Anthony J. Zaia

Anthony J. Zaia, 23, of Norwich, NY, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2015. Having battled with addiction for years, his struggles here on earth are now over and he is finally at peace in our Heavenly Father’s hands.

Anthony was born June 8, 1992, in Hamilton, NY, and was a 2010 graduate of Norwich High School. He worked for a time as a salesman for Tech Support in Delray Beach, FL. Anthony leaves behind a family who loved him unconditionally, and many cherished friends in both New York and Florida. He absolutely adored his brothers, as they did him. Anthony’s time here on earth may have been short, but he lived his life as large as he was, on his terms … in body, mind, and spirit. A gregarious soul, Anthony was gifted with a huge, contagious smile that could light up a room, a laugh that was ridiculously infectious, and a heart that loved big in spite of his battles.

Anthony loved food. Oh, how he loved food. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and the New York Yankees. Anthony enjoyed watching and playing both football and baseball. He loved spending time with friends and family at Chenango Lake, his sanctuary, and was fond of fishing there as well.

Anthony was strong in life, yet ultimately succumbed to the insidious disease of addiction - he fought, and his friends and families supported and loved him during his long struggle. We will miss your light Anthony, and pray that you continue to shine down on all those you left behind. Until we meet again … you’ll always be right here in our hearts and indelibly etched into our memories.

Anthony is survived by his father, Matthew Zaia, mother, Laura Diamond-Burton, step-mother, Michelle Zaia, step-father, Ben Burton, grandparents, Kay Zaia, Frank Zaia and Angie Diamond, brothers, Reid and Jarrett Burton, David Buchanan, uncles, Mike Zaia and Christopher Diamond (Melissa), aunt, Julie Anne Diamond-Carrow (Charles), and their children, Brady and Carson Carrow. Anthony was predeceased by his grandfather, Emmett Diamond.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Anthony will be held at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2015, at St. Bartholomew’s Church where Rev. Ralph Bove, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Friday from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you kindly consider making a contribution in Anthony’s memmory to Zendo House (Jordon Wallen), 319 SW 9th Avenue, Boynton Beach, FL, 33435 or Cornerstone Recovery Center (Elliott Stewart), 3223 NW 10th Terrace, Suite 610, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309.