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Hugo ZACCHINI Obituary
88, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home, October 30, 2016. Born in Germany, he grew up traveling worldwide with his family as circus performers throughout Europe in the 1920's. John Ringling then brought the family to the US. The Zacchini family settled in Tampa, FL in 1932. Hugo attended Plant High School then graduated with two engineering degrees from his beloved University of Florida. After graduation he served in special services in the US Army. Upon his service completion, Hugo chose to continue the family tradition of show business, performing as a human cannonball until 1991 when he was last shot from the cannon at the age of 63. Truly a one-of-a-kind personality, Hugo enjoyed life with his special friends at the Liver's club and people throughout his travels. Hugo is predeceased by his father, Edmundo, (inventor of the human cannonball act); mother, Josephine; sisters, Egle Sedlmayr, Duina Norman; brothers, Eddie Zacchini and Rene Zacchini. He is survived by his cousin, Vernon Korhn (wife, Brenda); sister-in-law, Joan Zacchini; Tor Curran (wife, Barbie); nieces, Laura Sedlmayr, Pia Stratton, Valarie Sanders, Melody Vela and numerous cousins. Visitation will be held 5-7 pm Friday, Nov. 4 at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Ave. Tampa, 33609, funeral services 11 am at Blount & Curry, Saturday, Nov. 5, then burial at Showmens Rest Cemetery. Following the service, A Celebration of Hugo's life is planned at The Greater Tampa Showmens Club, 608 N. Willow Ave. Tampa FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, USF.
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Memories and Condolences
for Hugo ZACCHINI
Dina Bogino
March 24, 2017
A very gracious and kind person. An example for so many.
November 15, 2016
Hugo and I were friends from our years at Plant Hi. I was able to visit him at his home in "our golden years" until I was not able. It was always great to see him still robust after his falls and
lengthy recuperation. Truly a legend in his own time. Arthur Connelly
Susan Powell
November 14, 2016
Hugo was absolutely the most unique person I ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was always ready to dance and sing. My family and I feel blessed to have known him for so many years. Susan Powell
James Cole
November 6, 2016
I got to know Hugo very well. We had many pleasant visits. He was truly a circus legend! James Cole...Circus Fans Association of America
November 5, 2016
I was his agent and his manager, but most of all~~I was his friend!
Tony Belmont
George Zacchini
November 5, 2016
We only meet a few times but we were family. Rest in Peace Dear Hugo
Linda Stata
November 4, 2016
This is the sad day we knew would come. We all will miss Higo
November 3, 2016
Scion of an iconic, precedent-setting & internationally acclaimed performing dynasty, Hugo Zacchini, in performing as an exciting & heralded human cannonball, clearly & superbly continued the splendid entertainment
legacy of his Italian-heritaged Zacchini Family. It became our great privilege & fortune to, as a show producer & talent booking consultant, have forged a firm business relationship with Hugo, one that developed over the years into a most memorable,valued & well appreciated friendship. Hugo,you were a special, one-of-a-kind achiever in a multitude of fields. May God bless & rest your kind soul! -- William B. Hall, III
Ray Marek
November 2, 2016
What great times together. Worked hard and traveling so many miles together in that silver monster. I quit college to be his catcher & shoot him out of the canon. He had many talents and passions.His wife Faye was so kind to me and all she met. I was privileged to be a part of the circus family and enjoyed the great talks with Him about many subjects over the thousands of miles.. The whole family was so kind to this new kid . It is with a heavy saddened heart that I say goodbye.
Ray Marek
Nancy Trautman
November 1, 2016
One of the great circus icons will be missed. Rest well friend.
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Memorial Events
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