WE WILL MISS YOU, I WAS THINKING BACK TO 1964 IN EAST MEADOW WHEN MILLIE AND ME WERE NEXT DOOR. HOW YOU USE TO COME OVER AND SAY HOW DO WE GET MY FATER TO LET US USE THE POOL MORE?  NOW YOUR WITH MICHAEL, AND YOUR PARENTS.     MISS YOU        MILLIE JOE

My heart goes out to my family, I am so sorry for your loss. My uncle was a great person to me always and always took great care of me , we had great relationship together over the years that we spent together. We built decks together and built a great family restaurant together. I remember many golf outings together as well as childhood vacations. We had so many great times that I will always remember as a child and as an adult. I will miss you dearly and some day we will meet again. Love always your nephew Keith 💕

The Measure of a Man
(Author Unknown and edited slightly)

The measure of a  man is 
Not how did he die? But how did he live? Not what did he gain? But what did he give?

These are the  things that measure the worth…of a man as a great man, regardless of birth. 

Not what was his church? Not what was his creed? But, had he helped a friend in need?

His strength for his children, his love for his wife. These are the units that  measure a life.

Not what was his station? But had he a heart?   And how did he play his own special part? 

Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer? To bring back a smile, or banish a tear?

It’s not what did the words in the obituary say? But how many will miss him after he's passed away.

These are the things that measure the worth of a man as a great man! 

Whether you called him Jim, Jimmy, Big Jimmy, Jimmy Z, Mr. Z, Dad or Pop Pop….

James Jean Zerillo was indeed a great man!

It is with deep sadness that we send this tribute for Jimmy. He was such a kind, passionate and giving friend to have. He was deeply admired by both me and my wife.  We frequented his Pizza place a minimum of 3 times a week back when he had the store in Carthage, North Carolina. We became good friends for a long time. Jimmy always had a genuine smile on his face and so many times gave us good sound advice as we were newcomers to the area.  A great successful businessman as well as just a terrific person to be around.
May GOD bless you dear friend.

Mickey & Ellen Maresca

Debbie & Zerillo family,  Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.  We'll always remember how wonderful Jimmy was when we were building our house in NC.  Love and prayers 🙏 Mickey and Ellen Maresca

Poker game at Jimmy Z's were legendary. We have been rounding up together for over 25 years. This night was the last time we were together. Jimmy was like a father to me and loved by everyone at that table. So many memories and great times shared with Jimmy through the years. Heaven is a little brighter now. RIP my friend.

Growing up with my cousin Jamzee was very memorable. The Coreschi girls always looked up to him. He had special names for the 3 of us.  Listening to all the stories that he and his friends did growing up always made us laugh. You will be truly missed. Love ❤️.  RIP cousin Jamzee.

Our annual day at the track would not have been the same without Jimmy. Hopefully he can see the races from
Heaven 😀❤️

Generous. Hilarious. Always happy to see you. So many wonderful times over the years. In our recent phone chat, you reminded me of one in particular. Sad that in recent years, I didn’t make the opportunity to see you and Deb again. Rest in Peace, Z. My deepest sympathies to Deb, his family, and all who knew him.

Gary Blanco

We are heartbroken by the passing of our dear friend and neighbor, Jimmy. From our days in Mandolin Estates, Jimmy and Debbie were always there for us and our kids—offering kindness, support, and  friendship. They saw us off when we moved, visited us on in one of our stops (Paris) for our expat stint and, fittingly, he was the very first neighbor we saw when we returned back to Tampa in 2022. 
 We will miss him dearly but will forever hold onto the memories we shared.  Rest now our dear friend…
❤️The Biskaduros family

How do I have the strength to say goodbye to you.  You’ve been a part of my life forever.  We’ve built such a special bond over the years.  Our visits with one another playing all kinds of games were so priceless and so much fun.  I will miss you so much “YAGO”.  See you on the other side.
LIZ

This is at his daughter & son in-laws wedding and I believe it was the happiest I’d ever seen him!  One of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever seen in my  life was Jaime and him dancing at her wedding!

We have so many great memories with “Dad” that are like gifts that he gave us.  Thanks for every thing you gave me, advice, laughter and love! I treasure every moment!

Jim and Deb started out as clients of our firm which eventually (of course) led to a great friendship.  Jim had a zest for life that was contagious.  Holly and I enjoyed our time together and learning about Jim and Deb's history and some really funny stories.  He loved his family and friends like no other.  This one really hurts, I am going to miss this wonderful man.  Prayers and condolences to the Zerillo family and all those friends and family that are mourning this incredible loss.

I met Jimmy in the early 90's when I had recently moved to Florida. He would buy computer equipment from us.   He quickly became way more than a customer.  He was one of our earliest friends in Tampa.

We had countless poker games at his home and Jimmy and Deb always were the most gracious hosts.  Deb would make her world famous stromboli that we adored!

Jimmy would tell hilarious stories of his travails and his laugh was infectious!

The world is a sadder place with you no longer with us.  We know you are enjoying your everlasting afterlife and are saving a place for us at the poker table when we are reunited.  We love you Jimmy Z and we will be there for your family in any capacity!  Rest easy my friend.

Our SXM pool buddy Jimmy, it is with a heavy heart that we write this tribute to you.  We will forever cherish the memories of SXM vacations at Royal Islander and many hours of food/restaurant conversations.  Your  friendliness and kind personality always inspired us, and your having a great tan effortlessly will never be forgotten, and our always reminding you to put a hat on in the hot carribean  sun.  We are so grateful for the time we had together, and will carry your positive spirit within us. 
Renee and Michael Fisher ❤️

In the decades I have known this man, he has never been anything but warm & welcoming to me. He so enjoyed being with people & it was obvious to me how much he loved his wife, his life, his family. And that smile...well it lit you up, too.
My heart goes out to Deb and all his family and friends who will grieve his loss. I hope his smile continues to reside in each of you and the warmth of it carries you forward. ♡
Marion

OBITUARY

James "Jimmy" Zerillo

20 July, 1951 – 28 March, 2025

Blount & Curry Funeral Home Oldsmar West Hillsborough Chapel

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