John Vincent Zocco

John Vincent Zocco, 69, of East Hartford, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016.

The son of Joseph and Tina (Cobisi) Zocco, he was born Oct. 4, 1947, in Hartford, and raised in West Hartford, but graduated from East Hartford High, the town where he would eventually raise his own family. Serving in the U.S. Air Force, he was honorably discharged and began his career at Pratt & Whitney, where he worked on fuel cells for the Apollo space program and later tested engines. While a manager at Burger Castle, John met his wife, Claudia DiGregorio, and they began a love story that would span 45 years. Together, John and Claudia owned and operated Giovanni's on Hartford Road and Giovanni's on Spencer Street in Manchester.

Over the years he managed other eateries too, but it was the East Hartford Golf Course venue that he held most special. John also worked for the U.S. Census Bureau in various capacities, the 2000 Census being most noteworthy. He volunteered for many years in support of St. Jude Hospital. He served in the community as a soccer coach, basketball coach, and Scout leader. John was a founding member of the St. Christopher's Parish Knights of Columbus. Between work and volunteer efforts, he found time to attend Manchester Community Technical College to earn an associate's degree. He was an Elvis Presley fan, had gardeners' heart, was actively involved in the Manchester Gun Club and was never at a loss for a story to tell or a corny joke to share.

Married since Oct. 2, 1971, John is survived by his beloved wife, Claudia Zocco; their daughters and husbands, Jessica Arede and Steve, Amanda Cuneo and Marc; and son, John Zocco Jr.; grandchildren Arianna and Dylan Arede, and Mia and Derek Cuneo; sisters Josie (Zocco) and Paul Tranchina, and Anna (Zocco) and Robert Pellegato; and brother, Paul Zocco; brothers-in-law Carmen DiGregorio and Anthony DiGregorio; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins, especially Salvatore Zocco. John was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Tina Zocco, in-laws Anthony and Gertrude DiGregorio; his brother Joseph Zocco; sisters-in-law Elizabeth Pysz and Sally Zocco; and son Jason Zocco.

A family man whose love knew no measure, John/Buddy/Dad/Papa/Best Friend was on hand to do whatever he could to help the ones he loved. He'll be dearly missed, but as time passes the memories we hold and the stories we share will sustain us until we meet again.

Our family wishes to extend special thanks to the team of doctors, nurses, and specialists who managed his recent illness with tremendous care and compassion.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor.

Family and friends may gather Monday, Dec. 5, at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at 10 a.m., at St. Christopher Church, East Hartford. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, East Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

For online condolences, visit

www.carmonfuneralhome.com