A two year star in the late 1940's, John Mazziotta played two years at Georgetown, succeeding Ken Brown at center in the final season under coach Elmer Ripley. he averaged nine points per game in each of his two seasons, before returning home to support his family following the death of his father. He completed his eligibility at Iona College.

Following Iona, Mazziotta earned a master's degree at Columbia before going into teaching. He coached at All Hallows, Bergen Catholic, and Teaneck high schools over a 34 year career.

"What stands out most was that Coach Mazziotta was a person of character and integrity," said New Jersey Nets coach Lawrence Frank, who considered Mazziotta his mentor. "At the heart of it, he was an outstanding teacher, and his ability to connect and challenge in the classroom and on the court made him an outstanding coach."