John Colin Zazzaro
1966 - 2021
John Colin Zazzaro
1966 - 2021
Obituary
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John Zazzaro Obituary
Mr. John Colin Zazzaro, age 54, of Rome, GA, passed away Tuesday afternoon, August 24, 2021.
Mr. Zazzaro was born in Greensburg, PA on September 30, 1966, son of the late Rocco and Adeline Colantino Zazzaro. He was a graduate of Greensburg Central Catholic School. He received his B. A. in History from College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, and his M. A. in Social Sciences from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. Prior to his teaching at Darlington School, he taught at Carolina Day School in Asheville, NC for 9 years. He currently served as Upper School History Teacher and was a former Head of Neville House. He also served as Assistant Coach for Boys and Girls Tennis. “Big John” was “John of all Trades” at Camp Androscoggin in Wayne, ME, where he served for 30 years. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife, Bethany “Bebe” Zazzaro, to whom he was married on April 4, 1998; twin sons, Colin and Casey Zazzaro, both of Rome; his sister, Roxanne Zazzaro, Cottontown, TN; his brother, Rocky Zazzaro (Kim), Cottontown, TN; one niece, Chloe Neilson; 3 nephews, Patrick Zazzaro (Sheldyn), Thomas Zazzaro, and Christian Neilson.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 2pm at Morris Chapel on the campus of Darlington School. Father Carlos Ortega will be the Celebrant.
Masks are required indoors on campus at Darlington School. The service will be live streamed on the Darlington School website.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider supporting a Darlington student by making a donation to Darlington School, 1014 Cave Spring Road, Rome, GA 30161 or www.darlingtonschool.org/Giving/GiveOnline or to the Camp Androscoggin Alumni Scholarship Fund for Camperships, 601 West Street, Harrison, NY 10528. Both were special places for John.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, has charge of the funeral arrangements.
Joseph Bernier
August 29, 2021
In the summers between 1988-93 I had the great fortune of working with John in the kitchen at Holiday Hill. I was younger and in awe of the older kids there, who were so much more worldly. At the core of this older group was The Bear. He was so influential to me. We were treated daily to his infectious laughter, his awesome stories and musings. You could confide in him on the spot with whatever. Few possess that magic combination of storyteller, therapist, and philosopher, while being so easygoing and comforting to be around. Humble, confident, righteous yet unsure, with a smile and some mischief. If morale was low, he would be the one to stoke the enthusiasm and rally us back with his positive energy and humor. He radiated the sense that even though life is difficult everything’s going to be ok.
Working in that kitchen those summers long ago, I had unwittingly entered the master class of John The Bear Zazzaro. I got the message. He’s gone, but that light will continue to guide us. I remember asking him once what his favorite song was. He said it was Ripple.
Benjamin Harrop
August 27, 2021
My condolences to the Zazzaro family and friends. I only knew Big John for the summer of 2019, but it was the best summer of my life, and he was a big part of making it so. I remember that I once asked him "why do we have sausagefest?" (as I had never encountered it before and didn't know what it was). Big John then replied by saying in the funniest way possible that I was fired! and we then couldn't stop laughing for an age! Of course, he was joking but it was one of many fond memories I had at Camp, and Big John was one of things that made camp camp. Love to you all.
August 27, 2021
Johnny was such a good fun loving person. I wasn’t around him a lot but when I was he was always smiling with nothing to say bad about anyone.He will be sorely missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to Bebe and the boys.RIP John God Bless Lewis and Diann Walker
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Dante and Claudia Tomaselli
August 26, 2021
Our sincerest condolences and prayers to the entire Zazzaro family from the Tomaselli family. Cherish the many memories, and may God's love comfort you all during your time of healing.
Jerry Carroll
August 26, 2021
Dear Zazzaro Family,
My deepest condolences on the passing of your dad/husband/brother. I remember eating a few Sunday meals at the Zazzaro home in Greensburg with Johnny always smiling and telling uplifting and funny stories. What a kind and beautiful soul. May he rest in Christ's Heavenly embrace.
Carol Smith
August 26, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Peter Marczak
August 26, 2021
Big John will be greatly missed by the campers and counselors at Camp Androscoggin! He was a great guy and was loved by all. My condolences to Bebe, Colin and Casey.
Jenny Bethel
August 26, 2021
Although we only knew Mr Z for one school year, it was obvious to us the impact he had on our son Thomas as his History teacher in that short period. Our son is only one of countless lives Mr Z has left his mark upon. His huge smile always greeted us when taking our football tickets every Friday night. Our time knowing him was far too short, but we are forever grateful to have known him while we did. May he rest in eternal peace, smiling down at the beautiful legacy he leaves behind within his wife and sons, and all the many lives of those who knew him. May God bless and comfort his family now and forever.
Amy Healey
August 26, 2021
We knew John as The Bear. There were many summers in our late teens and early 20s when every summer “our crew” would converge on Holiday Hill for the summer. Whether we worked in life guarding, activities, or the kitchen we all worked tremendously long hours and made life long friends. The Bear was in the marrow of Holiday Hill. He was an Activities Director- he would gather the ever changing clientele and put together fun events and contests. He was the best at what he did and born for that role. Patrons gravitated to him. And we all loved him. He was a legend. I was very lucky to call him a friend. Sending love to his family and his school community.
Amy Healey
Billy Walker
August 26, 2021
Johnny always had a big smile on his face whenever you would see him. He alway showed love for everyone , ,especially his family. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Catherine and I want to send our love to Bebe,Casey and Colin during this time of healing. May God bless .
Swinny
August 26, 2021
Big John please know the world lost a giant with your passing. I will miss you my friend. I know you are now with your mom and dad. May you Rest In Peace. You and the whole family are in my prayers and that was a range ball!! Thanks for always having Colin of Casey get me a fresh one!!
Craig Schmidt
August 25, 2021
I was so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a dynamic individual that brought joy to others every day. His enthusiasm and energy improved the lives of those fortunate enough to work with him. We will miss him and remember him with fondness.
Scott Groce
August 25, 2021
Love this man, love his family. I met John and Bebe when they worked at Carolina Day School in Asheville. What a great teacher, coach, mentor and friend he was - a positive influence on so many young men and women. John, Bebe, Casey and Colin will always be part of the Carolina Day School family. We are sad, but will always remember him with that big smile on his face. Rest well Z.
Barbara Zelo
August 25, 2021
Roxanne, Rocky, Bebe, boys and family, deepest sympathy and blessings to all. May the memories and great stories bring each of you peace during this time of sorrow. John lived his life and celebrated each day by living each day to the fullest. His memories will live with each of your throughout your journey’s in life. May Jesus bring each of you peace during this time of sorrow. Barbara and Joseph Hanchock (Zello)
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3002 Maple Road, Rome, GA 30161
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