Denise (Ward) Zacchilli

Denise (Ward) Zacchilli, 65, of Marlborough, died Monday, July 3, 2023, at home. She was the daughter of the late John J. and Jeanne M. Ward. She was the wife of Peter Zacchilli to whom she’d been married for 31 years. 

Besides her husband, Denise is survived by her children, Matthew Zacchilli of Boston, Daniel Zacchilli of Boston and Catherine Zacchilli of Sunderland, her brother, John “Jack” Ward and his wife Doreen of Berlin, and her sisters, Debbie Ward and her wife Robyn Pitchford of Medford and Kathleen Whittaker and her husband John of Uxbridge, and her nieces Melissa Whittaker and Ashley Bessette. 

Denise grew up in a small cape house in the city of Marlboro with her Mom, Dad and 3 siblings. Just imagine 6 people surrounding the table in that tiny kitchen. On special occasions we were able to go into the dining room. 

It was a great neighborhood with many kids where they could play in the street, walk to parks, swim in a backyard pool in the summer and skate on a backyard ice rink in the winter, a truly safe place! 

Denise attended private schools – first Immaculate Conception up until 8th grade and then Hudson Catholic.  She played basketball but then decided to become a cheerleader for the Green Wave. 

She started her career at Digital Equipment Company in 1980 as a Finance Manager and continued to advance in her field.  

She looked forward to boat rides in Boston Harbor, pool parties in Uxbridge, and holiday parties at her home. She especially enjoyed her vacations in Vinalhaven Maine since she was 13 years old and later on the Cape. 

“Denise was truly selfless, putting her family and their wellbeing first”. “Her kindness and generosity and love for fun was contagious.” 

Denise was a beautiful person inside and out. Her smile and laugh would light up the whole room. She cared so deeply for the people around her. She was so kind and compassionate. She made an impact on many lives. She will be forever missed. 

Visiting hours for Denise will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, at the Slattery Funeral Home Inc., 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough, MA 01752. A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect St., Marlborough. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson St., Marlborough. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Denise to the Massachusetts General Hospital. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Denise (Ward) Zacchilli, please visit our floral store. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Denise (Ward) Zacchilli, please visit our floral store.