Orrie Richard Zolluccio Obituary
Orrie Richard Zolluccio, a devoted husband, educator, veteran, athlete, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on September 9th, 2026, supported by the love of his family.
Orrie was born in Stamford, Connecticut, on October 7, 1947, to Angelo Charles Zolluccio and Josephine Preterotti Zolluccio. In 1950, his family moved to Riverside, Connecticut, where Orrie grew up and formed many lifelong friendships, including those with Bob and Billy Mullin.
Orrie is survived by his loving wife, Gail Harris Zolluccio, with whom he shared a wonderful life filled with family, friendship, travel, and many happy memories.
Orrie is also survived by his brother, Vincent William Zolluccio, and was the grandson of James Preterotti and Maria Romeo, and Oreste Zolluccio and Marianna Grillo. His aunts and uncles included Eleanor "Ellie" Mead; Salvatore "Sal" Zolluccio (Katherine "Kitty"); Joseph Preterotti; Jim Preterotti; Sam Preterotti; and Eva Masi. His cousins include Fred "Rick" Mead (Gail), son Ryan and daughter Casey; Jeff Zolluccio (Angela), daughters Jenna and Lauren and son Jeffrey; Marion Zolluccio (Leo); Gary Masi; Philip Masi; Joseph Preterotti; Richard Preterotti; and James Preterotti.
Orrie is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dana Harris (Carole); his nieces and nephews, Jess Harris Nayden (Robby), Kate Harris Jaegle (Eric), Sara Harris Martin (Zane), and Evan Harris (Michelle); as well as his great-nieces and great-nephews, Leo Nayden, Eli Nayden, Clara Nayden, Eleanor Jaegle, Jack Jaegle, Felix Martin, and Avery Martin.
Orrie attended St. Catherine Elementary School and graduated from Greenwich High School in 1965. A talented athlete with a lifelong love of sports, Orrie played baseball at Greenwich High School as both a pitcher and hitter. He continued his education at Sacred Heart University, where he also continued his baseball career, playing third base. He graduated in 1970 and later earned his master's degree from the University of Bridgeport in 1976. Orrie proudly served his country as a member of the United States National Guard from 1969 to 1975.
Following college, Orrie embarked on a career dedicated to educating and developing young people. He taught at Nathan Hale Middle School from 1971 until his retirement in 2006. During his 35-year career as an educator, Orrie influenced generations of students and took great pride in the role he played in their education and development. Nathan Hale Middle School is also where he met his wife of 40 years, Gail. Orrie was also a part-time employee of Rudy's Executive Transportation for 30 years.
Service and community were also important parts of Orrie's life. He was a member of the American Legion in Wilton, Connecticut, and a charter member of the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Fatima in Wilton.
Sports remained one of Orrie's great passions throughout his life. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed memberships at Oronoque Country Club, Woodbridge Country Club, and Great River Golf Club. Among his proudest accomplishments on the golf course was the remarkable achievement of recording three holes-in-one. Orrie was also an enthusiastic sports fan, especially of the New York Mets and New York Jets, and enjoyed following sports of all kinds.
Away from the classroom and golf course, Orrie and Gail shared a love of travel. Together, they enjoyed Caribbean cruises and memorable journeys to Ireland, England, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria, creating a lifetime of experiences and treasured memories along the way.
Above all, Orrie will be remembered for the wonderful life he shared with Gail, his devotion to family and friends, his service to his country and community, his dedication to generations of students, and his lifelong love of sports. All those who knew and loved Orrie will remember his wonderful personality, especially his sense of humor, generosity, loyalty, storytelling, and his good-natured competitive spirit.
Orrie will be deeply missed by Gail, his family, his many friends, former colleagues and students, and all those fortunate enough to have known him. His legacy will live through the lives he influenced, the friendships he treasured, and the countless memories he leaves behind.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during calling hours on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06850.
Burial services will be held privately with the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation in Orrie's memory.
