Roger Zurro and his now late wife, Carol Ann, who died in 2007, have been members of St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck, since 1978. Together they taught religious education for several years when their children were young, allowing Mrs. Zurro Carol using her talents as a gifted elementary school teacher, a veteran of the New York City school system. The couple was also instrumental in the organization and oversight of the Family Education Program which consisted of monthly gatherings of parents and children participating in presentations and activities with biblical themes.

Roger Zurro is a past member of the Parish Assembly and is currently active at St. Mary as a member of the Respect Life Committee which deals with the dignity, defense and protection of the rights of the human person from conception to natural death.  Also, he directs the Parish Social Outreach Ministries which seeks to help individuals and families who are temporarily struggling with financial needs related to the basic needs of food, housing, and utilities. Social Outreach has been able to assist in numerous crisis situations to provide a safety net to those who may have failed in financial obligations due to unexpected circumstances as sudden illness, unemployment, or death of the household provider.  Help has been given to families in Monmouth, Ocean, Camden and Mercer counties by working in close partnerships with like organizations, such as St. Vincent de Paul, Interfaith Neighbors, the Affordable Housing alliance, the Salvation Army, Monmouth County Division of Social Services and others.

A member of the Freehold Council, Knights of Columbus Council, Zurro has served as chancellor and is currently the director of the Culture of Life Activities Program which focuses on the issues of sanctity of life, religious persecution and civil liberties.

Zurro is the proud father of three children, Andrea, Christian and Damian.  Andrea and her husband are both employed as IT professionals and they have four children.  Christian owns and manages a food distribution business and Damian, having recently received his doctorate in history from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind.,  teaches there as a professor.

Zurro is a retired engineer. He is a graduate of Manhattan College and holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from New York University.  He has worked in various technical and managerial capacities both domestically and internationally.

Zurro said he extends his appreciation to his pastor, Father Jeff Lee, for the nomination as a Mount Carmel Guild honoree.