Services Thursday For Metuchen Man Killed By Tractor Trailer

METUCHEN, NJ — Oscar Zanoni, the Metuchen man who was hit and killed by a tractor trailer truck last Friday on Rt. 27, will be remembered in a celebration of life service this Thursday, Jan. 9 at the First Presbyterian Social Center of Metuchen.

The service information was announced by Flynn and Son Funeral Home, which is handling the arrangements.

As Patch reported, Zanoni, 44, was tragically killed Friday morning on Rt. 27 near Vineyard Road in Edison, near the Lukoil gas station. Zanoni was hit while riding his black electric bike. The truck driver who hit him initially left the scene, but was later found and fully cooperated with Edison police, they said.

Due to the size of his truck, he may not have known he hit someone, police said.

Zanoni was pronounced dead at the scene from the injuries he sustained in the crash.

Metuchen Mayor Jonathan M. Busch said the town was devastated to learn of the death of a well-liked local resident.

"Oscar was a friend to many in our community and was frequently seen around the borough walking the dogs he loved and riding his bike, especially downtown," Busch told Patch over the weekend.

Zanoni is remembered as a kind local man who was often seen riding his bike all over Metuchen and for walking his beloved dogs everywhere. He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and lived in Metuchen for the past eight years, according to his obituary. He grew up in the Bonhamtown section of Edison.

Metuchen and Edison residents alike remember Oscar a man who rebounded to live a full life after he suffered a brain aneurysm at the age of 9.

"Oscar was always quick to lend a hand to those who needed help whether that meant walking their pets or shoveling a sidewalk. He lived his life at full throttle, defying all odds when he recovered from a brain aneurysm at 9 years old and went on to live an independent life," his obituary read. "Oscar was often seen around town on his electric trike, heading to and from his fitness classes at The MAX Challenge of Edison, where he loved being part of a vibrant and motivational community."

"In honor of his memory, we ask you to perform one random act of kindness. That is what he would have wanted," it read.

Oscar is survived by his wife, Wendy Kukowski, 44, his mother, father, sister and brother, as well as his two dogs, Bella and Alexandria.

A life celebration will be held on January 9, 2020 at the First Presbyterian Social Center of Metuchen, 270 Woodbridge Ave., Metuchen, NJ 08840 from 3-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen's Food Pantry at: www.fpcweb.org.

A GoFundMe page was set up for Oscar and the Fuccile Foundation is in the process of planning something for the family as well, Metuchen Mayor Busch said.