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3 tree(s) planted in memory of Michael Zacchea
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A tree was planted in memory of Michael Zacchea
Saturday, May 7, 2022
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Rosa Mera posted a condolence
Friday, May 6, 2022
You will always live on thru all our businesses and success. Thank you for everything! Thank you for believing in us! Thank you fir always having our backs!
This still seems unreal, gone to soon. May your soul rest in heavenly peace. Forever grateful!
~Rosa Perez Mera
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Hank Gillen posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
My deepest condolences to Mike's family on his untimely passing. It has truly been an honor to know and work with him, as a fellow director at an EBV program. His loyalty, focus and genuine concern for every veteran who came through the program was always on display. You would never doubt that Mike had your back, and would do what was necessary to succeed. The program's brilliant record is proof.
Rest in peace, Mike. You have earned it. Semper Fi, from an old soldier.
Hank Gillen
Director, EBV
Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia
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Maureen & Paul Schenfeld lit a candle
Monday, May 2, 2022
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Maryann, Colin, Jeanne & Jeff and family, Our deepest condolences to the entire family. With love and sympathy, Maureen, Paul, Catherine and Patricia S.
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Mike and Lorraine Zizzo planted a tree in memory of Michael Zacchea
Monday, May 2, 2022
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Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss... Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Tywanna Johnson lit a candle
Sunday, May 1, 2022
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I send my prayers and condolences to the Zacchea family.
Micheal Zacchea was a man of great stature, love, courage, and sincere empathy. He had a unique spirit that connected with people beyond the surface. I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to know him. Although, we served in Iraq around the same time our paths didn’t cross until several years later back in the U.S. I met him during a challenging time in my life and he provided guidance and wise counsel. There are very few people on this earth with his qualities and his mandate. When I think of Micheal… the Marines’ motto comes to my mind “Semper Fi”... “Always Faithful,—an eternal and collective commitment to the success of our battles, the progress of our Nation, and the steadfast loyalty to fellow Marines/soldiers we fight alongside.” He leaves a great legacy behind that has been etched into the minds and hearts of so many people. He will never be forgotten and will be greatly missed.
With Deep Sympathy, SGT Johnson, Tywanna, EBV -“16’
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Drew posted a condolence
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Just after thanksgiving 2004 Mike welcomed me and others to the 5th Iraqi BN HQ in downtown Fallujah. As an enlisted guy from another military branch; he demonstrated only respect. He truly understood the Iraqi people and our mission to make their country safe and free. He extended his rotation to see the election through.
He talked me down “off the ledge” more than once when we got home. He encouraged me in ways I can’t fully capture just now.
In Fallujah, Mike used to roast spam over the kerosene heater and eat it from his kbar wearing his fleece vest. His unflappable character kept us alive.
I miss you bro. I’m praying for your family’s peace and healing
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Karen L. Rancourt pledged to donate to University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc.
Saturday, April 30, 2022
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Lisa Ducharme lit a candle
Saturday, April 30, 2022
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Colin, Maryann, and Jeanne, my heart aches for you and your entire family, you have been in my thoughts and prayers. Being family of a military member and veteran is hard enough, but when you add combat it makes it even harder. Mike’s passion and love for you was stronger than his passion for the Marines, veterans and veteran businesses, which speaks volumes.
Over the years Mike and I had many conversations, how he would smile and beam with pride when he talked about Colin. He was always so grateful for Maryann, his Mom, who was so proud of him, and loved him beyond words, when he would talk about Maryann, I could feel it in my heart.
I had the honor and privilege of being brought back to EBV to help every year since 2014, by Mike. One thing Mike would do during EBV graduation every year, was to catch a few veterans in the class off-guard. As he watched each veteran during the program at graduation, he would pick a couple of veterans to say a few words. They did not know it was coming, and Mike never knew what they were going to say. I know this, because he did it to me in 2014, I was caught so off-guard, as I walked to the front, I looked at Mike with fear, and said “what am I supposed to say?” He smiled in that brief moment, and said, “whatever you want”. In those few seconds, I knew Mike had my back and whatever I was going to say, would be the right thing. I would smile as he continued to do that at each graduation, and each graduate knew Mike had their back.
Even when Mike was struggling, he was there for everyone. He made sure everyone knew how much he believed in each of us, and how important we were to him, we were all family to him, and he to us.
Mike would always end his emails Semper Fi .. for those who don't know.. Semper Fi (Fidelis) is Latin for always faithful. Faithful to God, Country, Family and the Corps. That is truly what Mike embodied.
Rest in peace my friend, Semper Fi!
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John A posted a condolence
Saturday, April 30, 2022
No matter what adversity Mike faced, he always found a way to press on-and by his example, inspired so many to take action to address causes much larger than themselves. It was only two weeks ago that Mike was finding ways to make things happen in supporting Ukraine humanitarian efforts.
Mike's words and deeds will remain with so many of us for the rest of our lives as an example of the best of humanity.
Of the many inspiring memories I have of Mike, perhaps the following will bring some joy...
Once, on a sunny day spring day in South Bend, Mike and his fellow NROTC buddies thought it would be fun to use sunscreen to spell out "USMC" on their chests while on the beach of one of Notre Dame's two lakes. A few days later, with what looked like painful sunburn around the pale USMC letters when he lifted his shirt, Mike proudly showed us the result of his sunbathing.
Rest in peace brother. You LIVED what Semper Fi is all about.
Thoughts, love, and prayers to Mike and his family.
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Paul Gaines, Jr., posted a condolence
Friday, April 29, 2022
I learned so much from you, Mike. Lessons and quotes you gave to me I continue to use to this day. I'm still here, and I am now a stronger, better person because of you. Thank you.
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Robert F. Polito Jr. posted a condolence
Friday, April 29, 2022
Mike embodied everything that is good and right about being an American and America. I will miss working with you very much.
Rest easy.
Robert F. Polito Jr.
EBV lecturer
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Roberta Echelson posted a condolence
Friday, April 29, 2022
It is my great pleasure to have worked with Mike for several years on behalf of The UConn Foundation in raising funds to support the UConn EBV program.
Mike's commitment to the program and his fellow vets was transparent, and catching. Everyone we talked with grasped his truth and wanted to help. The foundations, businesses, and veterans we met with shared Mike's endless enthusiasm.
His joy in his son was also clear to anyone who heard the stories or saw them together. His calm & thoughtful manner, his gentleness, was remarkable and sweet.
I particularly appreciated Mike's attitude toward the EBV vets as well as others, whom he treated equitably & with common sense. Didn't matter if he knew them or not, he applied the same gentle & thoughtful consideration.
Michael will truly be missed.
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Lucy Nalpathanchil posted a condolence
Friday, April 29, 2022
I can't believe you're gone. You helped so many and taught me so much. RIP my friend.
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Larry Miller posted a condolence
Friday, April 29, 2022
Mike,
You left this world to soon my friend. Your entire life was about service to the Nation and its people. From your time in the Marine Corps to your UConn family. Everyone who knew you could attest to that fact. I'm glad I was able to get to know you and work with you over the last couple of years. I wish you and your whole family fair winds and following seas.
Semper Fi
Larry Miller
Col USMC (Ret)
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David Murphy posted a condolence
Friday, April 29, 2022
This past year I became associated with Mike via the EBV program and with other veterans who would occasionally assist him with program input and monetary support. He was the heart and sole of EBV and like his service with the Marine Corps,, he developed a stellar program.
Hoping UConn will continue the Veterans Boot Camp (EBV) with the same vigor and determination that Mike brought to his Marines and to UConn.
RIP
Semper Fidelis
David Murphy
COL, SF
Retired
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Ian L lit a candle
Friday, April 29, 2022
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Michael is an amazing individual who always made himself available. It was a privilege to know Michael, his contributions to country and fellow veterans is unparalleled. Michael was always a guiding influence no matter the cause.
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Angie Young posted a condolence
Friday, April 29, 2022
There are simply no words..my heartfelt condolences to the family.I pray for grace mercy and strength.during this very difficult time. Angie Young
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Timothy Mallette lit a candle
Friday, April 29, 2022
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Mike helped me out when I attended the university of Connecticut after serving in the marine corps and his professionalism was top
Shelf. I am forever grateful for his leadership…semper fidelis brother
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MomWilks lit a candle
Friday, April 29, 2022
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Mike, thank you.
You remain an inspiration and bright light in my professional and personal life. Resilient holds an entirely different meaning when I speak of you and your resiliency.
Shine brightly…we have the watch.
12/5
Be Thou at Peace
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Goodes Family uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, April 28, 2022
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With much love to Colin and MawMaw. ❤️ J2DEA
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Ray E Burrington posted a condolence
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Strange tale for son Colin - I made a donation to the EBV Fund at UCONN 3 weeks ago, noting I was a Marine. Mike responded with Thanks to me with a personal email, including a "Semper Fi".
What is strange is his sudden passing, of course. But here is the oddity .. the DAY Mike was born, is the DAY I arrived at USMC Parris Island boot camp - 7/16/1968.
Ray Burrington, Cpl USMC 68-70
UCONN Class Treasurer '68 [65-66]
Marine Corps League, Sgt-at-Arms Dept of CT
and member - Military Funeral Honors detail
A Memorial Tree was planted for Michael Zacchea
Thursday, April 28, 2022
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