February 9, 1935 – June 11, 2026
Shirley Ann (Jones) Zackman, lovingly known as “Nana” to her family and “Rusty” to her husband, passed away peacefully in her home in Auburn, Alabama, on June 11, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on February 9, 1935, in Jay, Oklahoma, Shirley lived a life defined by faith, family, service, and
compassion. As the third oldest of eight children, she carried with her the resilience, generosity, and
devotion that became hallmarks of her character throughout her life.
She is survived by her brother, Rex Jones, and her sisters, Carolyn Jones Owen and Betty Harris, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. The bonds she shared with her family remained an important source of strength and joy throughout her life.
Shirley was the beloved wife of Retired Chief Master Sergeant Charles Frederick Zackman III, who preceded her in death on March 2, 1991. Together, they shared a life of adventure, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment as a military family. As a devoted Air Force wife, Shirley built homes and formed lasting friendships across the United States, Germany, and Japan, wherever her husband’s service took them.
She was also preceded in death by her son, Retired Master Sergeant Charles Frederick “Rick” Zackman IV; her grandson, Steven Cagno; and her son-in-law, Anthony Cagno Sr.
Professionally, Shirley worked for thirteen years as an Executive Assistant at Best Foods, home of Thomas’ English Muffins. In retirement, she continued her lifelong commitment to serving others through hospice volunteer work and her dedication to St. Kateri Tekakwitha Roman Catholic Church in Sparta, New Jersey.
As one of the founding families of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Shirley served as parish secretary for
fourteen years, becoming a familiar and welcoming presence to generations of parishioners. Retired Father Dan Murphy described her as “the perfect first impression” of St. Kateri Church, a testament to her warmth, kindness, and genuine care for others.
Shirley loved bringing people together and creating opportunities for connection and celebration. She
enjoyed playing cards, trying her luck at slot machines, and was an accomplished A-rated skeet shooter.
Following the passing of her husband, she embraced a new chapter in life and became a Silver-Level
ballroom dancer, bringing the same grace, joy, and enthusiasm to the dance floor that she brought to every aspect of her life.
Shirley is survived by her children, Kevin Zackman and his wife, Theresa “Terri” Zackman; LisaDitillo; Lori Cagno; and Cary Zackman and his husband, Dr. Chris Radel. She was also lovingly remembered by her daughter-in-law, Debra Zackman, wife of her late son, Retired Master Sergeant Charles Frederick “Rick” Zackman IV.
She was a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren: Shirley Lehner, Charles “Chaz” Zackman V, Shannon Shepherd, Taylor W. Zackman, Nicole Ditillo, Jesse Ditillo, the late Steven Cagno, Molly Muse, Anthony Cagno II, Cary “Scott” Zackman II, and George Zackman.
Shirley was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Charles “Chase” Zackman VI, Addison Shepherd, Clara Mae Straub, Adelaide “Ada” Straub, Barrett Muse, and Lucy Zackman.
Nothing brought Shirley greater joy than her family. She treasured every opportunity to gather her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren together, hosting celebrations and creating memories that will continue to be shared for generations. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, she touched countless lives with her grace, strength, humor, and unwavering love. Her family was her greatest accomplishment and the legacy of which she was most proud.
Though her family mourns her loss, they are grateful for the example she set and the memories she leaves behind. Her life was a blessing, her love a gift, and her memory will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her.
A Celebration of Life and Funeral Mass will be held at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Roman Catholic Church in
Sparta, New Jersey, on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to join the family for a repast following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness, service, and compassion in Shirley’s memory, reflecting the values by which she lived every day.
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