Obituary of Joseph Michael Zaccogna

Joseph Michael “Mel” Zaccogna, age 70, of High Bridge, NJ, passed away Sunday, April 7, 2024, at the Hunterdon Medical Center.  Born on May 8, 1953, he was the son of the late Joseph G. Zaccogna and the late Josephine (nee Catanacci) Zaccogna. 

Born and raised in Summit, NJ, Joseph graduated from Summit High School in 1971. He married Katherine (nee Klezer) on September 21, 1991. Joe worked as a carpenter for Local 620 in Chatham, NJ until 1998 when he became a proud stay-at-home dad to his daughter, Cheryl, whom he adored. He and Kathy loved nothing more than watching Cheryl grow and being present for all her accomplishments.

Joseph, loved the beach, especially Point Pleasant, NJ.  He could often be found enjoying a cold Miller Lite at Martel's Tiki Bar. He enjoyed a good round of golf and was a music enthusiast, that had a vast collection of vinyl records.  Joe was an avid NASCAR fan and come the fall he looked forward to cheering on college football with his wife Kathy. Joseph was known for his happy and cheerful personality and was able to make friends wherever he went.  He loved life and lived it to the fullest.  Most of all, Joseph was a family man, who cherished the time he spent with his family.

Joseph is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Josephine Zaccogna; and his father-in-law, David Klezer.

Joseph will be forever missed by his loving wife, Kathy Zaccogna; his daughter, Cheryl Zaccogna; sisters, Debbie Zaccogna and Kathleen Bonnano; mother-in-law, Annette Klezer; brother-in-laws, Marc Klezer and his wife Tara, Joe Bonnano and David Klezer; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives may visit with Joe’s family on Thursday, April 11th from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Martin Funeral Home, located at 1761 Route 31, Clinton NJ 08809. Funeral Mass will be offered on Friday, April 12th at 9:30 AM at St. Teresa of Avila Church, located at 306 Morris Ave, Summit NJ 07901. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Friends and relatives are kindly asked to meet directly at church on Friday morning.

For friends and relatives that cannot attend in person, please us this link to watch the funeral mass via livestream. Please Click Here For Live Streaming Service

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Please Click Here to Donate