Mr. Kenneth P. Zacek, 87, passed away, Thursday, February 16, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center of MVHS.
He was born in Utica, September 2, 1935, a son of the late Frank and Alice (Markowski) Zacek. Kenneth was raised and educated in Utica, where he graduated from Utica Free Academy (UFA), class of 1954; he continued his education at Utica School of Commerce.
On September 21, 1957, in St. Anthony of Padua Church, in Utica, Kenneth married the former Rose “Babe” Talarico. The couple shared in a union blessed with over 65 years of marriage. Mr. Zacek retired after over thirty years of loyal service from the Oneida County Department of Social Services, where he was a Food Stamp Examiner.
Ken will always be remembered as a loving and gentle husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Rose “Babe”; two daughters and a son-in-law, Debbie and Gary Cusano of CA, and Kathy Torbitt of Utica; three grandchildren, Michael Cusano and Melissa Cusano, both of CA, and Emily Rose Torbitt, of Utica; nieces and nephews, Rosemarie and Michael Pezzolanella, Frankie and Dee Dee Talarico, Kenny and Lorraine Talarico, John and Betsy Talarico, Natalie Beratta, and Mike Crossley, Linda Bagley, Laurie Bagley, Mike and Jan Bagley, and Mark Bagley; great nieces and great nephews including, Francis and Kati Pezzolanella, Maria and Travis McNiel, Frankie III and Brianne Talarico, Andrew and Elvidina Talarico, Amanda Talarico and Ron, Kenny Talarico, Jr. and Gianna Talarico, Sara, Mia, and Alex Talarico, Stefanie Heistand, and Nicole Beratta and John; great-great nieces and great-great nephews, Joie and Logan, Alix and Gia, Gabrielle, and Natalie; cousins and in-laws, Lee Bagley of ME, Marie Heistand of New York Mills, and Giorgia Talarico of Frankfort. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Edward, Frank “Buddy”, and Bryan Zacek; a sister, Audrey Bagley; brothers-in-law, Dr. Francis J. Talarico and John Heistand; nephew, Joey Talarico; and his son-in-law, R. MacFarland “Mac” Torbitt.
In keeping with Mr. Zacek’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday morning, February 25, 2023, at 11:00, at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave, Utica. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of the service. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Adrean Funeral Service, Inc., Utica, NY.
Ken’s family wishes to thank Dr. George A. Kozminski, Dr. Ashok R. Patel, and the nurses and staff of St. Elizabeth Medical Center’s Special Care Unit, for the care and compassion shown to Ken throughout his illness.
Please consider memorial contributions in Mr. Zacek’s memory to St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave, Utica, NY 13501. Envelopes will be available at church the morning of services.
To view Mr. Zacek’s online memorial, please go to:
www.adreanfuneralservices.com