Obituary of Hugo Van Zazzara

A Catholic Blessing Prayer Service will be held this Saturday in Santa Cruz for Hugo Zazzara who passed away at his Corralitos home following a brief battle with cancer. He was 60 years old. Mr. Zazzara was born in Glendale, California and attended Sunny Hills High School and later graduated from Long Beach State University. He moved to Santa Cruz County in 1981. Mr. Zazzara was a talented craftsman, and expert welder, who absolutely loved to spend his time both working and relaxing amongst the redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. He had a career in furniture manufacturing which spanned over 40 years, and created beautifully designed pieces that were both functional and stylish. There will be many fond memories cherished by Hugo's family of the kayaking trips up to Dunsmuir, California with his dear friend Bill Breisacher. Hugo enjoyed his second home in Dunsmuir, especially when it was snowing. He and his son Nathon would often take the train there, just to hike and enjoy their property. Hugo finally found peace through Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior, and it really changed him. A member of the Knights of Columbus Council # 971 in Santa Cruz, he leaves many dear friends and fellow knights whom he enjoyed fellowship with. Mr. Zazzara leaves his son, Nathon V. Zazzara, and his former spouse and friend, Carol Lehman both of Santa Cruz. He also leaves his brother, Peter Zazzara of Westminster, CA; and his two sisters; Grace Zazzara-Arneal of Los Angeles, and Nanette Evans of San Clemente, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents Vincent and Betty Zazzara, and his brother, John Zazzara. Friends may pay their respects at a viewing to be held at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens on Saturday August 9, 2014 from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. The funeral ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Burial will immediately follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery (2271 7th Ave.) in Santa Cruz. Remembrances may in Hugo's memory to the American Red Cross, who were instrumental in providing aid to the victims of the Summit Fires in Santa Cruz Mountains.