Michael Zarra

Michael Zarra, 87, of Holmdel, NJ passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025.

He was born in Passaic, NJ to the late Sylvia and Samuel Zarra. Mike was raised in Wall Township and graduated from Manasquan High School. From there, he proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He then started his career at J.B. Hanauer as a municipal bond salesman. Mike and his beloved wife, Lois, met at Manasquan Beach and married in 1961 at Holmdel Community Church. Soon after, they had their forever home built in Holmdel and started raising their family there.

Mike served in many leadership roles throughout his life starting at MHS where he served as Co-Captain of the football team and President of the Class of '55. He followed that with terms as President of the local Future Farmers of America and of the Bond Club of NJ. He also served as a fireman for the Holmdel Volunteer Fire Company No. 1.

As a 50-year member of Beacon Hill Country Club, he was proud of his title as the longest living member of the club. He played in countless golf tournaments, hosted special family gatherings, and cherished the dear friends he made there.

Mike prided himself on taking meticulous care of the pool. He and Lois hosted many poolside parties which included food he grilled to perfection, vegetables from the garden, summer cocktails, and friendly horseshoe matches. When he wasn't entertaining, he could be found traveling with Lois on trips he was awarded for being among the top salespeople in the office. Greece, Austria, Mexico, and Alaska were among their favorites. Once grandchildren came along, annual beach vacations to Martha's Vineyard took the top spot!

Upon retiring from Royal Bank of Canada at 75, Mike spent his days golfing at BHCC, helping Lois cultivate beautiful gardens and vegetables in the backyard, and relaxing with his grandchildren by the pool.

He is predeceased by his parents; wife, Lois; brother, Arnold "Skip" Zarra.

Mike is survived by his daughters Leigh and her husband Bill Kleinberg of Emmaus, PA, and Allison and her husband Michael Giambra of Rocky Hill, NJ; brothers-in-law Bill and Don Liebenow; sisters-in-law Lynn Liebenow and Janice Liebenow; grandchildren Kyle, Danielle, and Geoffrey Kleinberg, and Brian Giambra; his friend and caregiver Primrose "Rosie" Hamilton; and many loving family members and friends.

Family and friends are invited to gather 12:30-1:00 p.m. November 8th at Holmdel Community Church, 40 Main Street, Holmdel, followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Holmdel Community Church Cemetery.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, Mike's family asks, with gratitude, that donations in his memory be made to The ALS Association or to the Holmdel Community UCC.

For messages of condolence, or to share a favorite memory of Mike, please visit his page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com.