Edward Zuccaro

Edward Richard Zuccaro, age 81, of St. Johnsbury, VT, passed peacefully at his home, January 13, 2025, with his family at his side, after a 3-year battle with prostate cancer. 

Ed was born February 5, 1943 in NY, NY, to Edward Joseph and Malvina “Melve” (Broglio) Zuccaro. He grew up in Floral Park, NY, graduated from Floral Park High School in 1960. He joined Army ROTC and graduated with a BS in Political Science from UVM in 1964 and earned a Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School in 1967. 

 Ed met the love of his life, Carol Ann Bessette of St. Johnsbury in the summer of 1965, while working as a law clerk for Witters, Akley and Brown and they were married on October 7, 1967. In March of 1968, Ed went on active duty in the US Army, went through Officer Basic Training at Ft. Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, was promoted to Captain, and assigned to AFEES Buffalo where he served for two years.

Following the Army he returned to Witters Akley and Brown, and in 1972 Ed and David Willis started their own highly regarded law firm, Zuccaro & Willis, retiring in 2022. Throughout his career Ed was deeply involved in the community. For most of his legal career he served as Town Attorney for St. Johnsbury and for some surrounding towns. He was dedicated to serving and supporting the community in many ways. 

Ed was elected to the VT State Legislature in 1980 and served from 1981-1988. Ed also served as Chair of the UVM Board of Trustees, was a Corporator of NVRH, and a member of the Vermont Judicial Nominating Board serving as Chair from 1986-1988. He served on the Douglas Prison Commission on moving VT prisoners out of state, the VT Lawyers Professional Conduct Board, and dedicated many years of service on the Board of the Wyndham Foundation, providing financial support to small businesses. Ed was a dedicated member of Rotary Club and enjoyed volunteering as a timekeeper at Rotary basketball games. He served on the Passumpsic Bank Board of Trustees and Board of Directors of the Passumpsic Bank from 2002-2016, and as Chair of both from 2011-2016. Ed was a faithful and active member of Corpus Christi Parish. He served on the Board of Good Shepherd Catholic School and was a founding member of the Good Shepherd Foundation. Ed was particularly proud of serving on the St. Johnsbury Academy Board of Trustees and did so until his death. 

Ed was a loving, generous and fun husband, father and grandfather. He loved skiing at Burke Mtn. and sailing on Lake Memphremagog. He enjoyed many family vacations at the Cape and other beaches, international travel, especially by train and cruise ship, and sailing in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. He loved books and reading about travel, history and most of all he loved a good mystery. Ed really enjoyed his twice weekly lunches with his buddies—the ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out): Don Bostic, Werner Heidemann, Robert Miille, Ron Steen, John Bongaarts, Dave Brown, Peter Crosby, Frank Empsall, Charley Lawrence, and Stan Pekala.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Carol Zuccaro of St. Johnsbury, his son, Rev. Fr. James Zuccaro of Charlotte, VT, his daughter, Gina Towle (Wyeth) and their children Camila & Rosalie of Oceanside, CA, and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Ed was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Lorraine Berube and his brother-in-law, Pierre Berube and his brother-in-law, Reggie Bessette.

Throughout the three years of dealing with cancer, Ed maintained a positive attitude and faced his challenges with stoicism, grace, dignity and strength. Ed was eternally grateful for the tremendous care he received from the nurses and doctors at NVRH, UVM Medical Center, Caledonia Home Health and Hospice, Hands at Home, the St. Johnsbury Fire Department and CALEX.

Memorial visitation will be held from 2-5PM Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Monday, January 20th, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 49 Winter Street in St. Johnsbury.

A Graveside service with Military Honors will be held in June of 2025 at the Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in St. Johnsbury, VT.

Memorial donations may be made in Ed’s name to any of the following: Caledonia Home Health & Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819, Good Shepherd Foundation 121 Maple Street, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819, St. Johnsbury Fire Dept, 1187 Main Street, St. Johnsbury or CALEX, 1153 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury 05819

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.saylesfh.com