Joseph M. Zagari

Joseph M. Zagari, 89, died peacefully on July 16, 2025.

Born and raised in Somerville to the late James and Concetta Zagari (nee Federico), he was a graduate of Somerville High School.

Mr. Zagari met the love of his life Elizabeth Sixt and were married in 1959. They settled on West Cliff Street and moved over to Altamont Place and raised their family in Somerville. Family was the center of the Zagari household, having traditional Sunday spaghetti dinner with the entire family, and gathering on holidays and special occasions. He was an athletic trainer and coach while his sons played Pop Warner football and baseball making him a staple amongst the community. There wasn’t a family barbeque that didn’t have good food, Bocce and Horseshoes. He was quite the dancer and enjoyed time on a bowling league with his wife. Most of all, he cherished the quality time spent with his family, creating memories that last a lifetime.

He was a longtime communicant of The Church of The Immaculate Conception in Somerville and was a member of the Somerville Elks. Mr. Zagari was a dedicated member of the Somerville Fire Department, Lincoln Hose Company #4, where he was a former Captain and head driver.

Joseph worked for the Messenger Gazette for 34 years and went on to retire from Pen Color Graphics in Huntington Valley, PA and went on to move to Barnegat in 2003. He spent the last four years at the NJ Fireman’s Home in Boonton, NJ. Mr. Zagari loved the simple things in life, like a good meal that finished off with ice cream or a milk shake, which his sons assured they did every chance they could while he was at the Fireman’s Home.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elizabeth Zagari in 2023. Surviving are his loving children, Michael Zagari and wife Kerri, and Mark Zagari, his adored grandchildren Ashley, Maya and Miles, as well as his many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00PM on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, Somerville.

Entombment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery, Bridgewater.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the New Jersey Fireman’s Home, 565 Lathrop Avenue, Boonton, NJ 07005