CHICOPEE – Donald J. Zacharie, 72, of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. In the last six and a half months, he continued to show strength and a wonderful sense of humor. He passed into Eternal Life at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. He was born in Springfield on January 11, 1952, a beloved son of the late Alphonse and Alice (Lambert) Zacharie. He was raised in Chicopee, graduated from Chicopee High School Class of 1971, and was a lifelong resident of the city. He was a Court Officer at the Hampden County Superior Court and retired in 2009. He previously was employed at the Moore Drop Forge in Springfield. He was a member of the Moose Family Center, and a former member of the Chicopee Lodge of Elks, both in Chicopee, and the Agawam Sportsmen’s Club. Donald was an avid fisherman and loved to cheer on the Boston Red Sox. On April 17, 2006, he and his best friend, Billy, saved the lives of three people who were drowning in Onota Lake in Pittsfield and on March 22, 2007, received the 2007 Hometown Heroes Award from the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter for their efforts. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and many friends. Everyone who knew and loved him, recognized his charm and smile. He leaves his loving wife and “Rock”, Susan J. (Daniele) Zacharie. They were married on April 20, 1974 at Sainte Rose de Lima Church in Chicopee and they were blessed with over 49 years of happiness together. He also leaves his loving and devoted son, Scott A. Zacharie and his fiancé, Erich Zielonka, of Chicopee, his two cherished grandchildren, Bridget and Dylan Zacharie; his son, Kristopher M. Zacharie of Chicopee; his brother, Leo Zacharie of Westfield; his dear father in law, Carmino R. Daniele of Chicopee; his dear sister in law, Donna Zacharie of Ware; his best friend and fishing partner who he affectionately called “Bro”, William Paul of Chicopee; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his two dear brothers, Gerard Zacharie, and Roland Zacharie and his wife, Claire; his dear sister, Theresa Cummings and her husband, Fred; and his dear mother in law, Margaret J. (DeMaio) Daniele who was Called Home on September 15, 2022. His Funeral will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (funeral home will open at 8:30 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Sainte Rose de Lima Church, 594 Grattan Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The parking lot and main entrance of the funeral home are located in the rear at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family requests that memorial donations be made in loving memory of Pepere (Donald Zacharie) in honor of his precious grandchildren, Bridget and Dylan, to Streiber Memorial School, 40 Streiber Drive, Chicopee, MA 01020 or to Saint Stanislaus School, 534 Front Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit:
www.stpierrephaneuf.com