Donald Zuccardy

Norwich — Don Zuccardy, husband, father, grandfather and friend, known for his compassionate spirit, commitment to family and easy-going humor, died on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018.

Don was born in Stamford in 1934, to Jane French and Elwood Zuccardy and grew up in East Hartford. Don served in the U.S. Air Force in Korea as a radio operator and was discharged at the rank of staff sergeant. He attributed his proficiency in Morse code to his lifelong love of bebop music.

After his discharge from the military, Don attended Boston University on the GI Bill and graduated in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in business. He worked for 35 years as a general agent for Allstate Insurance. A caring people person, he was eager to find common threads with everyone he met. That trait helped propel his success as a salesman and in the Norwich Lions Club where he served in the roles of president and secretary. He particularly enjoyed collecting eyeglasses for charity and speaking at Lions Clubs statewide.

A devout Catholic, he was a longtime congregant of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Norwich where he coached youth baseball, taught religious education and served as a lay reader.

Friends and family will fondly remember Don for his playfulness and ability to weave a captivating tale. He loved swimming, fishing and crabbing with his kids and grandkids, creating elaborate serial bedtime stories and cheering on the Boston Red Sox and the UConn basketball teams. He will be missed for his singing, his corny jokes and concern for others right up until his final days.

Don is survived by Barbara, his wife of 57 years; his children, Ann, Jill and John and their spouses; three grandchildren; and his brother, James Zuccardi and sister, Katherine Rewa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Norwich Lions Club.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Norwich, with a gathering to follow. A private burial will be held at a later date.