Michael James Zito passed away unexpectedly on November 19, 2024, at the age of 62. He was born August 15, 1962, in New Jersey. He spent his childhood in Piscataway and Surf City. After graduating from high school in Highland Park and attending Middlesex County Community College for Culinary Arts, he migrated with his family to Vermont.

Mike had numerous attributes that he carried with him throughout his life. His kind and compassionate heart is what his family will remember most; he was consistently willing to provide a sounding board for others and navigate challenging situations with his unique style of humor. A protector and righteous individual by nature, one year for Christmas Mike provided his family with St. Michael's pendants which symbolizes good over evil, fitting of how he lived his life. This attribute also extended into the community through his time volunteering  with the West Windsor Fire Department.

Mike's interests were ample, and all incorporated an overarching theme of freeing self-expression. He channeled unparalleled creativity into culinary arts. The decades he spent refining recipes in various restaurants and catering operations he worked for were extremely fulfilling for him. Some of the creations he was most proud of were Jamaican jerk chicken, and shrimp bisque, which both contained a spicy and sweet element that perfectly exemplified his personality. Outside of the kitchen, Mike engaged in activities that sharpened his mind; his impressive memory laid a nice foundation for his extensive interest in history. His knowledge of various battles and the origins provided a segue for his appreciation of firearms and range shooting. Mike had a deep love for animals, which were a constant in his life, as he was never seen without a dog. His canine companions over the years have included: Stormy, Quinn, Clemintine, Josie "Joey", Wiggles "Men", and Dude.

Mike will be missed and continuously thought of by the family and friends he leaves behind, those include his siblings, Allison Zito and Marcella Barrows, his nephews, Robert Barrows, and Brendan Kittredge, his niece, Kristi Cooper, his uncle, Marius Carriere and aunt, Mimi Carriere, his cousins, Michael "Beaux" Carriere and Noelle Singleton. He was predeceased by his father, Dr. Robert Joseph Zito and mother, Kay Carriere.

A graveside service will be announced at a later date. Knight Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook found at www.knightfuneralhomes.com