It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Frank on November 14, 2023, at the age of 74. Frank was the oldest of three children born to Philip and Tana Mariano Zagarella, having a younger brother Philip and sister Joanne. He was born January 17th, 1949, in Somerville Massachusetts and spent the first 10 years of his life in Medford and Woburn Massachusetts. On January 18th, 1960, the day after his 11th birthday, the whole family moved from the Boston area to Long Beach, California.
Frank worked at an early age as a newspaper carrier for the Long Beach Independent Press Telegram and earned Carrier of the Month for two months. He enjoyed playing softball and baseball. He was a Conservative, politically, at an early age, serving as President of the Long Beach High School, and served as Young Americas for Freedom President.
He graduated from Jordan High School in June 1966. He then attended and graduated from Long Beach City College (in 1968) and graduated with a BA in History from California State University of Long Beach in 1971.
Frank worked in the Insurance Industry as an adjustor for over 30 years, spending the last 21 years at Utah Farm Bureau Insurance Company. Frank was President of the Utah Claims Adjustor Association for two years.
Frank had a quick wit, a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. He also had an amazing memory. He loved Jeopardy and he always knew all the answers.
Frank was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in the church as a Counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency, Ward Mission Leader, Counselor in the Stake Mission Presidency, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, and Ward Clerk. He also served in the Draper Temple in the Baptistry for five years.
Frank met the love of his life, Emily Porter, in 1977 and was married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on July 13, 1978. He and Emily had two children – Rachelle Emily (Ekstrom) and Nathan Frank Zagarella, and three grandchildren: Kyra (Jeffrey Dahl) , Kade Ekstorm and Alexis Alamares.
When Nathan was younger Frank coached his son’s soccer, basketball and baseball teams.
Frank played tennis as an adult and was captain of the team that went to Nationals in Tucson, Arizona.
Frank has done a lot of work on his genealogy and has traced his genealogy going back seven generations.
Frank and Emily sang in the American West Symphony and Chorus and sang with them to the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark.
Frank and Emily enjoyed travelling and visited 48 of the 50 US states, took many cruises and loved going to Hawaii. They attended the Utah Shakespeare Festival for a number of years and enjoyed going to plays at the Hale Center Theatre.
Frank is survived by his children Rachelle E. Eckstrom (Zachary Bellock), Nathan Zagarella and his grandchildren Kyra, Kade and Alexis.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT. A viewing will be held from 10:00 - 10:45 am prior to the graveside service.
I knew Frank through insurance work. He was always friendly and kind.
Condolences to all the Zagarella family from all your parents living in Italy (from Riesi). (We're nephews, sons and daughters of Tana Marino's brother, Giuseppe).