Joseph Edward Zagotta, age 98, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025. He was born on June 28, 1927, in Blue Island, Illinois. He raised his family in Dolton, Illinois and retired to Orange City, Florida before moving back to Schererville, Indiana.
He is survived by his four daughters, Lynn (Jerry) Gibbons, Carolyn (Joe) Guarino, Janet (Phil) Oatman, and Jean (Jeff) Brandt; his ten grandchildren, Nicole Guarino (Andy Munemoto) , Jim Guarino (Jen Tontillo), Chase Souther, Michael Gibbons (Sofi Cala), Katie (David) Savoia, Jillian Brandt (Gabe Cipkar), Jake (Jessi) Souther, Shawn Brandt, Kevin Brandt, Nicholas Brandt, and 5 great-grandchildren, Clara, Josephine, Mason, Joseph, and Giacomo. He is also survived by his sister Elaine (late Burt) Peterson, brother Don (Phyllis) Zagotta, sister-in-law Therese (late Jim) Zagotta and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Lillian (Langlois) Zagotta, his first wife of 57 years, the mother of his four children, Ruth (nee Jacobs) (d. 2010), his second wife, Linda (nee Brissom) (d. 2019), his brother Jim Zagotta and many beloved in-laws.
Joe was a devoted Catholic who loved his family. He was very proud of his service in the Navy during WWII. He was never short of stories to tell of his time serving as a SMP3 on a re-supply vessel in the Asian Pacific region during the war. Joe was brought to tears after participating in Honor Flight Chicago to visit the war memorials in Washington D.C with many other veterans. He was welcomed back at Midway Airport by his family and 100s of other families honoring their veteran. You could always sense his excitement as he shared his experiences serving his country. He retired from General Motor’s Electro-Motive Division after several decades of service. He would laugh as he told stories of the side hustle he had there for years selling belt buckles or macramé to his coworkers during the night shift. He would bring the money home and give it to Ruth. He was known for the meticulous care he took of his pool in Dolton. It wasn’t uncommon for everyone to come over during the summer for a swim. He loved playing golf, playing dominoes, watching old movies and spending time with his family. Joe wasn’t shy to tell anyone around him stories of his late wife, Ruth, his time living in Florida, and his service in the military.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lincoln Ridge Funeral Home, 7607 W. Lincoln Hwy. Crown Point, IN. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church in Schererville, IN. Burial to follow at St. Michael’s cemetery located next to the Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Meals on Wheels or a Charity of your choice.
