Pugliese Lodge #1375

The Pugliese Lodge has lost a longtime member and true daughter of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Vita Zaccaria. Sister Zaccaria passed away on Wednesday, January 6th around 7 a.m. Vita has been a member of the Order since April, 1954. Through the years, she has held various offices in the Lodge even serving as President. She also served as president of the United Lodges of Southern California.

To this day, she holds the distinction as the only woman president of the United Lodges of Southern California. For many years, Vita was an assistant then Vice President of Columbus Day Events for the Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California.

At the Grand Lodge level, Vita served as State Vice President, Southern District, State Treasurer, State Trustee and State Historian. Served on many committees and through the years made many, many friends in the Order. Of all the jobs she did for the Order and Italian community, she poured her energies into being Chairperson of the Columbus Celebration. Vita took the position from the late State President Carl Serra, representing the Order and United Lodges along with the Federated in doing this event every year until a few years ago. Even though, no longer chairperson, she continued to work on the committee.

Vita was also an active member and officer in several church societies at St. Peter’s Italian Catholic Church and served on the Parish Council...

Vita married Nick Zaccaria on July 17, 1955. They have two sons, Vito and Michael. Nick preceded her in death on August 5, 1998. She is also preceded in death by her parents and brother. Vita is survived by son Michael, son Vito (Rebecca Arkeilpane Zaccaria), grandchildren Michelle (boyfriend Josh), Nicole (husband Jimmy) and Vito, Jr. (Rosemary). Great-grandchildren Nova, Vito and Zenith.

Funeral services were held at Calvary Cemetery, Los Angeles on Monday, January 25th at 11:00 a.m.

The Pugliese Lodge extends its prayers and deepest sympathy to the Zaccaria family.