Obituaries

Samual C. Zappala, 92, of Oswego passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on October 26, 2023.

Born in Oswego, he was the son of Antonio and Catarina (Arena) Zappala.

Sam was a hard worker with strong family values. He proudly followed in his father’s footsteps building a business as a vegetable grower spanning 3 generations with his brother and 3 sons from 1948 to 2004 with the support of his wife Ginny and 4 daughters. Sam was a partner of Oswego Growers and Shippers. He was a member and served on the Board of Directors of the Oswego County Growers Association, as well as a member of the NYS Vegetable Growers Association.

Sam was a long-time member of the Oswego Elks Club #271 and Dante Alighieri (DA Lodge) of Oswego. 

After retiring, Sam and Ginny were snowbird residents of Tarpan Springs, Florida. They enjoyed the Florida lifestyle and to the surprise and delight of his coworkers, Sam enjoyed many years on the golf course and sharing their time with close friends and family. 

Sam was a very proud father and Grandfather and is survived by his children Constance (Dana) Decker of Fayetteville, Diane (Richard) Ferguson of Oswego, Deborah (Ron) Ahart of The Villages, Sam A. Zappala of Oswego, David (Alla) Zappala of Oswego, Christine Zappala Tuzzolino of Miami, and daughter in law Cathy (James) Zappala of Cato, 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend of 68 years Genevieve (Cerklewich) Zappala, eldest son James, and siblings, Rosaria "Sarah" Manasseri, Maurice Zappala, Rose Manasseri, Angeline Santore, Jenny Rookie, John Zappala and Helen Battiato.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 11-1 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 11 West Albany Street. A Catholic funeral service will follow at Nelson’s at 1 p.m. Private entombment will take place in All Saint's Mausoleum, St. Peter Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.

The Zappala Family has chosen the Francis House for donation in lieu of flowers, kindly see the attached information and direct link to donate to Francis House, “Where a person can pass with dignity, surrounded by the unconditional love of God” 108 Michaels Ave, Syracuse NY 13208.