Judd Thaddeus Zagata

1988 - 2021

Judd Thaddeus Zagata

Judd Thaddeus Zagata, 32, passed away on Thursday, April 22, 2021 from a drug overdose after a brave battle with addiction.

Born on May 17, 1988, Judd was the third child to Donna and Jim Zagata of Sayreville, NJ. He had an older sister, Jamie Zagata (DiBenedetto), and an older brother, Zachary Zagata.

Judd was a loving and charismatic child, who had an active childhood filled with sports, summers in the pool, family vacations, and so much joy. Even at a young age, Judd had an infectious smile and the sweetest laugh. He was a compassionate child, always sticking up for the underdogs, and always lending a helping hand to someone in need.

During his young adult years, Judd quickly learned the art of welding, with almost no instruction, and had dreams of one day having his own fabrication shop. Judd loved channeling his creativity and focus into working on almost any task that involved his hands. Judd was the biggest critic of his own work, and if the smallest detail was off by a hair, he would redo the entire project and make it as close to perfect as possible.

Judd enjoyed so many things during his life, but he most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved swimming, and would spend hours at a time in the pool and in the ocean. He loved the beach, and over the past few years discovered a love of scuba diving and exploring the ocean, and became a certified Computer Nitrox Diver. Judd was a thrill seeker and loved riding anything with a motor - with quads and dirtbikes being his favorite. Judd also enjoyed going to the shooting range, and loved attending live concerts with his friends. Some of his favorite bands were 311, E-Town Concrete, The Misfits, Incubus, Sublime, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen (of course he loved Bruce - Judd was a true Jersey boy!)

Everyone that knew Judd, genuinely loved Judd. As soon as he entered a room, his presence was immediately felt. His smile was contagious, he always had something funny to say, and his laugh would brighten any mood. Judd was a sensitive person, with always putting the needs of others first. One day while driving as a passenger on the parkway, an accident happened in front of him, and before his father put the car in park, Judd sprang to action and jumped out to immediately help the person in need - even before the first responders arrived. Judd viewed life differently than most people do - he believed in quality over quantity, and truly lived his life to the fullest.

Judd battled addiction, experiencing many periods of success, and periods of struggle. Judd, however, always remained kind, compassionate and funny; the traits that made him so deeply loved by family and friends. Judd's addiction never defined him as a person. He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, a grandson, and a friend. Judd will be greatly missed by all of us.

Judd is survived by his parents Donna and Jim Zagata, sister and brother in law Jamie and Joe DiBenedetto, brother Zachary Zagata, aunts Lori Rock, Karen Hardin, Patricia Smithson, and niece and nephew Sofia & Sal DiBenedetto. Also mourning the loss of Judd are extended family members, and countless friends and co-workers.

A service for Judd will be held on Thursday, April 29 from 4 - 8 PM at Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home in Parlin, NJ. A mass will follow on Friday, April 30 at 10 AM at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Sayreville, NJ.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation be made in memory of Judd to Tigger House Foundation to help in the ongoing awareness and fight against addiction. Donations can be made via www.tiggerhouse.org, or by calling 732.865.1559.

"Life is beautiful - Treat it that way." - Judd Z.

Please note that due to COVID-19 limitations, a maximum of 100 guests will be allowed in the building at once and masks must be worn at all times. Letters of condolence to the family, completed funeral details, and directions may be found by visiting www.spezzifuneralhome.com.