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BORN
1949
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Matthew Zuccaro Obituary
Chappaqua -
Matthew Zuccaro, longtime resident of Chappaqua, NY, passed away surrounded by his family on February 25, 2020. He was born in New York City and grew up in Westchester County. Matt is survived by his wife of fifty years, Doreen, his son Steven (Patricia) and daughter Wendy Manowitz (Rob) as well as grandchildren Lizzie and Jon, brother Anthony, his sister, Susan Pavlick and many loving cousins, nieces & nephews.
Matt always had a love of flying, beginning with his involvement with Civil Air Patrol as a teenager. He then served in Vietnam with the 7/17th Air Calvary flying helicopters for his country as an Army helicopter pilot, where his bravery earned him several commendations, (including two Distinguished flying crosses, three Bronze stars and nineteen air medals). Over the next 50 years he had a distinguished career in aviation, highlights of which included being one of only two pilots to land on top of the World Trade Center heliport, being a founding member of the Eastern Regional Helicopter Council culminating his career serving as president and CEO of the Helicopter Association International for the past 15 years. Throughout his career, Matt was an advocate for the global promotion of rotorcraft safety on behalf of all members, operators and maintainers alike.
In addition to his passion for aviation, Matt absolutely loved spending time with his immediate and extended family, hosting large family gatherings and vacationing at the Jersey shore. The family will receive friends at the Beecher Flooks Funeral Home in Pleasantville today, Thursday, from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM & on Friday from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John & St. Mary R.C. (Upper Church) on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne.
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Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Zuccaro
Sponsored by Beecher Flooks Funeral Home, Inc. - Pleasantville.
Marcal Souto
June 3, 2025
New Marty well when we were in the Civil Air Patrol. We were just kids on air rescue mission and also Trick Drill Team. Lost touch when he went to Nam.
Great guy and friend
Marcal (Mark) Souto
Mark Souto
January 25, 2025
New Marty from CAP, we selected him as DI , I also spent many search and rescue missions with Marty. Really enjoyed every moment Drilling, Traveling and going on search and rescue missions with him. Always was a leader and a great guy. Mark Souto
Alan F ahron
September 4, 2020
I was a friend of Peter I think he was your brother from Mount Vernon,ny.
March 22, 2020
..and my Co-Author to the most famous English work "Frebbitz from Ithaca", Mrs. Elvove's English Class, Lincoln High, Yonkers New York!
As my high school friend, we didn't want to read the whole" Illiad". We contrived a plan to use nonsense words in its prose.
Matts' idea, always creative with a gleam in his eye, we both received a "B" having never read it through... for being "Creative" with the English language.
We laughed the rest of the semester!
As a current pilot and childhood friend, I pass on to his family my sincerest condolences.
....and to Matt I say, "Fly High, and careful with those "Auto-Rotations".
Dr. Gary Steinberg, Palm Coast , Florida
"Frebbitz from Ithaca",co-author
Gary Steinberg
March 22, 2020
..and my Co-Author to the most famous English work "Frebbitz from Ithaca", Mrs. Elvove's English Class, Lincoln High, Yonkers New York!
As my high school friend, we did't want to read the whole" Illiad". We contrived a plan to use nonsense words in its prose.
Matts' idea, always creative with a gleam in his eye, we both received a "B" having never read it through... for being "Creative" with the English language.
We laughed the rest of the semester!
As a current pilot and childhood friend, I pass on to his family my sincerest condolences.
....and to Matt I say, "Fly High, and careful with those "Auto-Rotations".
Dr. Gary Steinberg, Palm Coast , Florida
"Frebbitz from Ithaca",co-author
Civil Air Patrol Cadet function 1967-68
Dominick Dacosta
March 4, 2020
David W.
February 29, 2020
Matt was a great guy and consummate professional. I flew with Matt on the Sikorsky 76 on audits for Hess corporation. Matt was a perfectionist and on a rare occasion forgot his camera to film the audit. He didnt miss a beat and bought a disposable camera at the local drug store. He always took time and made me feel like I was the most important person in the room. What a great contributor to the Helicopter universe! As we say in the Navy Fair winds and following seas!
Michele Yakovee
February 28, 2020
We are so sorry not to be with you to comfort and support. Our heartfelt condolences. Sending much love.
Michele, Israel, Lior and Maya
February 28, 2020
On behalf of the Civilian Helicopter Pilots at Maryland State Police Aviation, we extend our sincere condolences to the extended Zuccaro family. Matt was a change agent in our industry and we are safer for his efforts over the past decades. May you now rest in peace, soldier.
Rick Bartlett
President, Local 3675
Maryland State Police Civilians
marianne zuccaro
February 28, 2020
Matty, we are truly devastated of your passing. It was our pleasure to all be together and we were always happy to see everyone at our dinners and parties. May you always Fly with the Angels..You will Truly be Missed. All our Love, Marianne & Matty Zuccaro
Wolfgang B
February 27, 2020
Sorry to hear of Matt's passing.... We just exchanged emails a short while ago.... I true gentleman... He will be missed... My condolences to you and all of the family.
February 27, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to you and your whole family.
Our thoughts are with you.
Sue & Larry Dix
Stanley Aufieri
February 27, 2020
Our deepest sympathies to Doreen and her children Steven and Wendy, and to Anthony, Susan and all the family. Loyalty, devotion to family and country, and most important, humility, come to mind when Matt 's name is spoken. He was a wonderful man and cousin, and it's an honor to be part of his family.
God Bless all of you.
Love,
Stan and Roxanne
John Anderson
February 26, 2020
Matt was a dear friend and valued fellow helicopter pilot. We shared many good times together and I miss him!
John Anderson
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
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Memorial Events
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Feb
27
Calling hours
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Beecher Flooks Funeral Home, Inc. - Pleasantville418 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570
Feb
28
Calling hours
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Beecher Flooks Funeral Home, Inc. - Pleasantville418 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570
Feb
28
Calling hours
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Beecher Flooks Funeral Home, Inc. - Pleasantville418 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570
Funeral services provided by:
Beecher Flooks Funeral Home, Inc. - Pleasantville418 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570
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