Joseph was reunited with his parents Rozalie and Joseph, Sr. on April 6, 2026. Born on May 17, 1957, in Buffalo, NY Joseph dedicated many years of his life as a clerk at the NFTA in Buffalo, where his steady hands and attentive mind served countless individuals with quiet dedication and integrity.

He was a man whose life was not measured merely by his days but by the love and commitment he poured into his family—his true legacy. Joseph was the beloved husband of Kathy (nee Sirotski) Zangara, a partnership woven with enduring respect and affection. Together, they built a family foundation that rippled through generations with warmth and resilience.

A devoted father, Joseph was the guiding light to his sons: Steven (Coletta) Zangara, Jonathon Zangara, and Joseph (Brigitta) Zangara. To them, he was a pillar of strength and a source of endless encouragement. His love expanded into the tender embrace of a grandfather to Jaden, Elise, Terence, Logan, Ariana, Rye, Joey, John, James, and Julia—a lineage enriched by his presence and spirit. That legacy extends to the youngest among them, his great-grandchild Macaya, who carries the spark of his enduring love.

Joseph’s life was also shaped by his siblings, a circle of kin bound by memories and mutual care: Rose (Charles) Kuznicki, Robert (late Kitty) Zangara, Sandy (Jack) Gauthier, and Davey Zangara stand as living testaments to the ties of brotherhood and sisterhood that remained unbroken. His departure marks the final farewell to those siblings who journeyed before him—Laura Zangara, Tony Zangara, Jimmy Zangara, and Raymond Zangara—whose spirits he undoubtedly reunited with beyond this earthly plane.

He leaves behind a broad tapestry of relatives—brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins—each touched by his kindness and strength. As the family gathers in remembrance, their hearts cling to the warmth and unyielding love Joseph so generously shared.

Friends and family will come together to honor Joseph’s life on Friday, April 10th from 3 to 7 PM, at the Pietszak Funeral Home, 2400 William Street near Harlem, where his funeral service held on Saturday, April 11th at 9 AM. 

Burial will take place at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Cheektowaga, NY.

Though Joseph A. Zangara, Jr. has left this world, the echoes of his life—the stories, the laughter, the enduring bonds—will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew and loved him deeply. We invite you to honor his memory by sharing a picture or a favorite story in our online Guest Book on the Tribute page. Through these shared memories, his enduring spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us all.