The DEA mourns the passing of Mrs. Linda Zadroga on March 3, 2025. She was the mother of the late NYPD Det. James Zadroga, who died from 9/11 cancers and diseases on January 5, 2006. Because James’ wife Ronda predeceased him, after James’ death, Linda and her husband Joseph raised their granddaughter Tyler Ann, now 23, in their home in southern New Jersey.
Linda and Joe Zadroga’s fight for their son and his family led the way for the State and federal 9/11 Disability and Death Benefit bills, the World Trade Center Health Program, and the Victim Compensation Fund. They were fierce and steady advocates for all first responders. Along with the DEA and other labor unions, the Zadrogas fought for legislation, including that which was eventually named after James, that has now greatly benefitted tens of thousands of first responders, providing health care and compensation for the ailments, often fatal, suffered as a result of serving or living in the toxic, environmental waste and debris created by the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.
Mrs. Zadroga was hospitalized in January of 2024, when her husband — an Army veteran and the retired Chief of the North Arlington, New Jersey Police force — was killed in a freak incident on January 13, 2024. He was hit by a car in the parking lot of the rehabilitation institute where Linda was being treated. The Zadrogas were about to celebrate their 57th wedding anniversary on the day after Joe as killed. They were married in 1967 while Joe was serving in Vietnam.
In addition to Tyler Ann, the Zadrogas are survived by James’ brother Joseph F. Zadroga, his wife Lisa, and their daughter Dakota.
Linda will be deeply missed. What she and Joe accomplished on behalf of all those who suffer from 9/11-related illnesses was profound. May she and her family never be forgotten, and may Linda and Joe rest in peace.
Viewing for Linda Zadroga
March 9, 2025
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm.
Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home
596 Belgrove Drive
Kearney, NJ 07032
Funeral for Linda Zadroga
Monday, March 10, 2025
11:00 a.m.
Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church
10 Franklin Place
North Arlington, NJ 07031
Interment
Holy Cross Cemetery
340 Ridge Road
North Arlington, NJ 07031
