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James Zocco
In Memory of
James A.
Zocco
1921 - 2016
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Obituary for James A. Zocco

James A.  Zocco
James A. Zocco, 95, of Windsor Locks, loving husband of 59 years to the late Mary (Bolinsky) Zocco passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, with his family by his side. James was born May 21, 1921, in Hartford, CT the son of the late Joseph and Frances (Mangano) Zocco. He proudly served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II with the 450th Bomb Group and the 722nd Squadron stationed in Manduria, Italy. James duties were Assistant Crew Chief of his beloved B-24 Liberator and was specifically trained on operation and maintenance of the Norden bombsight and Sperry autopilot. Following the war, he brought his technical know-how to the emerging Kaman Aerospace, where he built helicopters for 35 years, retiring in 1986. James and Mary met in November of 1950, drawn together by their mutual love of skiing. Together they enjoyed skiing, being at their beach house in Niantic, social outings with the Labrajei Club, and cruises around the world. He served as president of the former Hartford Industrial Management Club. James was the original D.I.Y guy; he could be found tinkering in the basement with anything mechanical. He was a gifted mechanic and could fix anything. After returning from the war, James built his brother, Sal and wife Ann a house trailer fully equipped with living quarters, kitchen and restroom. He also enjoyed boating, golfing and sitting down reading the newspapers to keep up to date with the current events. He was a parishioner of St. Mary Church. James was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and UCONN Women's Basketball. James was a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus Riverside Council # 26, the American Legion Gensi-Viola Post # 36 and the Smalley Brothers V.F.W. Post 6123 all of Windsor Locks. James is survived by his three sons, Philip Zocco of Niantic, Paul Zocco and his wife, Mary-Jane of Niantic, and Jay Zocco and his wife, Meg of Glastonbury. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Chris Zocco and Caty Zocco and her fiancé, Will Treadway, Alison Colussi and her husband, Timothy, Stephen Zocco, Caroline Zocco and her fiancé, Haden Olmsted, Abby Myers and her husband, Darren and Mark Zocco; a sister-in-law, Ann Zocco of Homestead, FL and many nieces and nephews. James was predeceased by a brother, Sal Zocco and three sisters, Carrie Zocco, Lucy Lucca and Connie Cavallaro. The family is forever grateful to his caring and generous Middle Drive neighbors and his caregiver Cobla Akafiah who took care of Dad for almost 5 years. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family on Sunday, December 4, 2016, from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Windsor Locks Funeral Home, 441 Spring St., Windsor Locks. A funeral procession will gather at 9 am at the funeral home on Monday, December 5, 2016, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 am at St. Mary Church. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. For on line expressions of sympathy or directions please visit www.leetestevens.com
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