09/23/2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Anthony Zaccardelli, a man of inspiration, kindness, and boundless compassion. He passed away on September 20, 2024 at St. Luke's in Kansas City at the age of 90. Born on September 16, 1934, in Weirton, WV, Richard embraced life with a loving heart and unyielding loyalty. For the past 40 years, he called Carl Junction home, and there he left an imprint on all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
As a man of great dedication, Richard worked in the capacity as Chief Operating Officer for several businesses during his career, most recently working for ProSys in Webb City, until his retirement in 2000. He was a steadfast servant to his community, having served as Alderman for the city of Carl Junction for 17 years, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Carl Junction Senior Center/Community Center. His laudable service merited him the honor of Citizen of the Year in Carl Junction in 2018. Richard's dedication extended to his faith as well; in his younger years, he was an altar boy, and for the past 9 years, he attended Pleasant Hill Country Church. This reflects the sentiment from Matthew 25:23, "..well done, good and faithful servant."
He served as a bridge design specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and had attended both Oakland University for accounting courses, and Fenn College for Mechanical Engineering.
Beyond his formal education and work experience, Richard was a man of many interests. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, the Lions Club, the Eagles Club, and Briarbrook Country Club. He enjoyed golf, traveling, square dancing (where he and Peggy met), and found joy in yard work when he was able. Richard was proud of his service during the Cold War and held his country in high regard. Above all, what mattered most to Richard was his family and his pets. He was a beacon of light to those who knew him, and his memory will continue to shine brightly.
In 2012, Richard was implanted with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) by the skilled team at St. Lukes. At the time of his passing, he was the second oldest living patient in the world. He was always proud to educate and show off his equipment to others - continuing to serve as an inspiration to others with similar health problems.
Richard was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns and Indians, and reluctantly a Kansas City Chiefs fan for his daughter, Tammy. Despite the occasional road rage, he was a true gentleman.
Richard is survived by his daughter, Tammy (Steve) Thomas of Carl Junction; his life partner Peggy Pendleton of Carl Junction; brother, Reno (Sally) Zaccardelli of Cleveland, OH; sister, Ilene Hoyt of California; brother, Dennis (Kathryn) Zaccardelli of California; sister, Gloria Christopher of California; and sister-in-law, Ann Zaccardelli also of California, along with multiple nieces and nephews, grandchildren and extended family members Steve (Marcy) Thomas of Carl Junction, Kennedy (Brett) McClary of Webb City, and Gage Thomas of Carl Junction. He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Mary (Legg) Zacardelli, parents, John and Elsie Zaccardelli; brothers, Pete and Eddie Zaccardelli; and sons, Billy and Mark Zaccardelli.
A visitation will be held for Richard on Thursday, 26 Sep 2024 at 5pm at Simpson Funeral Home in Carl Junction. A Life Celebration will follow at 6pm at the same location. We invite all who knew Richard to join us in bidding him farewell. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to the American Heart Association or St Luke's Heart Institute.
In honor of Richard's life, we encourage everyone to share their memories and upload photos of Richard to the memorial page. Your stories and pictures will help us all remember the remarkable man we were privileged to know.
