Dominic Christopher ZAPPIA

12 OCT 1918 - 28 JUN 2015

• RESIDENCE: 2003, Anahiem, CA
• BIRTH: 12 OCT 1918, Mishawaka, IN
• DEATH: 28 JUN 2015, Anaheim Hills, California

• MARRIAGE: 1951, St Monica, Mishawaka, IN

1.  Christopher ZAPPIA

INDEX

[N7728] Dominic Christopher Zappia
Oct. 12, 1918 - June 28, 2015
SOUTH BEND - Dominic Zappia, 97, passed away from natural causes in his Anaheim Hills, California, residence. Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, Don attended The University of Notre Dame before enlisting in the Army Air Force where he served with distinction in the Pacific from January 1942 - January 1946. Upon returning to Indiana, Don entered the insurance business with The Michigan Mutual Liability Company and in 1951 married Mary Irene Longfield. In 1959, Don left the insurance business and, with Mary, moved to Anaheim, California, to manage the Sands Motel, across the street from Disneyland. In 1961, Don and Mary had a son, Christopher. When Don's beloved wife Mary passed away in 1969, he assumed full parenting responsibilities, exhibiting a selfless love that inspired all who knew him. He contributed to his community as a member of the service organizations Sertoma and The Knights of Columbus. Additionally, Don was a golfer and a dedicated, lifetime fan of the Cubs (whose first game he attended at Wrigley Field in 1928). As a child, he saw Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig play ball in person and, while playing sandlot football with his friends in South Bend, was often visited by the legendary Notre Dame Football Coach, Knute Rockne, who gave the boys not only tips on football but also advised them to let girls play too. He is survived by his son Chris, his sister Pam, his brothers Tony, Joe, Rocco, and Frank, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and a vast family of friends, all of whom have benefited beyond description from his wise and loving attention. A warm hug and a whispered word from Don always made life's disappointments more bearable and the sparkle in his eye served to encourage countless friends and family to take risks and to live with joy and passion. He loved deeply and was loved deeply in return. Published in South Bend Tribune on July 2, 2015