Lands and Indian Water Rights Claims Act in 1947. He worked hard as a carpenter at Camp Pendleton and farming on the reservation, as well as working nights on Indian rights issues. But he knew how to have a good time. In the 1940's, his band would play at the Rincon Springs General Store and Cafe' and surrounding reservations.
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Max C. graduated from Sherman Indian Institute in Riverside, CA, where he was quarterback for the varsity football team. He later served as President of the alumni association for many years.
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Max C. had many titles, secretary/treasurer and director and chairman of the Tribal Councils of CA, formed to challenge termination; Mt. PL 280, because of his knowledge and experience of the years when criminal law enforcement of California Indians was given to the state; Indian Correspondent, because he kept local newspapers informed of tribal affairs; and as "The Senator" for years of meetings and letter writing to state and local officials on behalf of Indian people, Max C. was one of the founders of the National Congress of American Indians, Inter-Tribal Council of California and many other Indian rights organizations. But he is best remembered for his leadership and commitment to stopping the takover of Indian lands by the State of CA, dissolution of tribal governments, and removal of 117 California tribes from federal trust, ending all federal funding and tribal support programs.
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Max C. and friends organized the Tribal Councils of California, which enlisted a number of Congress members and state representatives to help get the funds temporarily restored and a resolution (Resolution No. 4) passed by the state, opposing termination. This act saved the majority of California tribes from termination. It also gave them back their sovereign right to govern their lands, as well as ensuring that the federal government would continue to meet its "Trust Responsibility" to tribes. Max C. served as the first secretary/treasurer of the organization and a variety of other prominent posts as chariman and director. Max leaves a legacy as a leader, mentor and friend. He will be dearly missed, not just for the passion he showed, or the time and resources he gave to defending Indian people, but for the many kindnesses and generosity of heart he shared with all who knew him.
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