Louis Zamparo

May 25, 1935 - September 2, 2022

Louis “Lou” Zamparo of Valley Cottage, NY, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died peacefully on September 2, 2022. He was 87 years old. Lou was born in Manhattan, NY to parents Luigi Zamparo and Gilda (Giacomelli) Zamparo. He moved to Poffabro, Italy with his family at age 4 after his father fell ill and remained there until the end of WWII. He returned to New York at age 12, when he met his future wife, Elda, who acted as his translator at school and taught him English. Lou later graduated Immaculata High School as valedictorian.

Immediately following high school, Lou proudly served in the U.S. Army for two years. He then married Elda and worked for over 30 years as a programmer at IBM. Upon retirement, he dedicated an additional 30 years to driving a school bus for Nyack Public Schools, where he was loved and admired by his students.

A beloved grandfather to nine grandchildren, “Pop” or “Papa Louie” was always known to have a fresh supply of Rockland Bakery rolls and Asiago cheese on hand. He was a longtime New York Yankees fan and enjoyed watching and listening to games at home or on the radio. Pop and Gram took their kids and grandkids on several trips to Orlando, FL over the years, where they created many happy memories.

An active member of the Famee Furlane club, Lou was proud of his Italian heritage and loved to sing along to his Luciano Pavarotti tapes. He was strong in his faith and was an active parishioner of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Congers, NY, where he sang in the men’s choir, volunteered at the food cupboard, and served as an usher. He was also a member of the Valley Cottage Lion’s Club. Lou lived in his neighborhood in Valley Cottage for over 60 years, where he and Elda spent time with some of their closest friends.

Lou is survived by his wife, Elda; their children: Donna (son-in-law Chris), Lynn, Kathy, and Maribeth (son-in-law Steve); his grandchildren: Martin, James, Jessica, Kasey, Karlie, Eric, Lorin, Megan, and Adelaine; his sister, Lena; his nephew, Gino; his nieces: Sandra, Carla, and Melissa; and many others. He is predeceased by his brother, Gino, and his niece, Karen.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 7 at M.J. Higgins Funeral Home, 113 Lake Rd. East, Congers, NY 10920. A funeral service will be held at 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, September 8 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 82 Lake Rd., Congers, NY 10920. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery in Congers, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers in Ossining, NY.