An amazing wife, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend, Shannon A. Zuccaro, passed away September 10, 2019.
Born September 1, 1956, in Levittown, Pennsylvania, to Robert F. and Bonnie A. Fox, she moved to Akron, Ohio, with her family in 1967 after stops in Pottstown, York and Allentown, Pennsylvania and Chillicothe, Ohio. Shannon graduated in 1974 from Ellet High School where she formed relationships that have lasted her lifetime. She worked with many cherished colleagues and friends at Akron Children’s Hospital, Little Tykes and Zeisler Morgan Properties.
On November 20, 1999, Shannon married Anthony S. Zuccaro. They shared their love for animals and the outdoors. Most of all they shared an unrivaled love for each other. Whatever they did, they did together, not out of obligation but because of the true joy they felt in the company of the other. Whether sitting at home, camping or vacationing at the beach, they were inseparable.
Devoted to the end, Anthony was Shannon’s constant caretaker and companion until her earthly battle was lost and her eternal victory won. Anthony’s courage, commitment and love for Shannon as her body failed inspired all who saw his complete devotion to his wife. Her family and friends will forever hold a special place in their hearts for this great husband.
To think of Shannon is to smile. She dearly loved her family, freely expressing that love through both word and deed. Like a lighthouse guiding two rudderless ships at sea, she was a beacon of love to her brothers. No two men could imagine a better sister. They rejoice knowing they never missed a chance to tell her they love her – and she them.
Her nieces and nephew likewise knew her love for them. One might think her best use for her brothers were these children so precious to her. From their birth to her death, she shared and taught the important lessons of family. Simply put: she was always there for them. Even as death approached, she taught them how to leave her human body with grace.
As for her aunts, uncle and cousins, the stories to tell are joyous and plentiful. It is expected these stories be told boastfully, cheerfully and with as much accuracy as decorum and memory allow. Publicly thought of as “extended” family, that phrase would not do justice to the closeness these relatives had with Shannon nor would it accurately reflect her love for them. To her, it was just family. Befitting her Irish heritage, she indicated she wants her life celebrated, as her parents’ lives were.
Anthony and the family are very grateful to the employees of Step2 who showed true friendship in allowing Anthony – and the family -- the freedom to care for Shannon as her need for him became overwhelming. One small deed of kindness can mean far more than expected.
Anthony’s heart can rest easy knowing he did all that is humanly possible for his beautiful wife. She now knows the joy and peace of God we all hope for.
Shannon was preceded in death by her parents, Robert F. and Bonnie A. Fox, and uncles, Joseph and Eugene “Gene” Barnett, Monroe Harrison “Bud” (Mary) Fox and the many aunts and uncles from the Fox clan.
Left to share stories of her life and love are her brothers Timothy D. Fox and Robert Roe (Kris) Fox; nieces Brianna (Dan) Ratliff, Kayley, Katie and Sophie Fox, and nephew Robbie Fox; aunts Toby (Ellis) Day, Barbara Barnett and Paola Barnett; uncle Charles “Corky” (Patty) Glover; many cousins who are as dear to her as they are too numerous to mention (though they surely know who they are); step-children Ryan and Alyssa Zuccaro; and the dogs that she rescued over the years that became treasured parts of her family.
Calling hours are on Friday, September 13, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to noon with a brief service to follow at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 North Canton Road, Akron, Ohio 44305. Family only will attend her interment at Rose Hill Burial Park, 3653 West Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44333.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Shannon may be made to an animal support agency, including One of a Kind Pets in Akron, Ohio.