Richard W Zito

in Carmel Richmond Nursing Home on May 10, 2020. He was born in Seatle, Washington

on August 30, 1945 to the late Antoinette Elia Zito. After graduating from Curtis High School, he pursued a career in the import/export field. Prior to going into the service he worked for Gehrig & Sons. In 1967 he was recruited into the U.S. Army. He served during the Viet Nam War. Specifically, he landed in Nam in the midst of the Tet Offensive-he always said he was lucky to have come home alive. He was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Sergeant. Additionally he was awarded the Air Medal among other citations. Upon his return from active duty, he resumed work in the import-export field achieving the title of Import/Export Manager while working for Daniel F. Young for over 30 years.

Richard possessed a very soothing presence. He was highly reflective and measured in his response to most situations He was welcomed wherever he went. Christ was a dominant part of Richard's life. He never missed his Tuesday Night Bible study group and he often ushered at Sunday Mass in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

He enjoyed watching the Travel Channel and Jeopardy and doing cross word puzzles as well as taking cruises. Most of all he enjoyed being with his many family. members.

As with many individuals similarly situated, while in the hospital or nursing home, he was prohibited from having visitors. No one in his very large extended family had been able to hug him or drop by with food or to sit and listen and cry. A cousin who resides in Rome, Italy suggested the idea of developing a video so Richard could hear and see his many cousins. In the span of two days a masterpiece of sorts was created. Family members from two countries and 10 states just stopped what they were doing and spoke to Richard uttering such heartfelt good wishes and love. A staff member of the nursing home sat with Richard as she showed him the film. She said they both laughed and cried together. I will be forever grateful to Kimberly for this suggestion and to all of my cousins for their contribution because I know that my brother died knowing the impact his life had on so many people and how truly loved he was.

A beautiful gift to a beautiful man.

Richard was preceded in death by his mother Antoinette Elia Zito and his brother Fred James Zito. He is survived by his devoted sister Phyllis Zito and her partner Audrey Solomon, his loving Aunt Marlene Elia, his niece Helena Zito Johnson and nephew Michael Zito and their respective children namely, Jason, Curtis, Kellie, Heather and Joseph.

Funeral services will be held at Casey Funeral Home on Friday, May 15, 2020 at 9AM followed by interment in Silver Mount Cemetery at 10:30. In lieu of flowers the family request that a donation be made in Richard's name to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The family intends to have a proper celebration of Richard's life once societal sanctions are eased