Pasquale D. "Patsy" Zagaria, Jr.

Pasquale D. “Patsy” Zagaria, Jr., a cherished native of Wakefield, peacefully passed away at the age of 93 on May 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at his home. Born in Melrose on April 22, 1933, Patsy was the devoted son of the late Pasquale Zagaria Sr. and Sylvia Maria (Rufo) Zagaria.

A lifelong resident of Wakefield, Patsy was a proud graduate of Wakefield High School’s Class of 1951, where he distinguished himself as Class President, a starting player for the baseball team and a starting fullback for the football team. In his class yearbook, he received the designation of “Most Courteous”, “Most Popular”, and “Most Personality”, and he was superlative in all of these things through the entirety of his life! At 13 years old, he was a featured soloist on the Boston radio station WEEI. He won many local talent shows, and he began teaching piano when he was a teenager. His sense of duty led him to serve his country honorably in the United States Army in Korea during the Korean War, a commitment he carried with pride throughout his life. In the Army, he went to cooking school, worked as a chaplains assistant, and played the piano for special services in hospitals and Officers Clubs. He and his friend, Joe Taibbi assembled an orchestra during this time, and they played for thousands of servicemen in Korea. Years later, Patsy received awards for his military service both at the State House several years ago and in Wakefield at the Veteran’s Day Assembly in November, 2025. After his military service, Patsy continued to pursue his passion for music at the Berklee School of Music. His remarkable career spanned over six decades. As a talented pianist, he shared his gift with thousands of students and was a beloved presence at countless weddings, proms and community events. His music even graced the Boston Garden during Bruins games, and his band was memorable as the house band at the former Ship Restaurant on Route One. Patsy’s generosity extended beyond performance as he volunteered his talents at Lahey Clinic in Burlington and Boca Raton Regional Hospital, enriching many lives through his art. He was chosen to be the Grand Marshall in the 2025 Fourth of July Parade, and he felt deeply honored by the event. He would radiate joy whenever he was with his many friends—the tennis group, his golfing friends, the Kitty’s group, his friends in his neighborhood, his friends from St. Joseph’s, his friends from Ocean Sounds, his former students, and absolutely anyone else he would see! His selflessness and his genuine concern for the wellbeing of others is a hallmark of his life, and his love is an enduring legacy. He touched many lives, and while his beautiful, radiant smile will be missed, his massive love continues!

Together with his late wife, Sharon Marie (Pothier) Zagaria, Patsy cherished their winters in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida. A passionate Red Sox fan and avid athlete, he enjoyed golf and tennis throughout his life, impressively winning the Town Championship in tennis at the age of 83 alongside his doubles partner, Brian Robertson.

He was the beloved husband of the late Sharon Marie (Pothier) Zagaria. He was the loving father of Jeffrey Zagaria of West Palm Beach, FL, Holly Zagaria of Wakefield, MA and John Zagaria and his wife Natalie (Toppel) of Hooksett, NH. He was the adored and cherished grandfather of Rose Conway, Nicholas Zagaria and Madeline Zagaria. He was preceded in death by his brother, William “Billy” Zagaria.

A Funeral Mass to honor Patsy’s life will be held at St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion Street, Wakefield, on Wednesday, May 27, at 10 a.m. Friends and family are invited to a visitation at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Avenue, Wakefield, on Tuesday, May 26, from 3 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pasquale “Patsy” and Sharon (Pothier) Zagaria Fund, c/o The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield, Inc. PO Box 321, Wakefield, MA 01880.