Michael ZITO

ZITO, Michael
A longtime Curtis Park resident who devoted his career to improving the lives of young children, passed away June 10, 2014, after a two-year fight with pancreatic cancer. He was 60 years old.

Michael was born August 12, 1953 in Glendale, CA to Frank and Geraldine Zito. After enjoying the benefits of growing up as a teenager in Southern California, he moved to Sonoma County and graduated from Sonoma State University. At an early age, Michael devoted his career to children. He worked briefly at Napa's North Bay Regional Center, then moved to Sacramento to join California's Department of Developmental Services Early Start program.

Michael retired as the state liaison to the federal Head Start Pro- gram with the Calif. Dept. of Education in 2012. It was a job he was well suited for and which brought him much joy. He had the keen ability to bring people together to develop policies and practices to improve the lives of young children and their families. He did not think 'bureaucrat' was a pejorative term. The many lifelong friendships Michael developed during his 34 years of service are a testament to his dedication, intellect, and his unique sense of humor.
Michael loved spending time with his family and friends, sharing a hoppy beer, hiking the coast, lively conversations, jazz & alternative music, the sun & convertibles. Michael just loved life and embraced it fully. He ran seven days a week for 30 years, consumed inordinate amounts of news, traveled internationally and throughout California, was a devoted husband and father and still found time to hang out on his Curtis Park front porch and shoot the breeze with neighbors. He was well loved for his sarcastic, quick wit, his mischievous streak, his generous nature and his bear-like hugs. After his diagnosis he retired from the State, but did not let cancer dictate his life: he continued to exercise, walking three miles a day with his dog Cutter, enjoy his favorite media, explore new music, travel and socialize. His favorite attire remained tank tops & flip flops.

His positive life force and passion rubbed off on his friends, family and co-workers. He was the ultimate 'good guy' and was celebrated annually with a birthday walk - a 9-mile hike and cliff-side picnic at Pt. Reyes' Arch Rock. Last year he marked his 25th walk on his 60th birthday.

Michael leaves behind his beautiful wife of 22 years, Susanne and their incredible daughter, Cristina, who both sustained and supported him. He also leaves behind his sister, Debey Zito (Terry), and brothers Tony Zito (Teresa), Eric Abbott (Michele), Jason Abbott (Rocky), David Haugen (Mary), semi-stepdaughter Erica Lewis (Don), mother, Gerry Abbott and a bunch of wonderful nieces and nephews who brought him much happiness.

Special thanks to the Kaiser Chemo Fairies. During the two years that Michael underwent chemo, they always brightened his spirits. There is no way to properly thank all of his phenomenal friends, coworkers and neighbors who reached out to Michael in the last couple of years. A gathering in honor of Michael will be held at 1pm Sunday, July 13 at the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria located at 828 I Street, Sacramento CA. Donations may be made to the Point Reyes National Seashore Association.
'I'm not afraid of death. I just don't want to be there when it happens.'
-Woody Allen