Ignazio Zambito

Ignazio "Nick" Zambito passed away peacefully on April 28th, 2025. He was born in Ybor City on February 8th, 1930, and grew up in Brooklyn, New York, returning to Tampa as a teenager and attending Our Lady of Perpetual Help. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in Livorno, Italy, and Austria as a military criminal investigator. Upon his return from service, Nick took up the drums again which remained a life-long passion and he also played in big bands and jazz combos. He achieved a lifetime membership in the Musicians Association and certification in the National Association of Rudimental Drummers. Besides music gigs, Nick also held positions until his retirement in car, furniture, and appliance sales.

Ever the entertainer, Nick loved telling jokes, performing card and magic tricks, and fine dining with his friends and family. In later years through a good friend, he had the opportunity to spend time at MacDill AFB attending Central Command and Special Operations events and ceremonies. Military brass appreciated and enjoyed his presence at these affairs, and in turn, he wholeheartedly reciprocated these sentiments.

Nick was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. In past years, he served as an usher and attended a men's bible study.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Patricia; daughter, Victoria Griffis (Steven); step-son J.C. Carroll (Liane); grandsons, Scott Zambito and Rick Hilton; step-grandchildren, Christopher and Allison Carroll, and two great-grandchildren.

Nick is predeceased by his mother Margaret Lopez Alderman and son Robert A. Zambito (Sherry).

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, May 24th in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 501 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa FL 33609.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Dogs Inc. (formerly Southeastern Guide Dogs, Bradenton, FL).