James John Zadrovicz, Sr.

James Zadrovicz, Sr., 89, a life-long resident of Fairfield, CT and the loving and devoted husband of 68 years to Veronica Baldyga Zadrovicz, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at Bridgeport Hospital.

Born July 18, 1934 on the family farm to the late John and Anna Zadrovicz of Fairfield, Jim became a carpenter at the age of 14 and participated in building houses and commercial structures in the local area. While working on a road job on Black Rock Turnpike at the age of 18, he walked into a luncheonette for smokes and water, and it was there he met a beautiful girl behind the counter - the owner’s daughter, Veronica. She noticed those blue eyes, and the rest was history. Once married, he built the family home, originally a small five-room ranch, which expanded four times into the family homestead where many wonderful memories of parties, family picnics, and holiday celebrations occurred.

A strong sense of community and desire to help others led Jim to begin his 36+ year career as a firefighter with the town of Fairfield in 1960 at the original Station 2 on Tunxis Hill Road. While Jim (“Zaddy”) spent most of his firefighting career at Station 2 as a ladder (“Aerial 2”) truck driver, he worked at other fire stations around town. He is an original, charter member of IAFF 1426. On one hot August day during his career, he rescued two young girls - walking down the ladder with one under each arm - from a raging house fire in town. The day after his retirement in September 1996, he began working as a delivery driver for auto parts stores, flower shops and pharmacies. Finally, Jim ended his “retirement” as a school crossing guard for eleven years at Holland Hill and McKinley schools. In his younger days, he was scouted by the Detroit Tigers as a catcher and as an adult, he enjoyed playing softball on the fire department team and playing in annual department golf tournaments. Jim was most proud of his annual vegetable garden and the tomatoes he grew were used to make szalonna (“dirty bread”) at the annual Stillson Road Labor Day party. When his daily jobs were complete, Jim kept busy with regular trips to Dunkin Donuts and was always in search of the elusive winning scratch-off ticket or daily number. He could often be found in his front yard where he would watch people go by so they could stop and chat. He was truly a one-of-a-kind character…a cross between Jackie Gleason on the Honeymooners and Rodney Dangerfield. They broke the mold when they made him. Rest in eternal peace #39.

In addition to his beloved wife, Veronica, Jim is survived by his daughter Marianne and her partner Bob Dominguez, sons Thomas Zadrovicz and his wife Lisa, Robert Zadrovicz and his wife Katy, James Zadrovicz, Jr., and Daniel Zadrovicz. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, countless in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, and his brothers, Stephen, John, Louis, Anthony and Francis.

Friends and family may visit on Monday, March 11, from 4PM-7PM at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Rd. Fairfield, CT 06824. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated directly on Tuesday, March 12, at 11AM at St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the charity of one’s choice.