James Andrew Zoppelt

CENTER TOWNSHIP

James Andrew Zoppelt, 89, of Center Township, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 28, 2017 while under the compassionate care of Good Samaritan Hospice, Heritage Valley Beaver. He was born November 19, 1927 in Ellwood City, the eldest son of the late Andrew and Mary (Krestel) Zoppelt.

At age 16, he went to work at the J&L Steel Corporation, became an electrician, and retired in 1980 after his wife’s death. Other jobs included driving truck, school bus driver, and working at Spectrum Mechanical where he finally retired at the age of 78.

James proudly served his country with the U.S. Army, 393rd Army Corps of Engineers from 1945-1947 stationed in Fort Meade, MD and Fort Belvoir, VA.

In early adult years he was active in Youth for Christ and Full Gospel Businessmen. James also served as the Pastor of Freeway Chapel.

He loved tractors, tools and working in his garage. Grandchildren and great grandchildren were the apple of his eye and he enjoyed singing cowboy songs to them. A man of great faith, he loved Jesus and shared his personal testimony to all who would listen.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death in 1980 by his beloved wife: Julia Ann (Zaperach) Zoppelt who he has dearly missed for the past 37 years; his sister: Dorothy Ann Anderson; his sisters and brothers-in-law: Rev. Nick Radovich; William Maybray, Mary Bickerton; Charles and Mildred Slie; John and Sophie Zaperach; Andrew and Anna Mae Zaperach; Anthony Zaperach and Frank Zaperach.

James is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law: Jamie (William) Laughlin, Center Township; Julia (Rick) Markardt, Ambridge; Jill (Mark) Cefola, Center Township; his sons and daughter-in-law: James Zoppelt, Jr., Center Township; Jon (Tracy) Zoppelt, Chippewa Township; grandchildren: Kerry (Matt) Coombs; Holly (Joel) Jenks; Kimberly Markardt; Rachel and Grace Cefola; Wolfgang and Bronwyn Zoppelt; great grandchildren: Elijah and Jude Coombs; Isaiah, Gabriel and Jessa Jenks; his sisters: Katsie Radovich, Center Township; Sally Maybray, Brighton Township; brothers: John Zoppelt, Rochester and Andrew Zoppelt, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; brothers-in-law: Dr. Victor Anderson, Pete Zaperach, Charles Zaperach, Paul Zaperach and Robert Bickerton; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (GPS 848 Sunflower Road, adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum). In honor of his request, the funeral service will be a private family gathering with private interment in the Garden of Devotion, Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Good Samaritan Hospice at Heritage Valley Beaver. Special thanks are extended to the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. On line condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com