Long-time Chelsea residents were saddened this week to hear the news of the passing of Al Zaccheo, former All-Scholastic running back at Chelsea High and former owner of the famous Al Zack’s sub shop, at the age of 85.
Al was a member of the Chelsea High Class of 1956. He played on some great Chelsea football teams of that era with Anthony “Chubby” Tiro, Jimmy Walker, and Joe Kulpa.
He went on to play football for the U.S. Marines team at Camp Lejeune and returned to Chelsea, where he played semi-pro football for the Nu-Way Sweepers with fellow CHS alum Bobby Fee, who was a standout at Indiana.
Al was also an assistant coach on Bobby Fee’s football staff at Chelsea High School in the late 1970s and 1980s.
Zaccheo was best-known to residents of all ages as the proprietor of Al Zack’s sub shop on Washington Ave. for 30 years, just down the street from the old Chelsea High School on Crescent Ave.
His shop was a gathering place in the 1970s and 1980s for Chelsea High students, who had an open-lunch period, and thus could walk from Chelsea High to Al Zack’s and enjoy his steak and cheese subs, hamburgers, and other delicious subs during their lunch period.
Al always gave back to the community. He hosted the pre-game Thanksgiving morning breakfast for the CHS football team and donated to Chelsea Pop Warner, the Chelsea Fast Pitch Softball League (he was a team sponsor), and other local sports programs.
Al spent his later years in New Hampshire where he had owned and operated a restaurant.
Chelsea has lost a true legend in sports who was a generous donor and beloved member of our community.
We know we join with all of our fellow residents in offering our condolences to his family.
May he rest in peace.