Nicola Zappitelli, 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 9th surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Assunta Zappitelli (Susie) for 63 years.   Born in Santa Maria del Molise, Italy, November 16, 1931, a son (one of eleven children) of the late Umberto and Adalorata Zappitelli.  Nicola lived in Painesville since 1957.

Until his retirement several years ago, Nicola Zappitelli was a dedicated employee of the East Ohio Gas Company.  Not only did he work full-time at the Gas Company, he also helped his son working at Zappitelli Pizzeria.  He had a love for the outdoors especially his garden, pear and fig trees, and working around his yard, but most of all his true love was his family. He was considered the best shopper in town.  If you didn’t see him around Zappitelli’s, you could find him shopping at Marc’s, Giant Eagle and his favorite store Aldi’s.

He was a member of the St. Mary Catholic Church of Painesville and a devoted Catholic. He loved listening to all genre of music primarily polka and Italian melodies while sipping on a glass of wine. 

In addition to his wife of 63 years, he is survived by his daughter, Mary (Wayne) Worrell; son Anthony (Kristie) Zappitelli, both of Concord Township, Ohio; three beautiful grandchildren, Rylee (21), Nicola (19) and Nathan Silvio (13); his brother, Antonio (Constance) Zappitelli and sister, Lucy LaPenna of Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Donald Zappitelli.

Papa you will truly be missed. 

The family would like to thank FirstLight Home Care and offer a special thanks to caregivers, Julia and Jackie for their compassion, friendship and skilled assistance, as well as Hospice of the Western Reserve for making Nicola’s final days comfortable and peaceful. 

Friends may call Friday February 12th, 2021 from 5 to 8 PM at Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Ave. Painesville Ohio 44077.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, February 13th at St. Mary Catholic Church, 242 North State Painesville. Entombment will be in All Souls Cemetery, Chardon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Nicola’s memory to Hospice of Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland Ohio 44192

With respect to those around us, social distancing and the wearing of masks is required at the funeral home and church.

The funeral mass will be live streamed.  Please go to the church’s website, www.stmarypvl.org or you can go to St. Mary Church Painesville on Facebook