Michael J. Zegarelli Jr.

Michael J. Zegarelli Jr., 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in the comfort of his own home, Monday, February 3, 2025. Michael was born in Utica, May 11, 1943, the eldest son of the late Michael Sr. and Genevieve (Ransom) Zegarelli. He was raised and educated in Utica. On June 13, 1964, Mike was joined in marriage to the former Barbara Retschle, with whom he shared over 60 loving years of marriage and raising his beloved children. A sheet metal worker by trade, Mike was a member of the Local 58 Sheet Metal Workers Union and worked for many years locally. Being a hard worker was very important to Mike and something he instilled in his children at a young age. He was very proud of his years operating his bar "Ziggy's Northside Restaurant" which he owned with his wife, Barbara and brother, Jimmy. Being the oldest of four boys, Mike loved his brothers and always valued the relationship they shared. Mike enjoyed spending time outdoors mushrooming and fishing. He loved family jokes, and at one time, even considered himself a golfer. In later years he enjoyed puttering in the garage and working on his garden and pool, which his family always enjoyed in the summer at their Sunday cookouts. He was also a handyman and will be sadly missed. Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Zegarelli; two sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Danna Zegarelli, and David and Jo-Lynn Zegarelli; a daughter and two sons-in-law, Lynn and Michael Calcagnino, and Jon "Chico" Rolchigo; grandchildren, Nicole and Kyle Reid, Samantha Zegarelli, Gabriella Zegarelli, Jessica Maine, Jon Rolchigo, and Michael Calcagnino; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Heather Zegarelli; sister-in-law, Charlene Zegarelli; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his beloved son and daughter, Michael John Zegarelli III and Maria "Toby" Rolchigo; and brothers, James Zegarelli and Pat Zegarelli. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 12 Noon at St. Peter's Church, Utica. The family will receive visitors after mass. Private interment will be in St. Peter's Cemetery. The family wishes to thank his caregivers, Katherine Burnett, Jamal Turner, and Silas Watson, his neighbor and good friend, Karen Alessandrini and her late husband, Ray, and everyone at Advanced Wound Care, especially Mary Ellen Schrader, for all their care and kindness over the years. In memory of Mike and in honor of his granddaughter, Samantha Zegarelli, please consider donations to the Upstate Caring Partners Trade Winds Autism Program at upstatecp.org To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael J. Zegarelli Jr., please visit our floral store.