Patricia "Pat" (Rajca) Zaccari

BELLEVUE, WA - Patricia “Pat” (Rajca) Zaccari, 84, formerly of Deerfield, New York, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, at her care home in Bellevue, Washington. Born on July 4, 1941, in Utica, NY, Pat was the daughter of the late Stanley and Helen (Jwaskiewicz) Rajca. She was raised and educated in Utica, graduating from Utica Free Academy in 1959. Pat worked as a secretary at Griffis Air Force Base in Rome, NY. On September 9, 1966, Pat was united in marriage with Samuel D. Zaccari. They built their life and raised their family together in Deerfield until Sam’s passing on December 6, 1986. A loving matriarch, family was the heart of Pat’s life. A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, she found her greatest joy in nurturing those she loved. She was an excellent cook and homemaker, and she enjoyed celebrating holidays and entertaining. Big family gatherings at her home were filled with an abundance of delicious food, warmth, and laughter. Her generous spirit touched the lives of so many. Always encouraging and proud of all her children’s accomplishments, Pat was especially unwavering in her care and support of her beloved son, Christopher. She was his fiercest advocate and caregiver until her illness made it no longer possible. Pat believed strongly in the rights, capabilities, and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her personal experiences inspired a life of advocacy and volunteerism with organizations such as The Arc of Oneida County and The Family Advocacy Center. Pat also volunteered in her children’s schools, served as an Ombudsman with the Oneida County Court, and deepened her faith as a member of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church. She was a longtime parishioner of both St. Peter’s and Historic Old St. John’s Churches in Utica. A passionate lifelong learner, Pat earned her bachelor’s degree with summa cum laude honors from Utica College and later obtained a Master of Social Work from Syracuse University. She worked as a LMSW for Catholic Charities for several years. Pat encouraged everyone on their personal academic paths, believing deeply in the life-enriching experiences of a good education. She pursued her love of learning during her retirement with continuing education classes through MVILR, a source of great enjoyment through the years. Pat’s curiosity and zest for life were reflected in her many interests including travel, gardening, music, art, mahjong, and especially sports. She enjoyed tracking football stats and following her favorite golfers, but nothing matched her devotion to the New York Yankees. She was thrilled to take her grandchildren to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown on several occasions, and she even blew a kiss to her favorite player, Mariano Rivera, during his induction parade. To her sheer delight, he saw her and blew a kiss back. Pat is survived by her four cherished children and spouses, Neil and Deborah Zaccari, Christopher Zaccari, Melissa and David Bramble, Laura and Christopher Frantela; beloved grandchildren, Zachary and Juliette Winick, Sara Zaccari, Matthew Zaccari, Ian Winick, Rachel Zaccari, Kyle Bramble, Olivia Bramble, Marcus Frantela, and Nicholas Frantela; a great-grandson, Roman Winick; loving siblings, Charlotte and Michael Tatta, John and Janice Rajca, and Elaine Rajca; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Pat was predeceased by her beloved daughters, Susan P. Winick, and Mary Elizabeth Zaccari; and her dear sister and brother-in-law, Loretta and Gene McCarthy. The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at Assurecare Adult Family Home, especially Gerry and Angelo, for their exceptional care and kindness over the years. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Patricia’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Historic St. John’s Church, 240 Bleecker St., Utica. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87137974535. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Pat’s honor may be made to The Arc online at https://thearc.org/get-involved/ways-give; envelopes will also be available at the service. Pat will be laid to rest next to her husband, Sam, at Crown Hill Memorial Park in Clinton, NY. This obituary was lovingly written by Pat’s family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Patricia "Pat" (Rajca) Zaccari

July 4, 1941 - July 29, 2025