Obituary of Michael Edward Zanetti Sr.

Michael Edward Zanetti Sr.
Ormond Beach, Florida
Pine Bush, New York

We mourn the passing of  Michael E.  Zanetti, Sr., who died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday May 27, 2023. He was 73.

Seemingly larger than life, Michael was a truly unique individual who could brighten any room he entered with his humor, wit and charm. Michael was born on January 15, 1950, to Gordon M. Zanetti, Sr., and Lelia Goff Zanetti.

He was a graduate of Pine Bush High School class of 1968, and Wagner University in 1972. After college, Michael taught and coached back home in Pine Bush, including a championship football team.  Michael left teaching and went on to join his father in the insurance business, taking over the company in the mid-1980’s, and expanding to have offices in Pine Bush, Bloomingburg, and Middletown.

Michael believed in and supported the local community. He was 25-year veteran fireman at Pine Bush Hook and Ladder, as well as the Fire Commissioner for ten years, and Police Commissioner for the Town of Crawford Police Dept.

 Michael was also the President of the Independent Insurance Agencies of Orange County for five years, a member of local Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Orange County Golf Club for over twenty years.

Michael married the love of his life Henia Swiat Zanetti on May 27, 1972, and raised three sons: Michael Zanetti, Jr, of Pompano Beach, FL; Daniel Zanetti of Pine Bush, NY; and Kevin Zanetti of Merritt Island, FL.  In good fashion, the boys’ families expanded and gave Michael many grandchildren. Michael, Jr., and Sherine share 5 children: Nicolas, Caden, Ayan, Ayden, and Victoria; Daniel Zanetti and Kristen Castelonia share 4 children: Alina, Elon, Dakota, and Alyssa; and Kevin Zanetti and Christine Miller share a single son, Carter.  Michael loved his sons and grandchildren immensely and took great pride in them.

In addition to Henia, their boys and the grandchildren, Michael is survived by his sisters Michaelene Ahrens-Schultz and Eileen Lewis; his brothers John Zanetti and Jim Zanetti; his half-brothers Rev. Gordon Zanetti, Thomas Zanetti, William Barber, Kip Barber; his half-sister Carole Scully; and his step-mother Cornelia Zanetti.

Michael will continue to live on through the innumerable stories and happy memories shared by those who knew him, though his gregarious presence will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd Pine Bush  on Monday, June 19, 2023 from 2-6 PM.  In lieu of flowers, we ask you to please make donations to the Pine Bush Fire Department or the Town Of Crawford Police Department.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family. To leave an online condolence please visit www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com