Zamir Kociaj

Zamir Kociaj, chef of sublime Italian fare, foodie, lover of life, father of two adored children, and husband of his wonderful partner-in-crime Eri left this planet on June 1st, 2022, for a life among the angels. He passed away surrounded by family and friends at the age of 49, after an 18-month battle with ALS. He was featured in the "I'm dying to tell you podcast" which you can find here: https://imdyingtotellyoupodcast.com/episode/inspiration-from-4-als-warriors/
Zamir was a natural-born optimist even during the most difficult times. He left his home in Albania to master Italian cooking in Florence, Italy, before bringing his talents to Boston, Massachusetts. He was authentic in everything he did, including the way he managed the restaurants he owned. He cooked with passion and modesty. His "gnocchi al gorgonzola and walnuts" and his creamy risottos made many of his restaurant aficionados crave for more! For Zamir, dining out was like going to a show or a book reading. "Food is culture" he told Northshore Magazine. "Through food we evoke emotions. That's very important part of our lives." And emotions did he create, not only through his award-winning restaurants - Trattoria Toscana in the Fenway and, later, Firenze Trattoria in Salem - but also in the people he met in his lifepath. To some, he became a "brother from another mother", to many he was their best friend, and to the rest, he was the most tender, generous, positive soul they'd ever met.
Zamir's ability to turn an unhappy client to smile again was unique. "Offer sincere apologies and smile with your eyes, heart, soul and mouth" he would tell his staff. Zamir worked hard all his life to reach his dreams, but this is no different than many other people. What set him apart is how he did it. He did it with honesty, dignity, and always a smile in his face. Zamir's generosity and altruism were unmatched. He helped a lot of people during his path of life - delivering boxes of food weekly and cooking for free at a fundraiser event for a family of Kosovar refugees; helping to find new jobs for his staff when he decided to close the restauant; making generous donations to many fundraising events etc.
Zamir will be missed terribly by his family and friends, and will be remembered for his charisma, humility, good vibe, and for how he led his life by example until the very last moments. His legacy is carried on by his two children, 4-year old Dorina and 6-month old Martin, and his beloved wife Erilda Muco of Medford; his parents Ana (Lilaj) and Reshat Kociaj of Salem; his brother Andi Kociaj and his wife Jillian and their son Ruben of Salem; his parents-in-law Luljeta and Kujtim Muco of Everett; his sister-and-brother-in-law Besiana Muco and Gazmir Shima of Everett; his sister-in-law Eda Muco of Cambridge; and an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life. We were blessed to have had him part of our lives, admire and learn from him.
Friends (and strangers he would love to have met) can visit with Zamir's family at the Keefe Funeral Home, 2175 Massachusetts Ave., North Cambridge, Sunday, June 5th from 12 PM to 3 PM. Interment will be private. For directions or to offer an online expression of sympathy please visit www.keefefuneralhome.com. In Zamir's memory, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gofundme campaign we have created to help with his children's education.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/dorinas-and-martins-college-fund?member=19717255&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer