Obituary of Michael Carl Rocco Zuccarello

Michael Carl Rocco Zuccarello, LAWRENCE TWP Michael Carl Rocco Zuccarello entered God’s Kingdom on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

Michael was a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, cat dad to “Hanzo,” and loyal friend. Michael was entering his senior year at Lawrence High School, Class of 2025. He was a friend to all and took many of his classmates under his wing to guide them, inspire them, and give them friendship. Michael always said “good morning” and “have a good day” to those around him. His favorite quote was, “When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world.” Michael’s parents will remember him as joyful, lovable, happy, and adored by everyone he met. Michael enjoyed his time outdoors. He loved fishing at Colonial Lake, teaching his beloved dog Vinny how to swim and chase foxes in the woods next to their house, hiking at Baldpate Mountain, weekend camping trips, going to the beach, surf fishing, playing video games with his friends, hanging out with his big and little cousins, celebrating holidays alongside aunts and uncles, and hitting the gym or riding his bike around the track at the lake. He was a self-taught boxer, fighting out of the Fujimora Boxing Gym, where he earned the title of the East Coast Middleweight Champion with an 11-0 record, all by knockouts.

Michael enjoyed attending church and found light in interpreting many psalms from the Bible. Michael had a beautiful way with words and took a particular interest in poetry. Though he was incredibly passionate of all his hobbies, he was most content when surrounded by those he loved. The world was a better place when Michael was in it. He brought immeasurable joy and light into our lives with his kind heart, radiant smile, and boundless curiosity. He was a compassionate friend, who changed the lives of those who were surrounded by him. He selflessly helped and comforted others in any possible way he could, never expecting anything in return. Though his time with us was brief, the depth of love and happiness he shared will forever remain in our hearts.

Michael will be welcomed into Heaven by God and his beloved family that has passed before him— his Grandmother Susan Hunkele, Grandparents John and Angeline Zuccarello, Uncle Carl Zuccarello, Aunt Sharon Zuccarello, Aunt Lynn Zuccarello, and Cousins Nick Zuccarello and John Zuccarello. Michael is survived by his father, Michael Anthony Zuccarello, his mother, Heather Boccanfuso, his brother, Mark Boccanfuso, and his grandfather, William Hunkele. Michael will live forever in the hearts of his many aunts and uncles— Staci and George Henderson, Angela and Bob Coluccio, Paul Zuccarello, Tom and Sue Zuccarello, John Zuccarello; along with his cousins— Rylie and Ryan Henderson; Jena-Rose, John, Lincoln, and Lilah Commander; Katelyn and Tom Mladenetz; Carlie, Mike, Lilianna, and Michael Termun; Sara, Dave, David, and Charlotte Hartmann; Lisa Zuccarello, Aidan and Spencer Foley; Cara, Joey, Rocco, Carlo, and Joey Giquinto; Carla, Arley, and Julia Almeida; Jennifer, Erika, and Erin Zuccarello; Lee, Amy, Autumn, and Anthony Zuccarello; Joe and Jack Zuccarello. Michael is also survived by many dear friends and neighbors, of whom his memory will live on forever.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation service for Michael, which will be held at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ. on Sunday, June 30th. Services will be from 10:00am to 1:00pm for the Zuccarello family and 3:00pm to 5:00pm for the Boccanfuso family.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree in Michael’s honor using this link or making a donation to the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to suicide education and prevention.