Joseph A. Zalocha

Mr. Joseph A. Zalocha, age 63, of New Hartford, passed away after a long and courageous battle with Muscular Dystrophy on Monday, October 29, 2007. His passing occurred at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on August 13, 1944, Joseph is the son of Vincenza (Marangi) Zalocha Nicotera and the late Joseph Zalocha. Raised and educated locally, he was a 1963 graduate of T. R. Proctor High School. He pursued collegiate studies and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Fresno State University in California. On August 19, 1972 he married the former Suzanne L. Flanagan. The couple cultivated a very loving and committed union endearing the blessings of 35 years. Joseph’s working life was enhanced by his leadership, professional nature, charismatic demeanor, and organizational skills which were the common threads in all of his successful positions. He managed the Forum Theater and the 258 Cinema in Utica as well as a theater in Buffalo, NY. He relocated to Massena, NY and while residing there he managed their local movie theater. He was also the director for radio station WYBG. He later worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. as a sales executive. Along with his wife he established and operated the Sue-Z-Travel Co. All of these career accomplishments were achieved while enduring the effects of muscular dystrophy, and were testaments to his perseverance and his spiritual faith which was present in each day of his life. In 2001 he retired and relocated to his home town. Joe was blessed with a great sense of family, a quick wit, and a gift of loyal friendships. Of all his life endeavors, he was most proud of the relationship and bond with his wife and son. He loved family gatherings, and especially appreciated the holidays. In line with his altruistic character, he was active in civic, social, and fund raising events, especially with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He was passionate about nature, and during his leisure time he enjoyed golfing, fishing, and playing cards. He was a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Joseph is survived by his wife, Susie; his son, Michael G. Zalocha of Utica; and his mother, Vincenza. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters-in-law, Albert and Kathy Zalocha of Buffalo, Greg Zalocha of Boston, MA, Dominick “Rich” and Carmen Nicotera of Utica, and Raymond and Barbara Nicotera of Holmes, NY; his sister and brother-in-law, Leona and Paul Rivkin of New Hartford; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, including Pat, Anthony and Joseph Marangi, and in-laws, including Sheila Fraser of Canada. He was also blessed with numerous friends. The family extends appreciation to the Visiting Nurse Association, the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center, and the 4th floor Special Care Unit nurses at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their compassionate care and attentiveness to the needs of Joe and his family. Visitation will be held Thursday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Joseph’s funeral service will commence on Friday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Joseph A. Zalocha

August 13, 1944 - October 29, 2007