Obituary

John A. Zaccagnini Jr., 37, Harvard, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, from injuries suffered in an automobile accident.

He was born May 29, 1970, in Chicago, to John A. and Linda (Cullen) Zaccagnini Sr. He married Heather Whinery Oct. 7, 1995, in West Lafayette, Ind.

He was a senior systems engineer for Cisco Systems, which is based in San Jose, Calif., with offices in Chicago. He graduated from Purdue University in 1992 with a degree in computer-electrical engineering.

He was a lifelong Cubs fan and was given the opportunity to play at Wrigley Field in high school. Also during high school, he played tennis and was on the fencing team. He placed second in the Illinois state high school fencing competition.

Along with his wife, he was involved in pet rescue and gave homes to many rescued pets. He was a member of the Porsche Club of America and loved autocross racing.
Most of all, he was a devoted husband, son and brother, and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Heather, Harvard; his father, John A. Zaccagnini Sr., Schaumburg; his mother, Linda Cullen, Algonquin; his paternal grandmother, Theresa Zaccagnini; his maternal grandmother, Vera Cullen; a sister, Paula (Brian) Steffan; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Larry and Nancy Whinery; a niece and godchild, Sofia Steffan; a godchild, Colleen Lynch; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Alfred Zaccagnini; his maternal grandfather, Raymond Cullen; and an aunt, Judy Guskey.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, at Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at the Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 W. Bull Valley Road, McHenry.
Burial will be private.

Memorials can be made in his name to The Anti-Cruelty Society, 157 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610.

Online condolences can be sent to johnzaccagnini.blogspot.com.