Anna Zoccali OBITUARY

Anna Zoccali OBITUARY

Anna Marie Barbara Zoccali, 85, passed away peacefully in Salinas on December 17th, 2025.

Anne was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1940 to Gloria and Antonio Carnevale. Her sister, Virginia, followed in 1941. When Anne was about four years old, the family moved to California, where the girls grew up in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose. They attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School and Notre Dame High School. As a young adult, Anne lived with her sister in an apartment complex, where she met Joseph Zoccali. The two married and soon the family grew with two sons. Joe worked for PG&E and, in 1979, accepted a position in Salinas. Together, Anne and Joe raised their sons, built a life, retired, and enjoyed many happy years.

Anne loved exercising, especially walking. She became well known among her sons’ friends as “the lady who walked all over town.” She also had a deep appreciation for the arts. Her sons fondly recall how she introduced them to music, art, calligraphy, science, sports, opera, and theatre. Anne and Joe were longtime season ticket holders at The Western Stage. Anne was active in her community. She volunteered at her sons’ swim meets, soccer games, and baseball practices. She served as a docent at the Point Pinos Lighthouse, participated in the Salinas Women’s Club, and helped at the Steinbeck House. A devout Catholic, she attended both Sacred Heart Church in Salinas and St. Joseph’s in Spreckels. Anne is survived by her husband, Joseph, who still resides in their family home in South Salinas; her sister, Virginia, of Madonna Manor in Salinas; her son Anthony and his wife Jennifer of Seaside; her son Matthew, his wife Heather, and their sons Connor and Maxwell of Colorado.

Travel was one of Anne’s greatest joys. She loved planning her next adventure, whether cruising with Joe or Virginia, or joining group trips to destinations around the world. She often said her favorite pastime was catching a play in London. Her family believes she now has the best seat in the house.

Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Joseph of Spreckels Catholic Church, Friday, January 16th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Those who wishes to honor her are asked to donate to The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC).