Arthur Zago
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A large community of family and friends mourns the death of Art Zago, who died of pneumonia and other complications brought on by COVID-19 on November 21, 2020. Trying to describe Art in words is like taking a black and white photograph of fireworks—he was colorful and loud, feisty and funny, loving and much beloved, and will be missed by many.
Art was born in New York City on March 3, 1927. He was one of three children of Anthony Zago and Antoinette Riosa Zago.
After his service in World War II, in the US Coast Guard, Art attended Kansas State University. Upon graduation, he settled in Kansas City, MO, where he worked for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and raised his family of five children. His zest for life made his home a gathering place for his children and their friends, many of whom became his lifelong friends as well.
Art was a sportsman who loved waterskiing, fishing, boating, camping, golf, and handball. He was known as the best dancer around and a great (somewhat repetitive) joke teller.
Art was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Clair, and brother, Bill; and two of his children, Tom Zago, and Debra Zago, along with Debra’s son, Ryan Keen.
He is survived by his loving wife, Alice Zago, his three children and three stepchildren. He leaves Lori (Ralph) Costibile, and Lori’s son; Kathy (Mitch) O’Roark and their 3 daughters; and Robert (LaWanda) Zago and their 5 children. He also leaves three stepchildren: Andrea Routh; Steve (Christy) Routh and their three children; and Greg (Tami) Routh and their 3 children. He is also survived by Debra’s two children and many great grandchildren.
The family will schedule a celebration of Art’s life next year, when the pandemic is less of a risk.
Visits: 3
Alice,
You and your family are in my thoughts.
Take care.
Alice, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know you absolutely adored Art and will
miss him.
Thinking of you, Alice.
Art will be missed by all of us. He had a wealth of wisdom to give us and many fun times. Also, many found memories, which we will cherish.
Alice,
I am so sorry to hear of Art’s passing. I know he will be missed by you and the kids. Hugs, my friend.
Rhonda
I will always remember Artie as a loving father to his kids and their friends. The house where everyone was made to feel welcome and where the most fun was to be had. Thanks for being such a great role model to all of us. Paraders to his family during this tough time??
Art will be missed by so many. He was a great man. I’m thinking of you in these hard times.
Art will be terribly missed by the many family members and friends who had the pleasure of knowing him. Forever eager to tell his latest joke, he loved to laugh. He was always interested in hearing what was new in my life and never forgot what I told him. I will miss my annual birthday phone call with the salty ending. I will cherish the abundance of memories that I hold of Art over the last 55 years. We will miss you, my friend.
Alice, I am so sorry for your loss. I am happy that you have a great family for support. Sending you a big hug!!
Artie was one of a kind and I will miss him very much
Artie was my favorite Dad of all time and I will never forget him! He taught me how to water ski boot camp style and we had so much fun with him at our many lake trips. Art always had a new joke and they were actually funny. He welcomed all into his home and made you feel like a part of the family. In later years I would run into him and it would always brightened my day. Art Zago was one of a kind and he will always have a place in my heart. So sorry for your loss to Kathy,Mitch,Alice,Lori, Bobby and the grandkids.
May Art’s memory be a blessing to all who knew him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Alice, I’m so sorry for your loss. Art was a sweet and funny human. The world has lost a friend. Elizabeth Vaughn
Debbie and I were best friends growing up and into our adult years. I knew Mr Zago since I was in grade school. He was always funny and kind to me. He was such a vibrant person, he will be missed by all.
Wendell and Millie Kiser
We have been fortunate to have Art and Alice as friends for many years. We enjoyed times together and participating in social events. Art will be missed but thankful for his friendship.
Art Zago was a breath of fresh air and touched many souls with his bright light he reflected into others !
He will be greatly missed,
but know his light will continue to shine in heaven .
Funny, compassionate, a good friend and the life of the party. He will be missed. My humble Condolences to Alice and the entire family. Maryann Moore.
Awesome guy, Made my heart flutter…. a little east coast …I miss you Art….unique ..”Hey, Hi Grote…Alice….Sandy’s here..tell Frank Hi….you gals have fun!” ????