Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Gary A. Zona 1956- 2022
After a valiant fight with a terminal lung condition, Gary A. Zona rounded the bases past home plate to his final destination in the early morning hours of June 28, 2022 surrounded by loving family & friends.
Born in Norwalk CT on January 11, 1956 to Ernest & Malfalda (Muffy) Zona, Gary was, in his heart of hearts, that guy who wanted to make everyone laugh. He was a HVAC tech for many years with Reliable Oil in Stamford CT.
In 1990 he married the love of his life, Janice Daruka. Thus began a 32 year adventure marked by trips to Africa, Switzerland, sailing in & around Long Island Sound, living in the Green Mountains of Vermont, and lastly the warm sun of Vero Beach Florida. Through it all he was a devoted fan of the 3 Stooges, Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons, and major league baseball. An avid Mets fan, Gary was blessed to reconnect with his childhood pals from the old Saugatuck sandlot-Mark, Susan, David, Art & Patsy and once together again they made many new memories. They were devoted friends till the last inning. In Vero, with their beloved new friends Kathy & Greg, Gary and Jan spent many wonderful times together. One of Gary’s true joys was being the fun loving uncle to Rachel, Stephanie & Ralph Tucci.
Gary was predeceased by his parents, his aunts and uncles and his father in law Bob Daruka.
Left to cherish his sense of humor & laughter is his devoted and loving wife Jan, his beloved sister and brother in law Eileen & Roz Tucci, his nieces and nephew, Rachel, Stephanie & Ralph and their families, his mother in law Dotty Daruka, sister in law Carolyn Daruka, Auntie Marge, and numerous friends in CT, VT and FL.
Gary was a true animal lover animal (especially his dogs, Heidi da Rottie & Abbey Rose), anyone wishing to remember him may make a contribution to their local humane society.
A Celebration of Gary’s life will be held at a later date.
Friends that would like to share a fond memory of Gary or leave condolences for his family may do so at www.milleniumcremationservice.com. Arrangements are under the care of Millennium Cremation Service of Vero Beach.
Our caring professionals are here to assist you and your family during this difficult time. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to assist in immediate arrangements or pre-arrangements.
Laurie Leone
June 30, 2022, 9:00 pm
Gary, you were so loved by so many. You touched all our hearts with that wonderful smile and amazing ability to bring joy wherever you traveled. Rest our dear dear friend. You lived a great life, especially meeting Jan. She made you complete. Love, Arty & Laurie
Sharon Johnson
June 30, 2022, 10:12 pm
Oh Garebear, I’m at a total loss for words…..I will always cherish our memories at FW Webb, where I first met you. You made me laugh, and got me through some pretty tough times. I hope you’re at peace with your beloved Heidi, and always know that you have a lot of people here in Vt. who love you! Until I see you on the other side…..love Sharebear
Marcy Demby
July 1, 2022, 12:11 am
Gary had a heart of gold and a smile that lit up the room. He was unapalogetically himself and that’s one of the qualities that made him so loveable. He loved making people smile and laugh and he was just such a warm hearted loving guy.
I wish I had seen him again before his passing to see that smile and his energy in person. What a beautiful life he and Jan had together – 32 years – that’s incredible! Jan, always look for the signs because he is here with you every minute of every day! He will be cherished by all that called him friend or family forever. Rest in Peace my dear friend and feel free to send signs to continue your legacy of light and laughter! God Bless you man.
Artie Leone
July 1, 2022, 10:16 pm
Uncle Gary,
I will always remember your smile and laugh.
Never a bad word to say against anyone.
You will live in our memories forever…
Art Leone
July 1, 2022, 10:23 pm
Always a laugh and a smile.
You will surely be missed..
Rosemarie Emro
July 2, 2022, 3:09 am
So very sorry for your loss. I was so sorry to hear. I grew up with him in Norwalk as a neighbor and friend, always making jokes and full of life. RIP and my prayers are with you as I know what a wonderful person he was.
Rose Emro
Donna Infurchia
July 3, 2022, 1:02 pm
Gary represents memories from my childhood days – my cousin Gary – All our family picnics and shared holidays
Him and his SuperMan cape which he so proudly wore as a child! Our many visits to his house in Saugatuck with Grandma giving us money to go buy ice cream and we would trek up the road to the local store! We shared a family history. Facebook kept us in touch so many decades later where we shared a love for our dogs and the beach! Always a kind and generous word (except maybe when talking politics- LOL) Rest In Peace Cousin Gary!
Ellen Britto
July 5, 2022, 9:58 pm
Gary I can’t begin to tell you how happy I was to reconnect with you here in Florida and remember our days in Saugatuck but the best will definitely be our rendezvous at the Franki Valli and the four Seasons concert at the Hard Rock 2 years ago!!! Rest my dear friend and know how much you are loved!
MARYANN LUCIANO
July 9, 2022, 2:31 pm
RIP MY CLASSMATES SON ……….WENT TO SCHOOL W YOUR MOM AND ALSO NEIGHBORS ON FRANKLIN ST……….GOD BLESS U ALL LUCIANO FAMILY…………..
Michael Stefan
July 10, 2022, 2:56 pm
I worked with Gary at Reliable Oil, over 20 years ago.
I didn’t know much about cleaning and servicing oil burners, for
the short time I was with him; Gary showed me how to do it.
Gary; I will see you in Heaven, and we can laugh about the mistakes I
made working on oil burners.
Natalie Nielsen
July 17, 2022, 1:42 am
I can only put one foot in front of the other these days. I can’t grasp the loss. I know Gary is at peace but I miss him and can only imagine Jan and family missing him too. I was able I to get through his passing only because of Jan. She handled the process with grace generosity and selflessness. I Am so glad that Gary was blessed with the best life partner. Jan. Thank you for sharing info with me. I love you more than you know. You are a truly special woman. Please stay in touch if you care to.
Tom Kaufmann
March 12, 2024, 10:21 pm
Gary was a good friend of my brother Robert. They attended school in Westport Connecticut together. Gary visited with us many times and even though I was the tagalong younger person he always spent time with me and included me in their games. I have many fond memories of our time in Saugatuck. Rest in pease Gary.