Carmie Zaccardi Obituary (2009)

Carmie "Zac" Zaccardi 1924-2009 Our loving husband, father, grandfather and friend Carmie M. Zaccardi better known as "Zac" passed away Wednesday September 9, 2009 comfortably at his home in Tooele, Utah. He was born August 29, 1924 to Ercolo and Marguerite Zaccardi of Pocatello, Idaho. Zac grew up in Pocatello with his two sisters Isabella and Beverly. Zac had several interesting stories from those days. During the alcohol prohibition in the United States his grandfather was a "bootlegger" and used to take little Carmie on some "runs" with him. Zac would tell stories of how he and his sisters had to smash grapes for wine in his grandfather's root cellar. In 1947 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He married his first wife Lucille Zaccardi, and they spent the majority of the time stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in Lancaster, California, where he was chief of photography. Zac and Lucille later divorced. Zac traveled the world photographing experimental aircraft including the SR-71. He was the chief photographer for famous test pilot Chuck Yeager. Zac was also employed as a subject matter expert for an old television show the "Steve Canyon" which was about Air Force pilots. Zac retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1965. After retiring, Zac started working for the Department of Defense and the Air Force as a civilian. He was selected by the Air Force to find a new area for aircraft and weapon system testing. Zac was sent to Utah to check out a testing area at Dugway Proving Ground, and Lakeside Bombing Range. Zac eventually started and was the Range Manager over what is now known as the Utah Test and Training Range. This testing range, with the support of Zac's group played a significant role in the testing and development of several Air Force programs including the Ground and Air Launch Cruise Missiles. In 2001 Zac retired from the Department of Defense after 43 years of service. Combined with his active duty military time he had worked a total of 64 years for the United States Government. Zac had several passions in life. He loved the big band music of the Glenn Miller, the songs of Frank Sinatra, Engelbert Humperdink and Tony Bennett. He had a passion for cooking; he made some wonderful homemade Italian dishes that were taught to him by his mother. Those meals will surely be missed. He really loved playing golf; he wanted to play anytime anywhere. Special thanks goes out to Roy and Bruce for the willingness to go golfing with Zac while he was struggling with his health and their patience while they were out there, it meant the world to him. He loved his dog "Koya" she was a great companion for him. But most of all he loved his best friend and wife Vera. They supported each other through their 35 years of marriage. Zac is survived by Vera, his former wife Lucille Zaccardi, his children Rockford "Rocky"(Andy) Zaccardi, Melody (Pat) Childress, Christina (Dave) Stenroos, Steve (Wendy) Zaccardi, his sister, Beverly Sealy, his grandchildren, Rocky Jr, Rochelle, Michelle, Broderick, Justine, Jeff, Christine, Stephanie. Preceded in death by sister Isabella Zaccardi and grandson Stephen Stenroos. The family would like to thank the physicians and staff at the Mountain West Medical Center, Stansbury Health Clinic, University of Utah Hospital, and the Huntsman Cancer Center, for their great care over the years. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday September 12, 2009 at 12:00 Noon at St. Marguerite's Catholic Church 15 So. 7th Street, Tooele where friends may call starting at 11:30 AM. [googleMap name="St Marguerite's Catholic Church" width="500" height="400"]15 South 7th Street, 84074[/googleMap] To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Carmie "Zac" Zaccardi please visit our Sympathy Store.