Obituary of Michael Joseph Zacchea

Michael J. Zacchea, 53, of Brookfield, died at his home on April 21, 2022.  He was born on July 16, 1968 in Flushing NY, beloved son of Maryann (Finnerty) Zacchea of Newtown, and the late Donald Zacchea.  He was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, earning a BA, and attained an MA in Business at Hawaii Pacific University.  He later earned his MBA at the University of Connecticut.

Michael was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving in Haiti, Somalia, and Iraq.  He retired from the United States Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel, and was the recipient of many personal awards to include two Bronze Stars for Valor, a Purple Heart Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal. Notably, he was the first and only American to receive Iraq's Order of the Lion of Babylon award, from the President of Iraq.

Michael's service to others continued well beyond his military career.  He was devoted to helping other veterans and was the founder and director of UConn’s Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans. The EBV program has been helping veterans since 2009.

In 2017, Michael published his story, “The Ragged Edge: A US Marine’s Account of Leading the Iraqi Army Fifth Battalion.” 

His happiest moments, however, were spent with his cherished son, Colin.  The two loved to fish, and spent many hours attending New York Ranger games and New York Mets games. 

In addition to his loving son, Colin Zacchea, and his mother Maryann, he will be missed by his sister Jeanne Goodes and her husband Jeffery, his nephew, Donald Goodes; and his nieces Elizabeth and Andrea Goodes.

The family will receive friends on Monday, May 2nd at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, between the hours of 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.  Burial in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Mike's Family wants his work with veterans to continue with UConn's Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans. Donations may be made payable to the UConn Foundation with “EBV-Michael J. Zacchea” noted in the memo section and mailed to:  

University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc.

2390 Alumni Drive, Unit 3206

Storrs, CT 06269-3206  

Online donations can also be made at https://ebv.business.uconn.edu/. Please click on MAKE A GIFT: Give in memory of Michael J Zacchea.