Baselio G. "Joe" Zorzanello

Baselio Zorzanello Obituary

Orange - Baselio G. "Joe" Zorzanello, LCDR USN (Ret.), 95, died of complications from a stroke on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford.

Mr. Zorzanello was born in West Stockbridge, Mass., the son of Guglielmo Zorzanello, a baker, and Bianca (Collalto), a homemaker. He did not learn English until he went to school but excelled academically, eventually skipping a grade. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1935, and served in World War II, earning more than a dozen medals, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with Valor for heroism in a combat zone. He was captured by the Japanese during the Battle of Corregidor and survived 39 months in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. There, he became friends with Louis Cusano, who later introduced him to his sister, Margaret Cusano. Joe and Margaret married in 1952, and remained together until her death in 2006.

Mr. Zorzanello retired from the Navy in 1957, and he and Margaret moved to Niantic. They raised their family there until 1978, when they moved to Frederick, Md. They spent 20 years there, where he pursued hobbies such as wine tasting and photography. In 1998 they moved back to Connecticut, settling in Orange in order to be closer to children and other family.

Margaret was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2001, and he cared for her until her death in 2006.

Mr. Zorzanello leaves two sons, Bill (Jill) of Mullica Hill, N.J., and Barry (Tami) of Sandy Hook; three daughters, Mary of New Haven, Carolyn Byron of Southington, and Elizabeth Emery of Havertown, Pa.; a sister, Lydia Gerard of Great Barrington, Mass.; nine grandchildren, Destiny VonHof, Billy and Sophia Zorzanello, Arthur Abeshouse, Julia and Joseph Byron, Elisabeth, Marissa and Nicholas Emery; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at Smith & Sefcik Funeral Home, 135 Broad St., Milford. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday directly in Holy Infant Church, Race Brook Road, Orange. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

The family wishes to express their deep thanks to his caregiver for the past two years, Sena Grandison, and to the caring people of Connecticut Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Connecticut Food Bank or the Alzheimer's Association.

To leave condolences or for directions, please visit our website, www.georgejsmithandson.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Jan. 23, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Baselio Zorzanello

14 Entries

Malu Bonavigo

January 28, 2013

Cheguei até você primo atravéz da net e atravéz dela fiquei sabendo de sua partida, tempo foi pequeno mais meu amor é imenso por você.Descanse em Paz.

Moe Mulvey

January 28, 2013

My prayers go out to you & your family.I didn't know him long, but your dad was a pleasure to be around.I am so sorry.

Tom Powers

January 28, 2013

My thoughts & prayers go out to the Zorzanello family during this time of loss.

Melissa Calkins

January 26, 2013

Dear Liz and the Zorzanello Family~~~

My thoughts and prayers are with you!!! You're dad sounds amazing, and I wish I had the chance to know him. Treasure those special memories and hold them close to your heart over the coming days.

Blessings to you all~~~

January 25, 2013

TO THE ZORZANELL0 CHILDREN, OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
LOVE , MR. & MRS. LAWRENCE HINSON

January 24, 2013

We wish to add our condolences to Joe's family. He worked at EB with me and was member of our St. Agnes Church in Niantic, When he move away from the area Joe always kept in contact with us through the years by Christmas cards & notes and an occassional phone call. Updating us on his life and of his his proud children. We valued his friendship and will be greatly missed every Christmas when there will be no card from expected Joe's greetings. Rest in peace dear friend &
May perpetual light shine on him for all eternity..Dick & Ellie Wilkes

Peter Charney

January 23, 2013

My sympathies to Zorzanello family.
Barry, I did not know the history and service that your father gave for our freedom. I would have liked to thank him. You may not remember me. Long ago we both loved the same 59 Bel Air. I think of our brief history often. My prayers are for you and your family.

John Masiero

January 23, 2013

My condolences to the family of Mr. Zorzanello. My father and his siblings grew up with him in West Stockbridge and knew the family well.

January 23, 2013

I think of your family when I go by your house so often. We lived just down the road across the street growing up. Thinking of you in my heart and prayers. Gale (Swanson) Parrish

January 23, 2013

My deepest condolences, Mary....

Deborah DiPietro

January 23, 2013

I'm very sorry for your loss.

January 23, 2013

To the Zorzanello family, My deepest condollences go out to each and every one of you. I am so sorry for your loss. Sheila Gentilella-Coleman, Ocoee, FL.

Marvin Goldie

January 23, 2013

Thank-you for your service Sir.

MICHAEL SALERNO

January 22, 2013

Bill, Barry, Mary, Elizabeth, and Carolyn,

My deepest sympathies go out to you. Your Dad was a very special individual and I will always remember the stories he shared with me during my visits with him. It took a special man to endure what he did during the war and his capture and survival. A true and heroic Veteran. As well as the years growing up and visiting your house in Niantic and some of the humorous pranks that you would all play on him. Your Day will always have a special place in my heart. My prayers go out to each of you.
Michael Salerno

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