By Judy Rattner
According to police, Zanghi, the father of South Side Middle School guidance counselor Stephanie Markwalter, was pruning a pine tree at 22 Capitolian Boulevard, a vacant home on the corner of William Street and Capitolian that is being renovated by a young couple who recently purchased the house. When the boom on his truck gave way, Zanghi fell approximately 20 feet in its cherry picker, pinning his body head first against the building.
Rockville Centre police and fire personnel rushed to the scene at 9:26 a.m. and were joined by EMTs from the North Shore/LIJ ambulance service and Nassau County police. Zanghi suffered body trauma and was taken to South Nassau Communities Hospital. About an hour later, at 10:21, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by hospital staff.
"The way the police and fire department worked was truly amazing," said Pan Schaefer, a neighbor who lives across the street at 21 Capitolian. She said she had heard a boom that turned out to be the sound of the bucket falling, and rushed outside to find out what was happening.
"We should be really proud to live in this town," said Schaefer, a few days after the accident. "They [the first responders] were calm, professional. They did everything they possibly could do. In addition to that, they were here so fast. But that's the way they operate. It's the way they are. They deserve so much credit."
Schaefer said that in addition to the fast response of emergency responders, two employees who were on the job with Zanghi that morning did everything they could to assist him, and that he was never alone. She said their respect for their boss was evident.
"He was a loving husband and father and grandfather and a skilled tree surgeon for 40 years," said Markwalter. "He actually did a lot of work in Rockville Centre, so a lot of customers will recognize the name."
Zanghi leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Mary, and in addition to Markwalter and her husband, John, another daughter, Traci Stevenson (Arthur), and a son, Christopher. Zanghi was the grandfather of Lara, 10, Grace, 6, and Ava, 4. He is survived by siblings Charles, Emily, Tyler and Timothy.
"He ran a very professional, honest company," Markwalter said. "If you didn't need work done, he'd tell you and save you money. We lost him too soon."
The wake for the proud Vietnam Army veteran was held at the N.F. Walker Funeral Home in Merrick last weekend and, after a Funeral Mass at Cure of Ars Roman Catholic Church on Monday, Zanghi was laid to rest at Calverton National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family said that they would appreciate donations to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675-8517.
