Nick Zagotta - 94
Homewood, Illinois
Nicholas A. Zagotta. Age 94. Longtime resident of Homewood, formerly of Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood. Nick was the beloved husband of Rose (Di Santo). The two have been married for 72 incredible years, and were so connected—often in matching clothes—that their grandkids referred to them as a single unit, “G&G.”
Dear father of Marybeth (Mike) Beno, Maryelen Zagotta (Brian Quirke), and Nick (Kathy) Zagotta. Nick’s children have loved raising their families in such close proximity to their parents for four decades.
He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren and their spouses: Nicholas (Jennifer) Quirke, Justin (Gretchen) Quirke, Emily Quirke (Joseph Boyko), Ashley Nicholas (Claire Sorenson), Nicko (Jamie) Zagotta, Peter (Patrice) Zagotta, Mary Kate Zagotta (Gina Goldman), Michael Beno (Kara Cook), Joanie (Craig) Rosen, Anthony (Samantha) Beno.
Nick is also survived by his younger brother, William Zagotta, in-law siblings Grace Pecora and Tony (Laurie) Di Santo, and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Nick was preceded in death by much loved members of his immediate families, both Zagottas and Di Santos.
Nick’s greatest enjoyment was his brood of 18 great-grandchildren, ranging from an adorable one-year-old to an 18-year-old college freshman. The kids will miss their laughing “Big Grandpa,” who, they say, “Always does unpleasant tasks pleasantly.” He never met a garage that he didn’t want to reorganize.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Nick started his career at Acme Steel Company. He loved his job and continued to work for the next 74 years, retiring from Apex Material Handling at the age of 92, as an icon in the industry.
Nick had a great devotion to St. Jude, the patron saint of hopeless cases. His faith was validated in 2016 when his Chicago Cubs won the World Series on Nick and Rose’s 65th wedding anniversary.
The entire Zagotta family extends heartfelt gratitude to the loving in-home care team who supported and comforted Nick for the past year, allowing him to remain at home.
Memorial visitation on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, from 10:00 am until time of Funeral Mass at 11:00am at St. Veronica’s Parish (formerly Infant Jesus of Prague) at 1131 Douglas Avenue, Flossmoor, IL 60422. Nick will be laid to rest privately at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Nick's name would be appreciated by the Zagotta family to the Homewood Paramedics at 17950 Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL, 60430, who promptly responded to many calls, always treating Nick with dignity and kindness. Donations can also be made to Three Oaks Hospice at www.threeoakshospice.com/foundation. These dedicated hospice workers made Nick’s final days comfortable and peaceful.
Info Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, Chicago Heights 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com.
Ferrous material recycling profit
on 08/19/24
Three Oaks
on 08/19/24
Offering our deepest condolences and thinking of your family.
Sincerely, Your Three Oaks Family