Dr. Robert A. Zaccaria, 66, of 1024 Elmira St., Williamsport went to play in the Lord's band and sing in his choir on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at the Williamsport Hospital. He was born May 29, 1943 in Philadelphia, PA. He was son to the late Anthony and Jesse (Ridgeway) Zaccaria. Bob and his wife, the former Patricia A. Young, celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on August 29, 2009. Bob lived a successful and honorable life filled with many outstanding accomplishments.
He graduated as valedictorian of Middle River High School in Weyers Cave, VA in 1961. He continued his education earning a BA degree in Biology at Bridgewater College, VA in 1965 and a doctorate degree in Development Biology at the University of Virginia in 1973 where he received an award for excellence in research.
Bob served as an educator from 1965-2002 beginning his career as a high school biology teacher (and chair of the department) at Buffalo Gap High School in Augusta County, VA from 1965-1968. He then, became a professor at Lycoming College from 1973-2002. Over the years, he taught anatomy, physiology, endocrinology, and vertebrate embryology. He was an integral part of the education of nursing students both to the Williamsport Hospital School of Nursing, and then, later to Lycoming's BSN students. He also served as the Biology Department chair and was chair for 14 years of HPAV (Lycoming's Health Professions Advisory Committee). He repeatedly produced award-winning student/faculty collaborative research. He also published a number of research articles, including one in the prestigious International Journal of Developing Biology. Among his many accomplishments, Bob was awarded honors, such as, The Biology research prize at the Eastern Colleges Science Conference and first place Award of Excellence in Research, North-Eastern Region. In addition, Dr. Zaccaria was a member of Sigma Xi National Honor Society, the national honor society of the life sciences. He also helped initiate the now successful Departmental Scholarship Program at Lycoming; was a charter member of the Tuition Exchange Committee for Lycoming College, Lycoming College Nursing Department Executive Council, Williamsport Hospital School of Nursing Advisory Board, and countless other academic committees and achievements. Bob retired as an Associate Professor of Biology at Lycoming College in 2002 after 33 years as an inspirational, outstanding, and highly-respected educator.
Robert's professionalism and dedication to his community and interests placed him on many committees and clubs such as, ski patroller and lifetime member of the National Ski Patrol System, lifetime member of the Bald Eagle Ski Club, charter member and commodore of the Lycoming Yacht Club (now Rose Valley Sailing Club), member, board member, and vice-president of the Grampian Hills Swim Club (now Williamsport YMCA Grampian Hills Site), Williamsport YMCA Advisory Committee for YMCA-River Valley and Grampian Sites, member of the Williamsport Bicycle Club, member and president of the Board of Deacons and Board of Session for Covenant Central Presbyterian Church, and member of the American Folk Music Association.
One of Zacc's passions was music! He avidly played trumpet, mandolin, and sang regularly with friends and family. "Bob Zacc and Friends" enjoyed playing many venues, including the Messiah Lutheran Church Senior Center, First Friday, and area nursing homes. Some of his other passions were skiing, sailing, wine-making, British sports cars, astronomy, and real estate investment. He took great pleasure in sharing his vast knowledge with many family members and friends.
Dr. Zaccaria is survived by his wife, Patricia, son Robert A., Jr. (Wendy) of State College, Alan A. (Danyelle) of Williamsport, and Michael A. (Sandy) of Brooklyn, NY; brothers Jerry Zaccaria of Staunton, VA, Silvio (Sharon) Zaccaria of Fort Defiance, VA, Richard (Mary) Eppley of Charlotte, NC and William Eppley of Virginia Beach, VA; and grandchildren Joseph, Anna Marie, and Rocco Zaccaria.
Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. on Friday at Knight-Confer Funeral Home (1914 Memorial Ave.). Memorial services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at Covenant Central Presbyterian Church (807 West Fourth St.) with Rev. Paul Doriani officiating. Interment will be in Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Fort Defiance, VA at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Ski Sawmill Ski Patrol, c/o Michelle Koons (448 Sheridan St., Williamsport, PA 17701), Messiah Lutheran Church Senior Center, Attn: Jane Thompson (324 Howard St., S. Williamsport, PA 17702), or the Jessie and Anthony Zaccaria Memorial Endowed Scholarship in memory of Robert A. Zaccaria (Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, PO Box 80, Weyers Cave, VA 24486)
Robert was amazingly intelligent, well-respected person who lived a extremely productive life filled with love. All who know and love him will miss him deeply.
