“Pat was a respected leader in the Dayton and Ohio bowling communities,” former BCAO co-worker Jenny Martin said. “Although most bowlers wouldn’t recognize Pat, they were certainly familiar with her work.”
Marazzi first came on board with the Bowling Proprietors Association of Ohio in 1990. She was the tournament director for the Pins Over Average, Miller Buddy Doubles, Dayton Champions City Challenge and Pot of Gold tournaments. She succeeded Mike Hennessy as executive director of both the state and local associations in 1998.
“Pat’s job was interesting, especially on the local level,” Martin said. “The association brings competing business to the table for the greater good of the sport. Pat was the glue that held their business relationships together.”
The Belmont High School graduate was instrumental in initiating high school bowling in Ohio. She planned seminars, meetings, conventions and trade shows for state members as well as recruited centers for membership. Marazzi kept an eye on legislative issues that could impact the centers.
While she was a vocal supporter of the bowling industry, she was a private person who shunned the spotlight. Her loss will be felt by many:
“Pat was a gem to work with and a joy to be around. She always had a smile to greet you with and was always interested in what was going on in your life. She was very helpful and interested in your ideas. She will be greatly missed as an associate in the bowling community and as a great friend.” — Diana Moorman, Beaver-Vu Bowl
“The news of Pat’s passing certainly cast a dark shadow over the bowling family. I think Pat’s greatest gift was the ease with which she handled the different personalities. As each center is a separate entity, she was somehow able to keep the group working toward the common goal of growing this sport. She was a champion for the little guy, which, as a small center, I appreciated. She was also a champion for the women-run centers, as this is an industry mostly dominated by men. Pat’s passing is a great loss to proprietors across the state.” — Dave Flemming, Bowl 10 Fairborn
“At one of my first BPAO meetings, I was told by an older member that I had not been coming to meetings long enough to have an opinion. I shut my mouth. Pat looked at me and gave me a nod. Immediately after the meeting, she called me and told me she thought my idea was great and encouraged me to keep sharing my opinions and I would soon win them over. Knowing that an icon like Pat believed in me and was in my corner meant the world to me. We shared quite a few long phone calls and emails over the last 20 years and knowing how private of a person she was made those even more special to me.” — Rick Borns, Century Lanes
“Sad news for Ohio bowlers. She could answer any question asked of her and included the history for the answer.” — Rosie Taulbee, Greater Cincinnati Women’s Bowling Association
“I had the pleasure to work with Pat for over 25 years. I can’t imagine an Ohio convention without her. She truly fought for all of our great Ohio proprietors any chance she could. On occasion, yes, her quotes could not be published, and every once in a while an interpreter was needed to understand them, but that was our Pat. It is with a very heavy heart that I say goodbye to the one and only Patty Cakes.” — Scott Shreve, Ace Mitchell
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