Alexander Joseph Zappavigna

Alexander Joseph Zappavigna, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024, at the age of 87 in North Port, Florida. Born on March 19, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, lived a full life marked by dedication to his loved ones and his country.

After high school Alex attended DeVry Technical Institute and received an Associate in Applied Science in Electronic Technology in 1957.

In 1958, Alex married the love of his life, Carol Ann Zappavigna (Vana), and together they embarked on a remarkable journey of 66 years. Their enduring partnership was blessed with three children: Carleen Ziga (late husband Randy), Katherine Zappavigna and Jim Zappavigna (Georgi). Alex took great joy in his role as a father and as a grandfather to Marissa Wojtowicz, Renea Wojtowicz, Megan (Dan) Range, Taylor Dumke, Briana Zappavigna, Danielle Zappavigna, and Jamie Zappavigna. He also cherished every moment spent with his great-grandchildren, Jordan and Skylar Ulrich, Shayden Dumke, and Randy Wojtowicz-Davis, whose lives he enriched with wisdom, joy, love and fun!

Alex was preceded in death by his parents, Alex Zappavigna and Lillian Crabb, and his sister, Hazel Stevens. His family remembers him as a pillar of strength and guidance, whose wisdom and love will continue to influence them across generations.

A man of intellect and curiosity, Alex went on to attend Air Command and Staff College in 1974 at Maxwell Airforce Base in Montgomery, Alabama and he took the entire family with him to embark on this adventure. And what an adventure it was. On the way back to Nebraska the family took a vacation of a lifetime, to include our first trip to Disney World to help celebrate Al’s graduation. This helped pave the way for a distinguished career as an engineer with the United States Department of Defense and Strategic Air Command for 25 years. You could probably say his work was not only a professional calling but also a personal commitment to serving his country with integrity and excellence. And in the summer of 1983, The Department of the Air Force presented him with the Meritorious Civilian Service Award for his excellent civil service work while at SAC Headquarters, Offutt AFB, Nebraska.

Beyond his professional life, Alex was a man of many passions. He loved the outdoors, finding solace and joy in skiing, golf, fishing and boating and dancing the jitterbug with his wife Carol. They were known for this at family weddings and parties. Al was also a die-hard Chicago Bears fan regardless of how they were ever ranked. His adventurous spirit led him to travel extensively, often embarking on cruises that allowed him to explore the world and create lasting memories with those he loved.

As we bid farewell to Alex Zappavigna, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved. His memory will be treasured forever, a guiding light for his family and all who were fortunate enough to have shared in his journey.

A mass will be held for Alex at Saint Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 1441 Spears Street, Port Charlotte, Florida 33948 on February 21st, 2025 at 10AM. Interment will immediately follow at the church grounds.