Stephen Lucien Zito, Jr., age 66, longtime resident of Mobile, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023. He is preceded in death by his father, Stephen Lucien Zito, mother, Ruby Zito Shaver, step-father Samuel Shaver, father-in-law, Randal E. Etheredge and mother-in-law Bernice Champion Etheredge.
Steve was born at Hotel Deux Hospital in New Orleans, LA. He lived in New Orleans as a child and then moved to Ocean Springs, MS. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Biloxi, MS in 1974. He earned his BS degree in architecture from Louisiana State University in 1979. Steve began his career with DPF Architects, PC in Mobile and in 2004, he and his partner developed Zito Russell Architects, PC. His work spans the gulf coast from Louisiana to Florida, as well as multiple other states. His designs include shopping centers, historical buildings, schools, and condominiums. Some of his most prized accomplishments are the Kennedy-Cox House, Bluebird Hardware and Seed Company, Catholic Social Services Building, and the White House Restaurant in Biloxi, MS. Steve’s latest project, The Alabama School of Math and Science, will be completed later this year by his company. Steve was an avid sailor most of his life and served as Commodore for Mobile Yacht Club in 2014 and 2015. He enjoyed racing his sailboat and entertaining family and friends. He was a member of a mystic organization beginning in the early 1990’s and loved a good parade. Steve was a carpenter trained by his grandfather, and woodworking was a hobby he enjoyed. He built furniture pieces, remodeled his kitchen, and repaired all things anyone asked. He is most remembered by others for his generosity and humility. He thanked every nurse and doctor who cared for him during his health battle. And if you didn’t know, he was a Cajun and Italian food connoisseur! In closing, Steve’s wife, children, and grandchildren were his favorite pastime.
Steve is survived by his wife, Christi E. Zito, children, Stephanie Smith (JC), Stephen Lucien Zito, III and Captain Mitchell P. Zito, USA, Ret. (Jessica) and step-children, Brooks Smith, Bradley Smith, Sr. (Mary), Bailey Adams (Greg). His sister, Adele Zito Ladnier, half-brother Thomas Shaver, Sandy Shaver Rich (Pat) and grandchildren; Bradley Smith, McKenzie Smith, Savanna Isakson, Conyer Smith, Alex Zito, Jack Smith, Myles Zito, Luke Smith, Colton Smith and Aubrey Zito also survive him.
Funeral Services will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Visitation from 10:00AM-1:00PM, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00PM.
Steve will be buried at the Zito Family Mausoleum in Greenwood Cemetery, New Orleans, Louisiana.
A “Fair Winds and Following Seas” Celebration will be held at the Kennedy-Cox House Friday evening, 607 Government Street, 6:00PM. All friends and family are invited.
