In Memoriam: Art Zasio

Art Zasio

Art Zasio, a long-time resident of Canyon Lake, has taken his final flight, having passed away on Jan. 18 from complications of NPH and Parkinsonism.

Born in Dillonvale, Ohio on Sept. 11, 1934 to Attilio and Louise Zasio, he was the youngest of six children; John, Caroline, Norma, Katherine and Jean, all preceded him in death.

He graduated from Dillonvale High School in 1952 and upon graduating from Kent State University with a B.S. in Aviation Technology, he joined the United States Marine Corps and endured rigorous training to become a fighter pilot. Art served five years on active duty and an additional 15 years in the Reserves, retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

After active duty, he worked at Autonetics for a few years before going to work for TWA in 1966. While there, he flew the Constellation, 707, 727, 747 and L-10/11. As a co-pilot and then captain, the majority of his schedule was flying from New York to various countries around the world.

In 1977, Art and his wife, Dee, bought a home here in the lake for weekends and waterskiing. When the last of their children graduated from high school in Mission Viejo, they bought a lot on Strawberry Lane and built the house they have lived in for 36 years.

Upon retirement from TWA in 1994, Art became an active member in the Canyon Lake Community Theatre, playing in a few of the productions and serving as the group’s president. He also served as president of the Canyon Lake Travel Club, and was a founding member and president for 10 years of the Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild. How he loved those concerts! Art also participated in CLAMS and the Canyon Lake Yacht Club. He brought his voice to the Canyon Lake Choraleers for a number of years as well as to the choir at St. Vincent’s Church.

A great believer in fitness, Art loved to ride his bike around the lake and loved running as well. Climbing a few mountains were included in his wellness program: Mt. Fuji in Japan, Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo and finally Mt. Kilimanjaro in Kenya, which was an experience of a lifetime.

Art was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and respected friend.

Art is survived by Dee, his loving wife of 59 years; three children, Kelly Zasio Huckaby (Tim) of Carlsbad, Brad Zasio (Rebecca) of Lake Elsinore, Steve Zasio (Adrianna) of LaPaz, Mexico and six grandchildren, Camille and Mark Huckaby, Alex, Sophie, Nick Zasio and Caroline Zasio, one great grandson, Jonah and four nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID-19, a Celebration of Life for Art will be held at a later time.