ANTHONY N. ZAPPIA
“COACH”

MASSENA – Mr. Anthony N. Zappia, known to many as “Coach”, 83, peacefully passed away Monday afternoon, July 4, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Tony was born November 29, 1932 in Norfolk, the son of the late Samuel and Mary Romeo Zappia. He was a 1951 graduate of Massena High School, where he excelled in football and was awarded the Mike Mittiga Most Valuable Award in football. He was later inducted into the Massena High School Hall of Fame for his excellence in football. After graduation, he enlisted into the US Army, where he served during the Korean Conflict. On October 22, 1955 he married Marjorie Brannen at St. Lawrence Church in Louisville with Msgr. Wilfred Nugent, officiating. She predeceased him on October 24, 1995.

Tony’s passion for football continued throughout his life as he coached Massena Pop Warner, St. Lawrence University and Massena High School football. He was also the co-founder of the Massena Warriors, playing and coaching for many years. In addition to coaching, Tony worked at General Motors for many years, retiring as a shift supervisor. He also owned and operated Zap’s Quick Print Shop and consulted for Ford Motor Company as a contractor. He was member of the American Legion and the Italian-American Club, where he, cooked many meals throughout the years. He was also active with the Massena High School Hall of Fame committee for many years.

Tony is survived by his children, Kevin A. Zappia of Manlius; Michael J. and Margaret Zappia of South Colton; Toni Lynn and Thomas Tucker of Manlius; and Karen and Steve Wilson of North Syracuse; his loving companion, Vikki Belfy of Massena; his grandchildren, Kristine, Nicholas, and Jessica Zappia; Nathan and Zach Tucker and Matthew and Joey Wilson; his sister, Catherine and John “Jerry” Welsh of Raleigh, North Carolina; his brothers, Frank S. and Sandra Zappia of Vero Beach, Florida and Dominic and Sylvia Zappia of Ocala, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, July 11, 2016, 10AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. Mark Reilly, celebrating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. A celebration of his life will follow the burial at the Italian-American Civic Association, where friends and family are invited to join them and share precious memories and stories of Tony.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may please consider, Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley or the Massena High School Athletic Booster Club.

Tony’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the Duke University Hospital Lung Transplant Team, Dr. Tim Atkinson, and Dr. Magendra Thakur, along with Catherine and Jerry Welsh, Vikki Belfy, and Paul Post for all their help and encouragement throughout this journey.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where memories and condolences may be shared online at www.donaldsonfh.com.

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