Alfred Edward Zaccanti

Colonel Alfred Edward Zaccanti, age 95, born April 17, 1921 in Hartshorne, Okla. passed away in Fayetteville on September 14, 2016 surrounded by his family and loved ones. The son of two Italian immigrants, the late Virgil and Louise Zaccanti. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Helen Margaret Zaccanti and his sister, Leona Zaccanti. Alfred and Helen married in 1946 in New York City before being deployed to Germany on May 6th. Colonel Zaccanti had a long career in the military in both the Air Force and the Army. He was in World War II, and fought in Germany and in the Korean War. He started his military career as a Cadet Pilot in the Thunderbirds in 1941. He was 44-H Field No. 1 and was one of 59 cadets selected throughout the United States. He then joined the Army as a Second Lieutenant and was a Tank and Infantry Commander. He received diplomas in the following: U.S. Army Armor School, Command and General Staff College, the President of the United States promotion to First Lieutenant, Industrial College of the Armed Forces Washington D.C., Graduate of US Constabulary school. He attended many ceremonies throughout his Army career including promotion to full Colonel. Alfred served in the Reserves for more than 25 years. He was always proud of his service to our country and protecting our freedom. He was highly decorated and had countless Army Award medals and Ribbon bars including some of the following: Meritorious Service Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal Germany Bar: Army Occupation Medal; WWII Victory Medal; American Campaign Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal; Distinguished Service Award; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; General Staff Star Medal; Silver and Bronze Battle/Service Stars; WWII Stars. Field Infantry Bars include: Rifle Bar; Pistol Bar; Carbine Bar; Machine Gun Bar; Sub Machine Gun Bar; Infantry Bar; Army Sharp Shooter Medal; Army Expert Shooting Metal; Army Marksman Medal; Army Rifle Team Award. Pins: 2nd Lieutenant; 1st Lieutenant; Captain; Major; Lieutenant Colonel; Colonel. General Staff Star Pin: Ribbons; Meritorious Service; Army Commendation; Army Good Conduct; WWII Victory; American Campaign; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign; Army of Occupation; National Defense Service; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal. Alfred and Helen moved their young family to Fayetteville in 1952 and made it their home. He was a cattle rancher and also raised chickens on his farms for over 60 years. He was a great outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing and farming. He caught record sized catfish and bass and enjoyed hunting trips with his sons to Colorado where they hunted many trophy elk and deer. Long-time family friend Mike Mashburn took him on a memorable hunting trip to Texas where they hunted exotic animals. Colonel Zaccanti is survived by his children, Mary H. Bassett and husband Hank Broyles, Alfred E. Zaccanti Jr. and wife Karen, Jacqui A. Calcagni and husband Mark, and Edward V. Zaccanti. He has seven grandchildren, John Bassett, Jennifer Bassett, Kari Bridges, Justin Zaccanti, Patrick Calcagni, Joseph Calcagni and Taylor Davis and seven great-grandchildren, his sister, Florene Allen and husband Roger and nieces. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and caregivers at the Veterans Home for their care. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home, with viewing preceding from 10-11 a.m. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens with full Military Honors. To sign the online guest book visit www.nelsonberna.com.