Oct 29, 2018

Felix Zaccarino, 96, of Cecil, died Thursday, October 25, 2018, from which many believe was a broken heart after he had been painfully observing his wife of 75 years suffer from multiple illnesses. Jean Gizoni Zaccarino, 93, passed away 16 hours later, Friday, October 26.

Felix was born February 5, 1922, in Cecil, a son of the late Camillo and Beatrice Pelino Zaccarino. Jean was born February 24, 1925, in Finley Township, a daughter of the late Charles and Ardella Anselmi Gizoni.

Surviving the couple are their children, Terry (Claudia) Zaccarino of Fairfax, Va., Wayne (Patty) Zaccarino of Cecil and Phyllis Zaccarino (Terry Marynchak) of Cecil; grandchildren, Kara (Todd) Bell of Cecil, Philip Zaccarino of Falls Church, Va., Russell Zaccarino of Great Falls, Va., and Matthew Zaccarino of Lake Mary, Fla.; great-grandchildren, TJ, Presley and Kole Bell of Cecil; and Jean’s sister, Yolanda Spino of Washington.

The Zaccarinos were dedicated to their extended families and hosted Sunday and holiday dinners for over 50 years. Felix and Jean were members of St. Mary Parish and the Cecil American Legion. Additionally, Felix was a member of United Mine Workers of America and Operating Engineers Local 66.

Felix “Phil” enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and anything outdoors. He was still deer hunting in Tionesta when he was 93. The 20 inches of snow and freezing weather were not a deterrent to the avid marksman, who could scope a gun on the first try. He was an accomplished guitar player and learned to read music when he started his band “the Royals.” He could expertly paint a car and repair almost anything.

Jean was nurturing and caring and never met anyone she didn’t like. She could prepare a feast in 20 minutes flat and would welcome anyone into her home. She learned to play tennis at 49 and watched every Grand Slam event. She operated an iPhone at 93 and FaceTimed with her great-grandchildren regularly.

Both Jean and Phil loved animals, especially dogs. They also enjoyed going to the casino, watching game shows and golf, and sitting at the kitchen table playing cards and Scrabble with family and friends.

Felix worked for National Coal in the Muse mine, then served in World War II as a sergeant of the Fighting 69th Infantry Division. After returning from the war, he worked for Zaccarino Bros. Auto Body. He got his union card for the Operating Engineers Local 66 and worked for Bozo Construction and Louis M. McMasters Inc. He went back to Consolidation Coal for several years and retired from Chartiers Paving at 67.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Anthony “Zuck” and Joseph Zaccarino, and five sisters, Christina Santucci, Lucy L’Herbier, Rose Taylor, Marion Chabassol and Louise Malenka.

Jean Zaccarino’s main occupation was mother and homemaker, but early in her life she was employed by Albert’s Packing, making hot dogs. As her children got older, she decided to help others as a nanny/housekeeper, which she continued into her eighties.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Alma Wincheck, Ann Chick and Alice Richardson and 10 brothers, Ernest, John, Louis, Joseph, Victor “Babe,” Dan, Italo, Fred and Jack Gizoni and Victor Collavo.

Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, 3378 Millers Run Road, Rt.50, Cecil, where prayers of transfer will be said at 11:15 a.m. Friday, November 2. A Christian Funeral Mass will follow at noon in St. Mary Church with Father Stan Gregorek officiating.

Interment will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township, where full military honors will be accorded to Felix by American Legion 175, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Cecil American Legion, Box 93, Cecil number 3 Volunteer Fire Company Box 5, or St. Mary Parish, 10 St Mary Lane, all in Cecil, PA 15321.