Giuseppe Zoccali

Giuseppe Zoccali, 89, of Norwalk CT passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 3, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Calabria, Italy on March 10, 1933. He served in the Italian Military, he managed the family business focused on agriculture and land maintenance.  He then emigrated to the United States in 1971, at the age of 38, and commuted back and forth to Italy until his wife and three children joined him in the U.S. in 1978.

He was predeceased by his parents, Domenico Zoccali, and Maria (Leuzzi) Zoccali and two sisters, Vincenza Leuzzi of New Jersey, and Natala Leuzzi of Abbruzzi, Italy.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Carmela (Spoleti) Zoccali, his three adoring children, Maria Mattera and her husband David,  Domenico Zoccali and his wife Karen (Roweton), and Paula Zoccali. His cherished grandchildren, Giuseppe Zoccali, and Olivia and Julia Mattera.

He is also survived by two sisters, Maria Romeo of Norwalk, and Annunziata Zoccali, of Abbruzzi, Italy, and many nieces and nephews.

Giuseppe, along with his family, started a new life in Norwalk, CT in 1978.  He worked as a Laborer and Mason and was a proud member of Union Local 146 before retiring in 1996.

He enjoyed hunting, playing the guitar, listening to music, dancing, poker-night with friends, cooking, and above all, gardening.  His garden became his post-retirement hobby, spending endless hours caring for it and sharing its bounty with neighbors and friends.

A story-teller for the times, he would bring laughter and wonder to anyone who was present to listen, he put much effort into making everyone feel special and welcomed, and everyone was always invited to the table for a meal.

He loved his family and was fiercely dedicated to his grandchildren, always making sure he called or visited them daily, nothing else made him happier than being called “Nonno”.

The family would like to thank St. Vincent Medical Center, Bridgeport, CT, especially Dr. Richard Zelkowitz, and Dr. Vipra Sharma for their commitment to his care over the many years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Giuseppe’s name to the St. Vincent’s Swim Across the Sound Foundation.

https://swimacrossthesound.org