Joe Mazzulla’s aunts speak about nephew’s success

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Boston Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla may be in Boston, but his roots are in Johnston.

“It doesn’t feel real, it still doesn’t feel real,” Mazzulla’s aunt, Kristen Mazzulla, said.

The coach is in his second season with the team and his family said they are supporting him no matter what.

“To me I believe he is humble,” Mazzulla’s other aunt, Lois Marandola, said. “He is very religious and I think that is what carries him through.’

Mazzulla’s aunts said they are beyond proud of where their nephew is.

“I can’t believe he is a grown man coaching the Boston Celtics,” Marandola said.

Joe’s father passed away four years ago after a battle with brain cancer, but his aunts tell me they know he is always there with his son.

“My brother is his father and he is there with him,” Mazzulla said. “I feel like he is on his shoulder and he is helping him every step of the way.”

Marandola also described her experience in Indianapolis after the Celtics won the Eastern Conference Finals.

“It was such a moment when I heard the crowd, just hearing his name,” she said. “I can’t even tell you what it felt like.”