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Obituaries » James R. Zito

James R. Zito

April 21, 1950 - December 10, 2020

U.S. Veteran

Burial Date December 10, 2020

Obituary Viewed 951 times

ZITO: James R. Zito, 88 of Waterford entered eternal life on Dec. 10, 2020. He was born April 21, 1932 in New London the son of the late Richard “Red” and Mary (Fella) Zito. Jim attended local schools in New London, graduating from, the former, Chapman Tech High School, class of 1950. He enlisted in the US Navy, serving during the Koran War, he was discharged honorably, at the rank of Third Class in 1954. Using his GI Bill, he graduated from the former Willimantic State Teachers College with a BS in Education, and later receiving his Masters Degree from Eastern CT Collage. He was united in marriage, on Nov. 23, 1957 in St. Joseph Church to the former Marcella Alfieri. His beloved wife of 63 years survives him. He was a teacher for 31 years at the Pleasant Valley School for the Groton Public Schools, retiring in 1991. During his teaching year’s he worked as Assistant Activities Director at Ocean Beach. In his retirement, he worked part-time for local funeral homes with his good buddy the late Michael Joyce. He was a communicant of St. Paul Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Sea Side Council # 17. He loved the opera and had collections of opera music records. Jim had an infectious personality and a great sense of humor, always had a joke and people he met loved to be around him at work or play, but always a gentleman, he will be truly missed. In addition to Marcella, he is survived by his two sons, and there spouses. Richard J., and Andrea Zito of Niantic, and Steven J. and Jeanne Zito of Maryland. His five grandchildren, Caitlan Blackburn and husband Guy, Melissa Zito, Jimmy Zito, Annie Zito, and Emily Zito. A sister, Rosemarie Dobbins, of Groton. He was predeceased, by a brother, Frank Zito. His family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday from 3 to 5 pm at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave. New London. Guest are asked to gather for a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 11 am at St. Paul Church, 170 Rope Ferry Rd. Waterford., followed by military honors. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. Guest, are to comply with COVID-19 orders, masks and social distancing.



     

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