Obituary of ANTHONY J. ZEZIMA

Anthony J. Zezima, 65, died January 27, 2017 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Anthony was a lifelong resident of Stamford, and son of Francis (Frank) and Catherine (Kay) Tartaglia Zezima, also lifelong Stamford residents. Anthony graduated from Rippowam High School in 1969, and the University of New Haven in 1973. He was a talented athlete, excelling in baseball and football. After graduation from college, Anthony began his career in the grocery business, and in 1984 he opened Zezima’s 19th Hole Restaurant, as manager-owner. In 1991, he opened The Fairway at Sterling Restaurant, also in Stamford. In 1995, Anthony took on management of Bennett’s Steak and Fish Restaurant. At Bennett’s, Anthony expanded upon his lifelong love of wine by training at the prestigious Windows on the World Wine School, and became a sommelier. Under Anthony’s expertise, the wine cellar at Bennett’s became one of the most extensive in Connecticut. Anthony was an active fundraiser and organizer for several local charities: The Umbrella Club, The Kiwanis Club, and the Mickey Leone Scholarship Fund. Anthony married his high school sweetheart, Lilian Vinci, in 1973; the couple celebrated their 43-year wedding anniversary in August. Anthony and Lily raised their two daughters, Kathryn Diane and Diana Lea, in Stamford. Over the years, they opened their home to their daughters’ many friends, by whom Anthony was affectionately known as “Twan.” At every family function, Anthony was the official “food and beverage director.” Anthony’s love of family, friends, golf, food, and wine, along with his kind and generous spirit, endeared him to all he knew. He is survived by his wife, Lily, his daughters, Kathryn Zezima McCabe (Sean) and Diana Zezima Hall (Donald Jr.), and two grandchildren, Finn Matthew (4) and Eve Lily McCabe (2). Anthony is also survived by his sister, Carol Fedele (Michael), and brother, Peter Zezima. His wife, Lily, was by his side each and every day, until the end. The family will receive family and friends at Lacerenza Funeral Home on Monday, January 30, from 4-8pm, and a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 1, at 11am at Saint Maurice Church, 358 Glenbrook Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anthony’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).