Richard Anthony Zaccardo

Richard Anthony Zaccardo, 84, of Berlin, CT and Lauderdale by the Sea, FL, husband of Janice (Barry) Zaccardo, passed away at Bel Air Manor Nursing Home in Newington on December 25, 2025, after a lengthy battle with dementia.

Born on June 13, 1941 in Stamford, CT, Richard was the son of the late Dr. Dominic and Grace (Bilotta) Zaccardo. Richard was a very proud graduate of California State University at Long Beach. He also completed graduate studies at Central Connecticut State University. Education was very important to him. Richard was self employed. Richard served on the Berlin Board of Education and the Zoning Board of Appeals. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, and was active in local politics.

Outside of work, Richard enjoyed playing golf, watching UConn basketball, and was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees. Richard was an avid animal lover and rescued many cats, dogs, and even a horse. Molly, his Goldendoodle, was a constant source of joy and comfort to Richard and to his friends at Bel Air. Alzheimer’s took so much from him, but it never took his love, humor, or the way he lifted the spirits of those around him.

In addition to his wife of 52 years, Janice, Richard is survived by his daughters, Kristine Zaccardo of Berlin, and Carolyn Zaccardo of New Britain; his grandchildren, Connor and Tyler Dufresne of Southington, and Isabella Chapparro of New Britain; his brother, Dominic Zaccardo of Stamford; his sister and her husband, Marianne and Robert Violante of Yorktown Heights, NY; his sister-in-law and her husband, Diane and Paul MacMillan of Walpole, MA; his brother-in-law and his wife, James and Denise Barry of Franklin, MA. In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his brother, Louis Zaccardo and his sister-in-law, Carol Zaccardo.

Richard’s family would like to thank the entire staff at Bel Air Manor, particularly Ashley and Nashali. They would also like to thank all of his dedicated and devoted visitors throughout his two-year battle with dementia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March, 21, 2026 at 11:30 AM at St. Paul Church, 461 Alling St., Berlin. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s name may be made to the Friendship Service Center, 85 Arch St., New Britain, CT 06051 or to an animal rescue of your choice.