Alfred F. Zappala

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Alfred F. Zappala, 84, passed away peacefully at his home in the morning of Tuesday, August 18, 2020, after a brave battle with cancer.

Born April 26, 1936, in Lawrence, MA, on the same birthday as his father, Fred was the son of Charles and Amelia (Traficante) Zappala of Salem, NH. He graduated from Lawrence High School, class of 1954. He earned a business degree from Boston College in 1958, and a Master's in Business from Suffolk University in 1973. During his career, Fred worked as an accountant at Avco, Craig Systems, Eagle, Inc., and then Textron. He was a life-long member of the Knights of Columbus in Methuen.

Fred was a devoted husband, father, and family man. He was thoughtful and quiet and took joy in providing for his family and his loving wife. The well-being of his family was the center of his universe. He found it easier to care for others more than he ever did for himself. He had a passion for Boston sports, especially the Red Sox. Watching them win the 2004 World Championship was a life-long dream. His daughter Robyn bought him a shirt that said, "2004 World Champions, Now I can die happy." He was an extremely intelligent man and had a witty sense of humor who loved talking about politics, religion, and his Italian heritage. Fred enjoyed spending winters in Deerfield Beach, FL in their condo that overlooked a tropical vista.

Fred is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Geraldine "Jeri" (Costello) Zappala; his sister Sandra Lanouette of Methuen, his sons: Charles Zappala and his wife Jeannie of Londonderry, NH, Fred Zappala, II and his partner Dave of Glendale, CA, and Mark Zappala and his wife Sandy of Atkinson, NH. Fred and Jeri's daughter, Robyn, passed away in 2013 from complications of Scleroderma. He also leaves his five grandchildren: Derek, Colleen, Michael, Jessica and Matthew; five step-grandchildren: Adriana, Gabriella, Liam, Trish, and Joe; and four great-grandchildren: Anthony, Maxwell, Isabella, and Jordan.

Friends and family are invited to calling hours at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street in Methuen, on Saturday, August 22, 2020, from 2:00-3:30 PM. A service will take place at the funeral home at 3:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923 800-722-4673 or at www.scleroderma.org.