Joseph P. Zampa

With his family by his side on Saturday, September 8th, 2018, Joseph Paul Zampa, loving husband and father of two, passed away at the age of 53. Joseph was born on April 13th, 1965 in Oak Park Illinois to Richard and Joan (Calcagno) Zampa. Joe was an outstanding football player at Lake Park High School and continued his athletic career and received his Bachelors Degree from Truman State (Northeast Missouri State). There is where he met and fell in love with Kristina Kapfer, whom he married in 1988. They have raised two beautiful daughters, Mallory and Rachel and are the loving dog-parents to Mimzy and Stella. Joe had a passion and zeal for life. To know Joe is to love Joe. His larger than life personality created many life long friendships and priceless memories. Whether it was at the lake house in Wisconsin (Joe’s happy place), on a boat or at the house in Florida, coaching or watching his daughters’ soccer games, or just simply hanging around, Joe’s presence was felt. He loved his family more than anything. His wife, Kristina, was his best friend and his daughters Mallory and Rachel are his pride and joy. Joe and Kristina tackled every obstacle life through at them with a laugh and a smile. They worked hard to make sure that their daughters could play every travel sport their hearts desired, go to the school of their choosing, and follow their dreams. Joe made sure to instill in them a dedication of hard work and to ensure they knew they were not entitled to respect, but that they must earn it. His love for living life to the fullest was passed down to his daughters, rubbed off onto his wife, and spread throughout his family and friends. Raising two daughters also brought two loving young men into his life. Mallory’s finance Eric Skwiat and Rachel’s boyfriend Brendan Schmitz are the son’s he never had. He had tremendous pride in those two young men and is resting easy knowing his daughters will always be taken care of. And if not, there are countless family and friends that will certainly take care of business (and them). Joe maintained a strong faith throughout his journey and continuously supported his parish. Papa Z was always a go big kind of guy. One of his best qualities was his ability to see the good in all. Joe will always be remembered for his generosity, quick wit, infectious smile, fist pumping dance moves, and his kind and compassionate spirit. We will always carry Joe’s spirit in our hearts and be reminded to “Pace Ourselves” as we continue to live his effervescent legacy. He was the Beloved husband of Kristina nee: Kapfer; Devoted of Mallory (Eric Skwiat) and Rachel Zampa; Loving son of Richard and Joan Zampa; Dear brother of Mary Jo, Nancy (Blane) Farrell and Richard (Cathy) Zampa.