Obituary of Robert August Zoccoli

Robert “Bob” Zoccoli passed away following a lengthy illness on July 20, 2018 at his home in Santa Cruz. He was 85. Born in Santa Cruz on April 16, 1933, the son of Robert Ottavio Zoccoli and Augusta Alba (Natali) Zoccoli. He grew up in Santa Cruz where he attended Holy Cross Elementary School beginning in Kindergarten and graduated from Holy Cross High School. Bob was a life-long resident of Santa Cruz.

Following high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served from 1952 through 1956. He was stationed aboard the USS Princeton and also at the Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, CA.  Bob was the long-time owner of Zoccoli’s Deli where he worked from 1956 until his retirement in the mid 1990’s.

Bob was an avid sports fan, loyal to his favorites, the Giants and 49’ers. He traveled to all fifty states and Europe. He especially enjoyed his visits to the Hawaiian Islands and traveling in his motorhome. He also enjoyed golfing, league bowling and playing cards with his friends. Bob was very social and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family and many friends.

He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Italian Catholic Federation, Druids, Marconi Club and the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 62 years, Ann Zoccoli; his sister, Silia Previtali; daughter, Pam Cassady (Shawn); sons, Russell Zoccoli and Craig Zoccoli (Patty); grandchildren, Caitlin Bickell (Jodee), Matthew Cassady, Kelly Cassady and Cassie Zoccoli. He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Hayley, Ethan, Kolton, Hayden and Alison and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Zoccoli and Augusta Zoccoli; his sister, Nelli Sherman and his brothers in law, Lloyd Sherman and Joe Previtali.

A vigil service and recitation of the holy Rosary will be held at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel on Sunday July 29, 2018 at 6 pm. Visitation will be Sunday from 3 pm until 6 pm at the chapel.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 126 High St, Santa Cruz, CA on Monday July 30, 2018 at 10:00 am. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 2271 7^th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA.

In lieu of flowers contributions are preferred to Hospice of Santa Cruz or Italian Catholic Federation, Branch 21 charities.

To express you condolences or share a remembrance with Bob’s family please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.