Joseph Zazzera

July 12, 1934 - July 29, 2021

Joseph Zazzera of Annadale, a loving patriarch dedicated to his family, died Thursday, July 29th at home at the of 87. Born in Two Bridges, Manhattan until the age of twelve then raised in Sunset Park, Brooklyn surrounded by his Italian relatives. Joseph was the devoted son of the late Bernard and Maria Zazzera (Garilli). After graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1952, he joined the United States Naval Reserves and then transferred to the United States Army. During the Korean War, he received the National Defense Services Medal and upon returning home, chose to become a NY Telephone installer. He married Carol Elizabeth Murphy in 1957 and started a family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Carol as well as his daughters: Marianne, Valerie, Susan and Cathy. While working fulltime, and raising a family, he graduated from St. John's University with his Bachelor's Degree in Business Finance. He later graduated from Columbia University with his Master of Science Degree in the Program for Executives. After graduation, Joe continued to work at NY Telephone before retiring as an AT&T District Manager. He then worked as a manager for Dahill Moving & Storage Company. Joe was never one to remain idle and was very active in the Staten Island he loved. He was a proud Korean War Veteran and member of the Beauvais Hudson American Legion Post. He sat on various Staten Island Community Boards, was a South Shore Kiwanis Club member and was a Past President of the South Shore Swim Club. His passion was golf and being a member of the Early Bird and Islanders Golf Clubs. He enjoyed spending time at his second home in Tanglewood at Lake Wallenpaupack, including running the bi-annual Scimeme Golf Opening. Joe was a deeply religious man and he was a founding parishioner of Holy Child Roman Catholic Church, where he met his dear friend Father Ed. His greatest joys were his 9 grandchildren. Kevin Krause, Carolyn McErlean & husband Nick, Katie Pompo & husband Nick, Michael O'Rourke & fiance Alexa Lotito, Danielle Petro, Lacey & Jamie Strahm, Christine Zazzera & husband Nick Hirschstein, Lia Zazzera, and one great grandchild, Victoria Pompo with a future McErlean baby on the way. He loved his son in laws George Strahm, John Carli, Mike Scimeme, Mike O'Rourke and Jim Krause He and his wife, Carol, enjoyed watching their grandchildren play sports. They never missed an event. He was blessed to have been surrounded by his family and friends his entire life. ''Joe Z'', will always be remembered and forever loved. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at Holy Child Church located at 4747 Amboy Road Staten Island, New York 10312. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Monday, August 2, 2021, at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York. In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks that donations in Joseph's memory be made to The Tunnel to Towers Organization. A New York State decision that those who are vaccinated are no longer required to wear masks. However, our staff who have serviced over 350 covid funeral services safely will wear masks to protect those who have not been vaccinated or those who feel uncertain and our own families. We feel this is necessary because we have handled 8 covid deaths in the month of May and more as of this writing of June 21st. Due to the current pandemic circumstances please note: We ask that you please send bakery products, fruit baskets, and other personal items to the families home directly. Floral Arrangements can be purchased from our in-house floral designers by calling 718-948-2016 to place your order or to request a catalog of selections that can be emailed to you.