Peter Zangari, Jr.'s Obituary
Peter Zangari, Jr., 95, of Cicero, passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones. Born on the North Side of Syracuse to Peter and Maria Assunta, Peter was raised in a predominately Italian immigrant neighborhood where he made lifelong friends.
Peter was an entrepreneur his entire life. He began working at Bersani’s Restaurant at 13 years old with his friends from the North Side. At 17, Peter and his older brother Nick opened their first liquor store on Butternut Street. After several years, Zangari’s Liquor Store relocated to the iconic Sweetheart Corner in North Syracuse. Many years later, Peter opened Pete’s Diner, an “open all night” eatery where his frittata was loved by all.
Peter was most proud of his faith and community. Hunting, camping, and a love for the outdoors led Peter to becoming a Boy Scout Troop Leader for his sons. Later, Peter became a Fourth-Degree member of Knights of Columbus, where he celebrated his Catholic faith through service works for the Church. Most of all, Peter enjoyed swimming at the YMCA for decades with his 5 a.m. swimming crew. We are deeply grateful to those friends who assisted Peter at the Y, allowing him to swim independently into his 90’s. Thank you to Phil and Mike.
He is predeceased by his wife, Antoinette and his brother, Nicholas.
Peter is survived by his children, David (Francine), Peter (Donna), Nicholas (Debbie), Doreen (Ed) Brisson, and Lisa (Mark) LaMontagne; his grandchildren, Anthony, David (Vanessa), Alexandra, Peter, Andrea, Allison (Alan), Leesa, Michael, Katherine, Joseph, Matthew, Haleigh, Maria, Olivia, and Mia; his great-grandchildren, Grace and Koda; his sister, Natalie (Mafrici), along with several nieces and nephews.
Peter’s family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the staff at The Cottages for the love and kindness they showed to our father.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 am on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a funeral Mass in celebration of Peter’s life at 10:00 am in St. Rose of Lima Church. He will be laid to rest in Our Lady of Peace Mausoleum, Baldwinsville. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 6:00 pm on Monday, October 30, 2023 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Honor Flight Syracuse, PO Box 591 Syracuse, NY 13209 or visit https://honorflightsyracuse.org/donations/.
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