Trevor John Smith

George Zicarelli, a lifelong resident of New York City, died on February 7, 2024. He was 82.

Funeral services will be private.

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13 Comments

  1. Jeannine on February 13, 2024 at 8:52 pm

    I worked with George at CBS News for several years. He was a skilled video editor and technician. If you knew George, you knew about his love of fine wine and the finer things in life. We all enjoyed hearing his stories about growing up in the Meat Packing district of New York City and his humor about it becoming one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Manhattan. Whenever the night crew would go out after work, George would bring his own bottle of wine, usually a white burgundy. He loved to share his appreciation for wine with his friends and colleagues. He also spoke sweetly about his wife and enjoyed looking after her. Rest in Peace, George. You will never be forgotten!

  2. Jennifer Niejadlik on February 13, 2024 at 9:10 pm

    George was a genuine and easy going person. George and I worked together at CBS News where he edited a lot of my entertainment packages. We shared many laughs together and his passion for wine. He always gifted me a fine bottle of wine for Christmas and my birthday. George was a career news person who worked for CBS News and “60 Minutes” for 45 years. His knowledge and behind the scenes insight was admirable. God bless

    • Pietro Rotondo on February 14, 2024 at 11:39 am

      George was a gentleman’s gentleman….

      A great friend who I shared many laughs with….

      I loved the guy and I always knew that whenever I saw him… that huge smile of his would be waiting to welcome me.

      I cannot say enough about Georgi…
      I will miss his phone calls and his smile. But I know now that whenever I drink wine, he will always be my Guardian Angel!

      Take care buddy… see you later
      ♥️♥️♥️

  3. John P on February 13, 2024 at 9:13 pm

    George Zicarelli was a native New Yorker. He worked at CBS News for many years on and off. As a film editor who transitioned into video tape, he worked for 60 Minutes and with Mike Wallace. His passion was wine collection and speculation. Zicarelli got into collectible wine in 1984, while strolling past the Park Avenue wine retailer Sherry-Lehmann and seeing a flier for wine futures. Many years later Sotheby’s held a sale in 1999 featuring what was called the ”millennium superlot,” a consignment of 17 cases of rare Bordeaux, Burgundies and Champagnes, which sold for around $250,000. George was featured on “American Greed” episode on Wine, Women and Fraud. He eventually was able to recover some of his money from that Ponzi scheme. But most of all he was loved by many of his friends from CBS News. He will be missed. May God bless George.

  4. Phil on February 14, 2024 at 10:50 am

    I met George 25 years ago when I started at CBS and I quickly realized he was a genuine person. He showed me the ropes and for that I am deeply grateful. George wasn’t just a video editor he was a mentor and mostly friend.

  5. Evan on February 14, 2024 at 11:28 am

    George was an extraordinary individual who radiated kindness and compassion. He possessed a unique ability to be an exceptional friend to those around him. The mere thought of how much everyone cherished him filled his heart with joy. I will miss all the conversations we had over all the years. Although bidding farewell is never easy, the cherished memories he created with each one of us will forever reside in our hearts. I will always remember my buddy.

  6. Gary on February 14, 2024 at 8:05 pm

    The world lost a beautiful human being. George was a kind soul who not only wanted to laugh and enjoy life but wanted others to do the same. We all knew when we would see George there would be laughter. His love of life was contagious. His laugh would put a smile on our faces. His heart was big his compassion was bigger. He always cared how others were doing. Never to compare but because he genuinely cared. George was the kind of person who celebrated your joys and felt the pain of your sorrows. He was truly a wonderful person. Rest in peace George.

  7. Mike Steil on February 15, 2024 at 11:09 am

    I can not express enough my sincere
    thanks to George who guided me through a very difficult time in my life. He was always there to lend a helping hand. I will always be thankful that he was there for me.
    A genuine person who I will sorely miss.

  8. Jerry Mazza on February 15, 2024 at 1:55 pm

    One year I told George what wine I was serving for Xmas dinner. He said, no, no no. I’ll take care of it. He brought in 4 bottles of exquisite wine for my family. I’ll never forget his gesture. He was a good man.

  9. Catherine (LoBuono) Zahorak on February 15, 2024 at 2:27 pm

    Mr. Manhattan! George loved his native city and would not hesitate to let everyone know that there was no other place for him. He was a quintessential New Yorker; a character whose swagger might belie the generous and kind qualities within to those who might not know him, but only added color to his attributes for those that did. He freely offered advice from his expertise on various subjects, especially his vast knowledge of wine and money matters. I know because I was a lucky recipient! While working with him at CBS News he gifted me tips on wines to buy and he gave me great direction for 401K designations that I’m benefiting from to this day. He was always a pleasure to be around, too, with a ready smile and great stories. I will miss you, George, along with many others. The world will be deficient one more fine and unique human. You will not be forgotten!

  10. Shelby on February 16, 2024 at 4:51 pm

    Georgie, the man who taught me the dying art of tape-to-tape editing and generously shared financial advice and conversation over some wine and peking duck. You always had a smile on your face and a light that shined bright. I’ll always remember the laughs, the food and the wine. Oh and that one time you did a pilate. I raise a glass to you, old friend, I’ll see you on the other side.

  11. Alfonso Casciello on February 16, 2024 at 6:37 pm

    Some people leave an indelible mark in life, George was one of those people. He was a rare find, much like the wine he collected. A man who lived life to the fullest, regardless of the challenges in his path. A kind soul who cared for others, cherished his friends and loved his wife to the very end. He graciously shared his vast knowledge and enjoyed being a mentor – I was fortunate enough to be one of the recipients.
    George, you will always hold a special place in our hearts. Rest in Peace, my friend.

  12. Mike Potenza on June 15, 2024 at 12:27 pm

    Worked together with George at CBS Newspath NY. He was a kind soul and quick with a laugh. He had a certain calm way about him and when he told a story, you listened. Another member of the old guard of the news business who are reaching the end and he will be missed.

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