Giuseppe Zappala passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Regal Care of Medford on September 4th. He was 93. Born and raised in Magisano, Calabria, Italy, he was the son of the late Alfio and Francesca (Bonanno) Zappala.
Giuseppe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. As a young man he worked as a tunnel builder in the mountains in Northern Italy. While in Italy he also was involved in the forestry and logging industries. Coming to the United States in 1967, he worked as a laborer and plasterer. Arriving from Italy, Giuseppe first settled in Boston's North End. After a while he moved to Somerville, and then ultimately laid down roots with his wife Giuseppina in Medford. He was a very generous man, with his time and his talents. He was always ready to put down whatever he was doing to help a relative or friend in need. Giuseppe was devoted to his family and enjoyed the time he could spend with them and their good friends.
The beloved husband of Giuseppina (Cosco) Zappala, Giuseppe was a devoted father to Alfio Zappala and his wife Rina, Anthony Zappala, and Francesco Zappala and his wife Ana. He was a loving grandfather to Joseph and his wife Lindsay, Lisa, Anthony and his wife Marina, Chris, Nicholas and his wife Samantha, Cristina and her husband Jonathan Vivace, Marco and his wife Maryssa, and Vanessa. He was a loving great grandfather to Noah, Jake, Leo, Dante, and Aria. He was a dear brother to Antonietta Tangredi of Rome, and the late Mariano Zappala, Venere Cortese, Grazia Teti, Pasquale Zappala, and Antonietta Zappala, all of Italy. Also survived by many nieces and nephews in Italy and Massachusetts.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Wednesday, September 10 from 4 – 7 PM and again on Thursday, September 11 at 9 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated in the Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden at 10 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.