THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, May 22, 1996               TAG: 9605220510
SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C4   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT 
                                            LENGTH:   21 lines

AREA FOOTBALL AND BASEBALL OFFICIAL MIKE MEZZAPESO DIES AT AGE 48

Mike Mezzapeso, a prominent football official and baseball umpire at the recreation and high school levels, died Monday of a heart attack. He was 48.

``Mike would have been an asset to any officials association,'' said Bill McInnis, the head of the Eastern Virginia Officials Association. ``When you're looking for officials, you look for dedication and availability. Mike was devoted to his officiating, never missed a clinic and was always available for games. He was the kind of guy who was always there for the younger officials, too. We're going to miss him.''

A viewing will be held tonight at 7 o'clock at the Holloman-Brown Bayside Chapel. The funeral is Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Gregory's Catholic Church in Virginia Beach.

KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB