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Joe Zaccardi, the esteemed poet laureate of Marin County (2013-2015), passed away on January 15, 2025, at Kaiser Hospital in San Rafael, California.
Born September 2, 1947 in Newark, New Jersey, Joe spent his youth in Sayreville, NJ. Thereafter, he went out into the world with a wide arc, and finally setting anchor in Fairfax, California. In between, he served with the U.S. Navy in Vietnam, worked at a variety of jobs (
I've car hopped, carpooled, been a driver, did yard work for Mrs Stewart,
he wrote,Raised sunflower from seed when I was seven years old, ate radishes I pulled up from dirt, ate dirt
), and fashioned a long career as a poet.
In embodying a deep passion for creativity and self-expression, he published six books of poetry, including the most recent one,
Songbirds of the Nine Rivers.
Joe also edited a volume of the Marin Poetry Center's anthology series, as well as an anthology,Changing Harm to Harmony,
which was his main project during his two years as county Poet Laureate.
In his work and in his life, Joe delighted in playing with words, crafting verses that kindle passion in those who encountered his work. His life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to creativity and self-expression. Alongside his literary pursuits, he also built a successful career as a hair stylist, establishing a couple of salons, Union Street Hair and Come Prima (inspired by a Mario Lanza song), from 1980 until 2003, where he was able to combine artistry and skill to coax physical beauty into patrons' lives.
Joe is survived by his husband of 43 years, Dave Eng; his brother, Ray Zaccardi (Robin) of Palm Harbor, Fl; along with a host of cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and a wide host of fellow poets and readers of his exceptional work.
He will be deeply remembered by those who knew him, for his artistic spirit and the joy he brought to their lives.
In celebration of Joe's life, a memorial service is planned on Saturday March 29, 2025, at 11AM. The service, including a group poetry reading, will be held at First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo, 72 Kensington Rd., San Anselmo, CA. Attendees are invited to enjoy food and refreshments as they commemorate Joe's life.
