ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Roy Zarucchi passed away suddenly June 29, 2011, at his home. He was born June 9, 1939, in Oakland, Calif.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Page; one daughter, Cyrena and her husband, Paul Holt, of Cincinnati; two stepdaughters, Caralea Page and Chloe Rose of Tucson, Ariz.; two granddaughters, Holly Har-ris of Mystic, Conn., and Mar-cie Fierro and her husband, James, of Dallas, Ga., and their daughters, Skylah and Kamryn; and grandson, Raymond Harris. He also leaves his beloved felines, Silkie, Punkie and Woolfie. He was predeceased by his mother, Josephine Briglia; and stepfather, David Zarucchi.
Roy retired after 20 years in the Air Force and taught college. During his distinguished career he was an Air Force commando, served in the Vietnam War and spent five years at the Pentagon. He graduated from St. Mary’s College, Berkeley, Calif., and received a master’s degree at Central Michigan University. In addition to being a skilled potter, he was a published poet. He and Carolyn were essayists with Maine Public Radio and joint published authors. Roy and Cal operated Nightshade Press and edited Potato Eyes Literary Arts Journal for 12 years. They left Albuquerque, N.M., to return to coastal Maine, but were pulled back to the climate and friendships they had made in New Mexico. His hobbies included swimming, gardening, throwing pots and European travel. He will be greatly missed. He was a member of Croak and Dagger, Military Officers Association of America, Veterans for Peace and New Mexico Veteran Artists, where he served on the board.
Contributions in his name may be made to Albuquerque Kennel Kompadres Charity, 139 Palacio, Corrales, NM 87048.