Louis L. Zagarino, 73, passed away Thursday, September 7, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Born December 21, 1949, in Buffalo, NY, the son of late Elvera Catuzzi and Louis Zagarino. Lou is survived by his wife Cathy, daughter Alana, sister Linda Ventura (Patrick), numerous cousins, friends from his Kindergarten days, and colleagues. Lou served in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves during Vietnam. After graduating Kensington High School, he received an B.S. from Michigan State University and completed graduate programs at Cornell and University of Michigan. Lou worked for Papillion in Ellicott City, and Perbaco in Columbia. He joined Lex Service Group managing hotels in UK, London, Houston, as well as the Friendship Hotel and Holiday Inn at BWI. For 25 years, Lou owned and operated the Rose Restaurant and Comfort Inn Airport and Sleep Inn and Suites near BWI. Lou founded the MDA Rose Restaurant and Comfort Inn Golf Tournament from 1988-2007, raising over $1 million over 25 years. Lou served on many boards including the BWI Airport Managers Club, the Chesapeake Arts Center, Maryland Hotel and Motel Association, Choice Hotels International Operators Council, BWI Development Council, Northern Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce, BWI Business Partnership, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau, UM BWMC, SKAL International, Hospice of the Chesapeake, and the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency. Lou was recipient of the WMAR-TV Shining Star award for his service to MDA; "Comfort Inn of the Year" and "Sleep Inn and Suites of the Year" from Choice Hotels; "Maryland Man of the Year" from the MDA; Department of the Army "Commander's Award"; "Most Valuable Partner" from the Convention and Visitors Bureau; "People Who Make a Difference" WHAT'S UP ANNAPOLIS; Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce; Comcast "Business Hall of Fame"; and the BWI Partnership Sam Heffner Legacy Award. After 9/11 Lou worked with the USO and opened his hotels and restaurant aiding soldiers passing through BWI to and from Afghanistan and surrounding areas. Lou mentored many and helped countless individuals.

He loved all things "Buffalo" including wings, the Bills, Ted's Hot Dogs, Tim Horton's coffee and Weber's Mustard; was an avid Ravens and Orioles fan; and enjoyed vacationing in OC and FL. Lou was a beloved business icon, who believed giving back was tantamount to his success. Lou worked tirelessly for the BWI business community and is remembered for his quiet devotion and selfless philanthropy. Donations in his memory may be made to UM BWMC, Hospice of the Chesapeake, and the MDA.

All services will be private.