Mario Carl Zocchi Obituary (1932 - 2021)

Mario Carl Zocchi, DDS, LTC-Ret, died peacefully on November 5th, 2021, at the Bedford VA at the age of 89. He was born on June 25, 1932, in Lorain, Ohio to the late Giovanni and Grazia (Graziano) Zocchi. He is predeceased by several siblings: his sister Mary and half-sister Josephine Barbatano and brothers Anthony, Alfredo, and Dominic. He is also predeceased by his son, Anthony Zocchi. He began his military life at age eighteen and served four years in the Marine Corp as a Sergeant in the Korean War Conflict. After the war, he embarked on his academic career and after receiving his formal education at Ohio State University, he graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1965. He worked several jobs while attending college and helped raise his first two children during this time. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served from 1968 and 1969 as a Dentist in Vietnam. It was here that he was awarded the Bronze Star for bringing essential dental care to soldiers and civilians in the field, under fire. After leaving the Army for medical reasons, Mario spent the next 33 years serving his sister and brother veterans in this capacity in the Bedford MA Veterans Administration. He retired in 2004. Besides the Bronze Star, Mario received many honors. One of his most proud was the Hands & Heart Award bestowed on one staff member per year for demonstrating particular dedication and compassion in the delivery of patient care. He was received Emeritus Membership in the Academy of General Dentistry. His service to others went beyond his work at the VA. He volunteered to travel to Honduras several times during his career to bring dental services to the underprivileged. Mario spent the first half of his life in Ohio. His Military career then saw him stationed in Kitzengen Germany, Fort Dix New Jersey, and Fort Devens Massachusetts. He lived the second half of his life in Westford Massachusetts. Mario was a perpetual learner. He received a Masters in Business Association (MBA) from Western New England College, with the plan to take on the position of Chief of Staff at the VA Hospital. He decided not to accept the job as he felt it would take time away from caring for Veterans directly. He co-authored several articles on dentistry and patient care for JADA, Journal for the American Dental Association. Mario was a gifted artist. He loved wood carving and was highly skilled with his hands. At special family gatherings he would show off his carvings, including miniature works in chalk. He became especially interested in working with watercolors and pastels later in life. He enjoyed hiking in the White Mountains, ballroom dancing and traveling, especially to Italy. He spoke fluent Italian. In his later years, Mario endured physical maladies with a toughness and steadfastness which he credited to his years as a United States Marine. Mario will be remembered as an outgoing, generous man. He will also be remembered for a wonderful sense of humor. He is loved by many, and his warmth and compassion has touched countless lives. He will be missed. Mario is survived by his longtime significant other, Mary Anne Taylor, former wife, Julia Zocchi, brother, Bardo Zocchi, sister, Carmella (Zocchi) Kovich, daughter, Therese Marie Zocchi and husband Russell Paine, sons, Michael Zocchi and his wife Casey Sprague, Steven Zocchi and his wife Meghan, nine grandchildren: Lia Therese Dennehy, Andrew Evan Damm, Angela Zocchi, Joanna Zocchi, Stefano Zocchi, James Zocchi, Nico Zocchi, Matteo Zocchi, and Luciano Zocchi, and six great-grandchildren: Roger Paul Buckley, Julia Grace and Elena Clare Dennehy, Caden Sawyer Damm, Micah Jamie, and Jaxon Zocchi, and many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, November 11 from 4pm 7pm at Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. His funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Friday, November 12 at 10am. Interment to follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Westford. Donations can be made in Mario Zocchis honor to: Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org. Service Details Visitation When November 11, 2021 4:00pm - 7:00pm Location Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home Address 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Funeral Service When November 12, 2021 10:00am Location Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home Address 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Interment When November 12, 2021 12:00pm Location Pine Grove Cemetery Westford Address Forge Village Road WESTFORD, MA