Michael A. "Midge" Zappitelli, age 90 of Conneaut passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home and is now reunited with his sweetheart, Elaine.

Midge was born April 8, 1924 in Sant' Angelo in Grotte, Provincia Di Campobasso, Santa Maria Del Molise, the son of Emil and Dorothy Mucciarone Zappitelli. He came to the United States in March of 1931 at the age of 7. Midge was a 1943 graduate from Conneaut High School and then entered the United States Army on June 17, 1943. He served in Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland where he was awarded four Bronze Stars and was honorably discharged on January 1, 1946. On April 3, 1948, Midge married the love of his life, Elaine Altman.

Midge went to work at the Nickel Plate Railroad for a short time. He then worked as an electrician for the former Electromet, and then RMI Titanium Metals. He retired from the Pittsburgh and Conneaut Dock Company in 1988 as an Electrician Foreman.

He was a member of Corpus Christi Parish, attending St. Frances Cabrini Parish, the American Legion Cowle Post 151 and the former V.F.W. Post 943.

Midge loved sports and played them all. He, along with his younger brother, Carl, were considered two of the premier fast pitch softball pitchers of the 1950's He led his team to many county and district championships along with two trips to the state championships. Midge enjoyed golfing and bowling. He was one of Ashtabula County's top bowlers for many years. He had numerous "300 games" and was very successful in local and state tournaments.

He was a devoted family man and an avid sportsman. He faithfully followed his grandchildren's school activities and sports. He always supported their every effort and was their loudest cheerleader. Midge was also a CLYO Little League baseball coach for many years with his best friend, Anthony "Flan" Bartone.

Midge enjoyed gardening and most of the fruits of his labor went to his family and friends. He especially liked making and tasting his homemade wine.

Midge especially loved the time he spent with his family, friends, brothers and sister, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Elaine Altman Zappitelli in 2009, and a son, Jeffrey Zappitelli in 2012, and two infant sisters that died in Italy.

Midge is survived by two daughters, Michele and Gregg Rumer of Ashtabula, Ohio and Julie and Gary Pocatko of Ashtabula, Ohio, brothers, Carl and Betty Zappitelli of Conneaut and Anthony and Carole Zappitelli of Conneaut, a sister, Nancy and Pat Cifelli of Conneaut, five grandchildren, Michael and Christy Roach, Megan and Tim Deaton, Jamie Pocatko, Christy Pocatko, and Anthony Zappitelli, three great grandchildren, Madelyn, Caydence, and Harper, along with many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 20, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut, Ohio.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at St. Frances Cabrini Parish, 744 Mill Street, Conneaut, Ohio, with Father Philip Miller of Corpus Christi Parish officiating.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Route 20, Conneaut, where the American Legion Cowle Post 151 Honor Squad will conduct military honors.

Service Date: June 21, 2014

Calling hours Fri., June 20 from 5 to 8 p.m.

 Service Information