Obituary of Christopher Zuccarelli

Chris Zuccarelli, age 65, of Bethlehem Township, New Jersey, passed away unexpectedly on August 3, 2024, after a hemorrhagic stroke. Chris was born on May 20, 1959, in Philadelphia, PA.   

After graduating as a valedictorian from Spring Ford High School and Summa Cum Laude from St. Joseph’s University, Chris worked as a very successful senior executive in the pharmaceutical industry for over 40 years. Chris began his career at Elkins Sinn where he met the love of his life, Kathe. He continued his career at ESI/Wyeth, Schein Pharmaceuticals, Rocap, Baxter Healthcare, GeneraMedix Pharmaceuticals, Amedra Pharmaceuticals, and Impax Laboratories. He spent the last seven years working as an executive at Leiter’s Health. One of his best leadership qualities was how he treated everyone in the company as an equal. If he wasn’t presenting in the conference room, he was moving boxes in the warehouse. And despite his determination and hard work, he always had time for his family.  

Chris was a caring husband, loving father, supportive brother and uncle, and above all the best person everyone knew. He is survived by his loving wife Kathleen (nee Quigley) of 39 years, two daughters Casey (Greg Harris) and Jacqueline (David Mugavero), a brother and best friend Frank (Nina, his birthday mate), sisters Mary (Ed) Byrnes and Tina (Tom) Pontarelli, godchildren Lauren Linke (Andreas), Dr. E. Aleks Sorra II, and Emily Byrnes, and countless nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He is predeceased by his mother, Mary Ellen (Casey) and father, Francis Rudolf Zuccarelli. 

If there was one thing Chris did best, it was bringing joy to others. His generosity knew no boundaries. Nothing made him happier than seeing those around him happy and laughing. He would share the best jokes (repeatedly) and give the best hugs. He loved sports, both watching them and watching his girls play them. He never missed an opportunity to be their basketball and softball coach throughout their school years, and he did so with kindness and support that made them love the game. He was an avid Yankees fan who rarely missed a game from a young age with his dad and brother and into his adult years with his girls. Chris enjoyed playing pool, riding his bike and when playing games/trivia or team games, he was always the first one picked. The only talent that rivaled his athletic ability was his intelligence. He was a walking encyclopedia, always willing to spread his knowledge. If you didn’t know something or needed help, you called Chris. While he would never admit it, he was always the smartest person in the room. He worked tirelessly to provide the best life for his family. He enjoyed every moment with them, especially ending most days by listening to music with his wife, well, maybe sometimes it was tough to fit in if the Yankees were playing late. He was dependable. He would jump on a plane to fly across the country for you in a heartbeat, and quite literally did this for his daughters. He is everything you would want in a dad and more. And even in his final moments, his generosity continued as he donated his organs to save lives. Life took him way too soon, and while he will be sincerely missed, he can never be replaced. Anyone who knows Chris will never forget him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Chris to Magee Rehabilitation (his daughter’s place of work), to help patients and their families recovering from stroke and other disabilities. Please see the following website, select “Magee Patient Programs and Services,” and add a comment that this donation is on behalf of Chris. https://giving.jefferson.edu/giving-guide/hospitals/magee.html

All services will be held privately at this time with a Celebration of Life Service to be planned at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Martin Funeral Home, Clinton NJ. To send condolences to the family please visit www.martinfh.com