Robert John "Ziggy" Zawacki

Robert “Ziggy” Zawacki, 76, of Crugers, NY passed away on January 15, 2023, after a long illness, surrounded by his loving family. Ziggy is survived by his beloved wife, Ellen (Reynolds) of 48 years, and their two children, Robert, Jr. and Kimberly (Wayne) Treptow. He leaves behind two beautiful granddaughters, Fiona and Morgan Treptow. He is also survived by his sisters, Susan (Amy Backus) and Carolyn (Tom Hoyt), and was predeceased by his parents, Chester and Margaret (Salvatore). Known as Ziggy to most of his friends and family, he weaved a complex tapestry of a life well lived. He was an excellent accordion player in his early teens and entertained family members; he was the “life of the party.” He enjoyed riding his bike, the Blue Goose, with his cousin, Ronny Salvatore, traversing trails throughout Lounsbury’s (Blue Mountain Park). Ziggy was a talented artist, drawing hot rods and “souped-up” cars. He had a keen eye for the essence and details of how “cool” a car could and should look. His doodles and drawings were artistic and authentic. Later in life, he used a technique called “reverse painting” for restoring the original artwork on the glass backgrounds in clocks. His passion for collecting, repairing, and bringing old clocks back to life resulted in an impressive collection of antique American and European clocks. He, Ellen, and Ziggy’s close friend, Bobby Albert, traveled to many flea markets, auctions, and antique sales over the years in the never-ending search for the perfect antique clock. Ziggy and Bobby talked almost nightly about clocks and life. Ziggy mentored and taught Bobby the art of clock collecting, buying, and investing in quality pieces; he was an active member of the National Clock and Watch Association since 1978. Ziggy worked at Westchester Brake and Clutch, Peterson's Auto Parts, and finished his career at Mt. Kisco Truck & Auto Parts. Early in his career, he tended bar at Dooley’s, where he met the love of his life, Ellen Reynolds in 1965. He worked at other establishments, including The Village Barn and The Circus. Ziggy is also remembered for his love of animals, especially, his Siamese cats Webster, Ginger, Topher, and Sassy. He related to them in a manner that only cat lovers can understand. Ziggy can best be remembered as a loving father and husband. His family was the most important part of his life. He was an amazing grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He touched the lives of so many people. He will truly be missed and will never be forgotten. A Celebration of Life is planned for family and close friends April 15, 2023. In his memory, donations can be made to the SPCA Westchester, Beagle Freedom Project, or your favorite cat and dog rescue group.

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