Frank A. Zappia, Jr.

Frank A. Zappia Jr. of Mishawaka, IN, passed away at the age of 83 on Friday, March 4, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.

Frank was born April 21, 1938 to the late Frank A. Sr. and Rose (Fotia) Zappia in Mishawaka, IN where he remained his entire life.

Frank was married to Thelma M. (Cole) Zappia for over 64 years after they were united in marriage on October 19, 1957.

Frank enjoyed helping others and always put others first. You would be hard pressed to find a more avid Notre Dame fan, and he spent many weekends at football games and the women’s basketball games. He was happiest when he was busy and was an avid puzzle builder. He enjoyed playing cards, vegetable gardening, fishing, woodworking and being outdoors. Most of all, his family and his faith were the center of his life.

Frank was a dedicated worker at Ball Band for 8 years, Wheelabrator-Frye Corporation for 18 years, and both L.L.C. and the St. Joseph County Highway Department for 5 years. He was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church for 42 years and was a member of St. Monica’s Catholic Church prior to that. He was a member of the Maria S.S. DiLoreto Society from the age of 16 and a member of the Italian-American Heritage Society.

Frank leaves behind his wife, Thelma, along with their five children Frank (Sally) Zappia III, Rosemarie (Regis) Thimons, Joseph (Andrea) Zappia, Cheryl (Douglas) Birkey and Anthony Zappia. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren Frank (Amanda) Zappia IV, Sarah Zappia, Rosa Zappia, Rebecca (Ben) Hofer, Matthew (Ellen) Thimons, Nathan (Wenzday) Thimons, Michala Zappia, Holly (David) Stanton, Zachary (Val) Birkey, Caleb (Allix) Birkey, Josh (Kayla) Birkey and Emma (Christian) Maxwell; sixteen great grandchildren; a sister, Pam (Sherman) Deal; two sisters-in-law, Sara and Kay Zappia; and many nieces and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his brothers, Dominic, Anthony, Joseph, Patrick, Rocco, and Antonio Zappia (in infancy) and two sisters, Margaret (Joseph) Saldana and Mary (Joseph) Catanzarite.

Visitation will be from 3 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, March 10, with the Rosary to follow at 7 pm at Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka.

There will be a viewing for 1 hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 10:30am on Friday, March 11, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4508 Vistula Road, Mishawaka. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Memorial donations to the family would be greatly appreciated to assist with medical expenses.