Angelo Anthony Zangla, SR.

Angelo Anthony Zangla, Sr., 91, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on November 19, 1934, to Italian immigrants Maria and Nunziato Zangla, Angelo grew up in Southwest Washington, DC—a place that shaped him deeply and remained dear to him throughout his life. For most of his adult years, he made his home in Brentwood, Maryland, where he and his beloved wife built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work.

Angelo is survived by his devoted wife of 72 years, Anna Mae Zangla, whom he first met as a young boy at St. Dominic’s Church School. Their lifelong love story began in the SW DC streets where Angelo spent his childhood exploring, adventuring, and—according to one of his favorite stories—chipping his teeth in the Reflecting Pool. After meeting Anna Mae, they continued to explore together. The high school sweethearts married shortly after graduating. One story they recently shared with their children and grandchildren was how Angelo “forced” Annie to sneak into a movie theater while pregnant with their first child.

He is also survived by his three children, Margaret Blasi (William “Bill” Blasi), Angelo “Tony” Anthony Zangla, Jr., and Theresa Mutchler (George “Buddy” Turner III); by six grandchildren, Holly Mutchler, Rick Blasi (Christy Blasi), Scott Blasi, Noel Mutchler (Chris deLeon), Amanda Zangla Oliff (Brian Oliff), and Ashley McLean (Marvin McLean); and by five great-grandchildren—with a sixth on the way—Dean Blasi, Anthony Oliff, Samantha Blasi, Karley McLean, Kristopher McLean, and soon-to-be Baby Oliff. He is further survived by his brother, Rosario “Saddy” Zangla; by Stacy Evans (Billy Evans); and by many extended family members, godchildren, and friends who loved him dearly.

Angelo and Anna Mae taught their children and grandchildren that there was always a seat at the table and always enough food to pass around. Because of this, their circle of “family” grew far beyond blood relations. While there are too many beloved “friends who are family” to name individually, each one held a special place in Angelo’s life.

Angelo cherished his roots in Southwest DC, maintaining lifelong friendships and remaining an active member of the SW Club. He took great joy in helping plan the annual picnic and was happiest when surrounded by his family there. He loved acting as a personal tour guide of Washington, proudly showing visitors and grandchildren the monuments, museums, and the places where he grew up. Many treasured photos were taken at Hains Point with “The Giant,” marking memories that will live on.

A lifelong parishioner of St. Dominic’s Church, and once an Altar Boy, Angelo was deeply devoted to his faith. His connection to the parish was so strong that his family even had a pew dedicated in their honor.

Angelo was a dedicated foreman at a print shop, a trade he took great pride in. He worked at Judd & Detweiler Printing and Sauls Lithograph, both in Washington, DC. He was ecstatic to see his son carry on the tradition, and they frequently talked about the trade in his later years. His commitment to craftsmanship extended beyond his working years; even after retiring in his 60s, he remained active in the printers union and continued working every day as a landlord of his many rental properties. Hard work was one of his guiding values, and he lived it fully.

He was endlessly handy and had a talent for seeing potential in anything he found—even items left on the side of the road (to the dismay of Anna Mae). He built his children a playhouse in the backyard that perfectly resembled their home, a structure that stills stands today, and now that the children are grown, holds many of his collected road side treasures. In later years, his great-grandchildren delighted in finding the money he secretly tucked into the playhouse mailbox. He also purchased a vacation property, lovingly referred to as “The Shack.” He spent many days renovating the home with his son Tony and his brothers Victor and Saddy. Many good times were shared there with the whole family.

Angelo also brought levity and charm to daily routines. He was almost always clean-shaven, and it wasn’t uncommon to spot him driving through town with his electric razor in hand, determined to look sharp wherever he went.

Though he grew up in DC and lived in Maryland, Virginia was where he liked to do nearly everything—from banking to grocery shopping to taking the family out to dinner to visiting the library. He especially enjoyed his near-daily meetups with friends over coffee at McDonald’s or Roy Rogers. He appreciated the simple joys of good company.

Angelo loved spending time outdoors, taking his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren fishing, walking on nearby trails, and exploring historical sites like Mount Vernon. At home, he enjoyed tending to his tomatoes and tinkering with his car. After a long day of hard work, he would often fall asleep in his recliner watching the news, sports, or “Wheel,” and his snoring could be heard throughout the entire house. Holidays and celebrations were marked with food—most notably his homemade Italian meatballs and sausage, a loving nod to his cherished heritage. For many years, he made wine with his brothers, carrying on a family tradition that meant a great deal to him.

A proud veteran of the District of Columbia National Guard, Angelo held his service in the highest regard. He will be laid to rest with military honors.

Above all else, Angelo was a family man. Providing for his wife and family, and being “Poppop,” was one of the greatest joys of his life. His love was steady, generous, and unwavering, and it will continue to echo in the lives of his wife , his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Angelo lived with purpose, humor, devotion, and heart. His stories, his traditions, and the warmth he brought to every gathering will be forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Angelo’s final wish was for his family and friends to “Miss me, but let me go.”

May his memory be a blessing.

A visitation will be held at Robert E. Evans Funeral Home, located at 16000 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715, on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A visitation will be held at St. Dominic Catholic Church, in Washington DC on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM, with the Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 2:30 PM.

Angelo will be laid to rest in the Cheltenham Veteran Cemetery on January 15, 2026, at 1:45 PM

Family requests that donations be made in his memory in lieu of flowers.