John Samuel Zaccaria

John Zaccaria passed away peacefully at the age of 90 years old at home on the morning of August 24th, 2025. John was the son of Italian immigrants Cosimo Zaccaria and Maria Pompa Zaccaria. John had two older brothers (Joe and Guy).

John was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on January 23rd, 1935, and grew up in the Homewood / Brushton neighborhood. He graduated from Westinghouse High School and went on to the University of Pittsburgh, where he attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. John began his career at Gulf Research in Pittsburgh and then at Calgon. John was exposed to Chlorine gas while at Calgon, which convinced him to make a career change. This is what caused him to think better about his future and moving into petrochemical engineering sales. He joined Blaw Knox, which was then purchased by Dravo Constructors. From there, John’s career changed. He became involved in international sales with Dravo and spent a good amount of time in the Middle East.

In 1981, John and Elena relocated to Houston, TX, with Dravo as a career move. Once in Houston, he continued his career with McDermott. He worked in international sales for several decades before becoming a financial advisor in his 50’s.

John Married Elena Mesiano in 1958 after they both had graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. John and Elena spent their childhood living across the street from each other. They moved to Verona, PA, where they raised their two children.

John was a dynamic and strong personality and was always involved with family, friends, and the community. He loved having people around, entertaining, and made friends easily.

Within the community, John was involved in leading Cub Scouts, coaching little league baseball, the local school board, the Verona Centennial Committee, and in retirement, he volunteered at HCA Hospital and did retirees' taxes with AARP up through 2025.

John loved the performing arts, poetry, and, being a bit of a ham, performing himself. He had performed in the Terrace United Methodist Church theater productions of Fiddler on the Roof as Tevye and Oliver. He loved the singing roles. What he lacked in singing talent, he made up for in enthusiasm.

John had his favorite places. Italy was one of them. He made the effort to seek out his cousins in southern Italy. John and Elena travelled to Pulsano, Italy, only knowing the name of his father’s brother. By asking locals, he was finally able to find Cataldo and one of his sons (Saverio). From there, he created relationships with his entire extended family.

He also loved a YMCA camp in Fort Hill, PA, named Deer Valley. This was an annual vacation spot for John and his family from 1969 through 1981, when he and Elena moved to Houston. It didn’t end there, though. They would travel from Houston to Deer Valley for many decades.

Family history was also very important to him. John spent several years compiling the history of the Zaccaria family and providing it to his children and grandchildren so the knowledge will continue.

John was a very special man. He brought together people from a wide range of backgrounds and created a community that, without him, would have never come together. His weekly dinners were a terrific opportunity for many of his friends to meet up at a variety of restaurants around Houston.

His ability to bring people together will be his legacy. The world was better because John was here, and he’ll be sorely missed. The world will be far less colorful since his passing, but he’ll always be remembered, and we are all enriched because he was here.

John is survived by his Daughter, Diana Zaccaria of Wilmington, NC, Son, Joseph Zaccaria, his Daughter-in-Law, Julie Zaccaria, and their two Daughters, Jordan and Greta of Brookfield, WI.

The Memorial for John Zaccaria will be held Saturday, September 13 from 12-2pm.

Location: The Abbey at Westminster Plaza

Wellness Center Ballroom(2nd floor)

2855 Westminster Plaza Dr.

Houston, TX 77082

Please consider wearing your best cargo shorts in honor of John.