Richard “Richie” Rocco Zaia went home to be with the Lord on November 26, 2024, at age 79, in Leesburg, Virginia.
He was reunited with his parents, John and Margaret, twin brother Ronnie, older brother Joey, daughter-in-law Theresa and granddaughter Ashley in Heaven. He was the beloved husband of Patricia, devoted father to Jeff, Daniel, Karen (Berny), Sean, and proud grandpa to Amber(Ryan), Jeremy(Mackenzie), Natalie, Brittany, Tyler(Maddie), Lauren and Lexi, and great grandpa to Cameron, Emme, Sophie, Ashlyn, Madisyn, Jonah and Oliver.
Richie was born December 11, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York. After graduating from high school, he landed a service agent job with Avis where he excelled in every position he was promoted to. After over 40 years, at retirement, he was Executive Vice President of Fleet. During his time as Area Manager in Alexandria, Virginia, he attended a company picnic where he met his beautiful, loving wife of 36 years, Patricia. Shortly after, they were transferred to New York where they found a wonderful church that Richie served in as an usher and sometimes shared his vocal and guitar talents. They joined a loving bible study group and travelled to Israel where Richie was baptized in the Jordan River.
After Richie retired, they returned to Virginia, in 2011, to be closer to family. They found a church home at Cornerstone Chapel and Richie joined an IHOP men’s bible study group. Not only was this group of men tremendous prayer warriors for each other, but great friends as well. During these years, Richie loved playing his guitars. He also enjoyed collecting trains and built an incredible layout that amazed everyone. He loved spending time with family for holidays, birthdays, watching sports of any kind as well as being surrounded by the many grand dogs in the family and even taking care of his two large fish in his backyard pond.
Richie’s fun-loving humor, compassion, encouragement, wisdom and generosity touched many people throughout his life. Whenever anyone needed anything, he was always there. We are eternally grateful for the time we had with Richie here on earth and are comforted knowing he is in the arms of Jesus, his Savior. Our many cherished memories will always be in our hearts.
Family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 10, 5:00-7:00 pm at Colonial Funeral Home in Leesburg, Virginia. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Cornerstone Chapel, Leesburg, Virginia, December 11, 10:00 am followed by a procession to Fairfax Memorial Park. Family and friends are invited to join us afterwards at Patricia and Richie’s home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Samaritan’s Purse.
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