John A. Zappitello, age 95 of Conneaut, died Sunday, July 17, 2016 at UPMC Hamot, Erie, Pa.

John was born on May 29, 1921 in Conneaut the son of Michael and Fannie (Pizzi) Zappitello. He was a 1939 graduate of Conneaut High School. John enlisted in the United States Army in 1942. He served with the 36h Combat Engineer Regiment and was responsible for five landings in North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, and France. He also attended Officer's school as part of the 318th Unit 88th Infantry Division U.S. Army 715 Railway Operations Battalion. John was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his services to his country and was honorably discharged as Captain in 1946.

John returned to Conneaut and married the love of his life, Marguerite A. Mate on October 12, 1946. He worked for a short time at the Nickel Plate and in Cleveland with his brothers. For over 65 years he was the owner/operator of Johnnie's Market and Catering Services in Conneaut. He also worked for a short time with the United States Post Office as a custodian.

He was a member of Corpus Christi Parish and was extremely devoted to his church, faith and family. John was a member of the former Wolves Club, American Legion Cowle Post 151 and the Conneaut Moose Club. He and his wife loved to travel especially on family vacations, casinos, bowling tournaments and Army reunions. As the owner of Johnnie's Market, he proudly sponsored the American Legion Baseball, City Basketball and bowling teams for many years. John could be found many mornings visiting with his friends over a cup of coffee at his store.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 69 years, Marguerite A. (Mate) Zappitello on June 26, 2016, brothers Harold Zappitello and Michael Zappitello, sisters Mary Copple, Minnie Capela, Angela Dysert, Flo Murphy, Emma Zoratti, and an infant sister.

He is survived by his son John and Suzanne Zappitello of Taveres, FL, daughters, Marie and Ron Richards of Conneaut and Susan King of Taveres, FL, sister Helen Nappi of Ashtabula, five grandchildren, Derek Zappitello, Dawn Zappitello, Holly Richards, Emily King and Rachael King and two great-great grandchildren, Megan and Alexander and several nieces and nephews.

At John's request no calling hours will be held.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 22, 2016 at St. Frances Cabrini Church 744 Mill Street, Conneaut with Father Philip Miller of Corpus Christi Parish officiating.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Route 20, Conneaut.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League of Ashtabula County or the Conneaut Food Pantry. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Service Date: July 22, 2016

Mass on Fri., July 22nd at 11:00 a.m. St. Frances Cabrini Church

 Service Information