Anthony J Zeoli, age 89, a lifelong resident of Brockton and graduate of the Brockton High School Class of 1952, died peacefully at home on February 23, 2024 after a protracted battle with cancer.
Tony, as he was known to most who knew him, was the youngest of 9 children born to Italian immigrant parents Franchi and Lucia (Manzo) Zeoli. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings: Alfred Zeoli, Augustine “Whiskey” Zeoli, Nicholas “Nicky” Zeoli, Ernest “Zeke” Zeoli, Phyllis Iafrate, Helen Raynard, Angelina “Angie” Donahue and Amelia “Casey” Cambridge.
After high school Tony joined the Army and served with Army intelligence during the Korean/early Vietnam era, primarily based at Herzo Base in Herzogenaurach, Germany.
He was a talented auto body paint/repair man and went on to manage Brockton Volvo (in the Campello section of Brockton) and to later establish/manage such business ventures as Independent Appraisal Service, Uptown Auto, MARC Productions, Fordham’s Beauty Salon, Casey & Company (another beauty salon) and Independent Security Service.
His intense interest in politics made him sought after to assist in the running of numerous local political campaigns over the years and eventually led him to serve as an aid to state senator Michael Creedon and ultimately to seek and attain the position of City Clerk of the city of Brockton in 1992, a position that he held for almost 30 years, until his retirement.
He was family oriented and, while extremely private, he was known by those close to him to help others in need. He was a longtime member of such philanthropic organizations as the Masons, the Shriners, the Knights of Pythias and the 100 Club among others.
An avid golfer, he was very proud to have made a hole in one on the 17th hole of DW Field Golf Course and to have organized a number of highly anticipated, well attended and enjoyable golf and gambling excursions.
He followed the New England Patriots from their founding as the Boston Patriots through many trying seasons and their championship seasons leading to their Super Bowl titles.
He enjoyed working with his hands, in his yard and in performing his own home repair/improvement projects with the help of family and friends. He also enjoyed cooking, family get togethers, karaoke, music ranging from the artists of the “Rat Pack” to that of Andrea Bocelli, and taking extended trips with his family in his motor home.
In addition to his loving wife of almost 62 years Barbara A. (Gelinas) Zeoli, he is survived by 3 sons: Anthony Zeoli Jr. of Brockton and his partner Gina Florio of West Bridgewater; Michael Zeoli of Brockton and his partner Amy Randall, also of Brockton; and Marc Zeoli of Pittsburgh, PA. In addition, he is also survived by a granddaughter Nicole Catania of Brockton and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting Hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Route 123) Brockton, on Wednesday February 28 from 4pm to 8pm. The funeral procession will gather at the funeral home on Thursday February 29 at 9:30 am for a funeral mass at Saint Edith Stein Church at 10:30 am, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Tony’s name to any of the following:
Mass General Cancer Center (giving.massgeneral.org);
Beacon Hospice / Amedisys of Fall River (https://www.amedisys.com/about/foundation/);
Shriners Hospital for Children (https://lovetotherescue.org);
St. Jude Children’s Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate/).