Marilyn E Zangara

It is with heartfelt sadness and cherished memories that the family announces the peaceful passing of Marilyn “Mickie”Egitto Zangara on March 24, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on August 23, 1932, Marilyn grew up in Brooklyn, NY, spending many wonderful summers with her siblings at her parents' summer house in Lakewood, NJ. Her early years were marked by boundless energy, tempered by a courageous and triumphant battle with polio that forged a steadfast moral compass, relentless perseverance, and ironclad determination. As a teenager, she enjoyed family summers in Mastic Beach, Long Island, where many legendary tales of mischief and fun were created. It was there, at the age of 16, that she first met her beloved John.

Marilyn graduated from Fontbonne Hall Academy, a formative place in her early years that nurtured her deep appreciation for music and the arts, passions she cherished throughout her life. She attended Mandl Medical School at Albert Einstein College and pursued a nursing career before starting a family. In 1954, Marilyn married her beloved John Zangara, sharing over 69 wonderful years together. They traded the bustling streets of “Da Bronx” for the then quieter Wayne, NJ, building a home filled with warmth and raising their two cherished children, Dana and John. Still deeply connected to their roots, they braved the Cross-Bronx Expressway each Sunday to enjoy pasta dinners with extended family and old neighbors.

As her children grew, Marilyn delighted in hosting gatherings and showcasing her culinary talents. This passion inspired her to embrace entrepreneurship, leading to the opening of The Cook's Attic, a gourmet kitchen store at Wayne Hills Mall. Ahead of its time, the store became a beloved destination for culinary enthusiasts and the scene of numerous memorable family moments. After closing The Cook's Attic, Marilyn and John retired to Port St. Lucie West, Florida in 1997.

In retirement, Marilyn and John joyfully embraced life anew, enjoying a vibrant social life that brought cherished friendships into their lives, sustaining them like a chosen family. They reveled in countless parties, outings, and social events, creating memories filled with laughter and camaraderie.

Marilyn’s strong-willed nature, much like a real-life Lucille Ball, sometimes led her into comedic misadventures—situations where her determination and particular nature occasionally "cooked up" trouble, invariably leading to joyous laughter and stories still cherished by family and friends.

Marilyn was predeceased by her husband John, mother Anna, father Aurelio, sister Tina, and brother Arthur. She is lovingly remembered by her children, John Zangara II and Dana Wood (Dylan), grandson John Zangara III and his mother Sharon, her brothers Xavier and Franklin, her sister Elaine, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives she warmly touched.

In keeping with Marilyn’s lifelong generosity and compassion, donations in her honor may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html).

Marilyn will forever be remembered for her strength, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her legacy of perseverance endures in the hearts of all who knew her.