Age 79, of Elmira Heights, NY, originally of Holley, died June 25, 2016 in Sayre, PA. Music educator and motivator, Robert was born in Holley on July 23, 1936 to Rose (Salerno) and George Zazzara. Robert is predeceased by his brothers, Peter, Jim, Joseph and his sisters, Angie and Carmela. During his 53 years of teaching as a High School Music teacher, Adjunct Professor at Ithaca College and numerous positions and associations with countless Drum and Bugle Corps, he deeply impacted the lives of his students and peers with his positive attitude and exceptional teaching abilities. In recent years, he was inducted into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame. Robert had an extensive career which began after receiving his BS in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia and a MS in Music Education from Ithaca College. His passion for music extended beyond the classroom into other avenues which served the greater community. These noteworthy accomplishments included working as the Conductor of the Mark Twain Barber Shoppers, the Elmira Symphony and Choral Society as well as the Elmira Little Theater as both a conductor and actor. Robert was the Vocal Music Director at the Bristol Hill Music Camp for 25 years. He was a respected adjudicator for the NYSSMA Solo/Ensemble and Major Organization Festivals. In addition to being Music Advisor/Instructor with area marching bands, he was the director/instructor/arranger for numerous Drum & Bugle Corps, including Rochester Crusaders. Robert was also extremely active with the St. Charles Borromeo Parish. Robert is survived by Marilyn, his wife of nearly 59 years; his children, Cheryl, Robert and wife Wanda, Michael and wife Andrea, Lynne and his loving grandchildren Jeramie and his wife Jessica, Alexandra, Nicole, Zachary and Breanna. His Mass of Christian Burial was held July 2, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Elmira, NY. Interment in St. Mary Our Mother Cemetery, Horseheads, with full military honors. Donations may be made to the Robert G. Zazzara Music Scholarship Fund at: Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, 301 South Main Street, Horseheads, NY 14845, or by visiting www.communityfund.org click on the “make a donation” drop box.
