Two Men Die in Cheshire Fire
A 1978 Chevrolet Camaro erupted in flames Sunday, killing two local men who were transported to a Waterbury hospital.
By Jonathan Hoffmann ·
Two men from the Waterbury and Southington areas died after their car caught fire on a Cheshire road Sunday night. Police believe James Zabel was behind the wheel of the 1978 Chevrolet Camaro when the accident occurred. John D'Aniello rode in the vehicle with him.
Both victims were pulled from the burning wreckage and transported to Saint Mary's Hospital in Waterbury. Medical staff pronounced them dead upon arrival. D'Aniello was 42 years old, and Zabel was 43.
D'Aniello, a Waterbury resident, spent 18 years with the Plymouth Police Department, rising to the rank of captain. He had recently changed careers, launching a position as a real estate agent with Dave Jones Realty in June. A graduate of Crosby High School, he also earned degrees from Post College and the University of San Diego, and completed training at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
His obituary notes that he was an avid NASCAR fan who attended races at Stafford Motor Speedway on Friday nights. He also enjoyed cheering on the New York Yankees and Kansas City Chiefs while traveling. Family members said he treasured time spent with his nieces and nephews, describing them as the light of his life.
Zabel, a Southington resident, co-owned and operated Zabel Concrete with his father for more than 20 years. The business built its reputation through years of hard work, according to his obituary. He was an outdoor enthusiast who hiked, camped, backpacked, paddle boarded, and fished. He also enjoyed jumping off cliffs and spending time at the beach.
Zabel leaves behind two children and a fiancée. His family stated that his greatest joy was being a father and that he was deeply spiritual. In lieu of flowers, his family asks for memorial contributions toward his children's future education. Checks should be made payable to Lisa Zabel, his mother.
Calling hours for D'Aniello are set for 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 6 at Chase Parkway Memorial in Waterbury. A graveside service will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 7 at Old Calvary Cemetery. Zabel's calling hours are scheduled for 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 8 at Plantsville Funeral Home, followed by a burial at Peacedale Cemetery in Bristol.
