Joseph Luciano Zappia, Sr., of Port St. Lucie, FL, passed away peacefully July 8, 2010 at his Connecticut home surrounded by his family. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Anthony and Angela “Marietta” (Morelli) Zappia. A member of the 101st Airborne, Joseph proudly served in the U.S. Army in Korea as a Medic from 1951 – 1952. Joseph returned to marry his sweetheart, Katherine (Fortino) Zappia in May of 1953. He attended the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and received his Medical Technician Degree in 1957. Joseph worked as a Manager of Pharmaceutical Products for Parke Davis/Warner Lambert for 40 years. He and his wife retired to Florida in 1993, returning to Connecticut for the summers to enjoy their family and friends. Joseph was predeceased by his older siblings, Theresa Ciaranca, Francis Zappia and Rose Montana, and his eldest son, Anthony Francis Zappia, Sr. who passed away in April of this year. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Katherine (Fortino) Zappia and their children, daughter Mia Porter and her husband Douglas, and son Joseph Luciano Zappia, Jr. and Paula Barber. Joe also will be remembered fondly by his grandchildren; five grandsons, Joseph Luciano Zappia, III, Derek William Porter, Anthony Francis Zappia, Jr., Justin Vincent Zappia and Samuel Ellis Zappia; a granddaughter, Sarah Michelle Porter and a great grandson, Dominic William Porter. Joseph was an accomplished businessman, an active member of his community, Church, and Sons of Italy. His friends will remember him as the friendly and welcoming heart of the party. His grandchildren will forever cherish the never ending laughs, the entertaining banter, storyteller, poker-professor-connoisseur, relentlessly patient Italian tutor and all-around “big kid” who was always ready to cause exciting mischief. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, July 10th at 10:00 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 265 Stratton Brook Road, West Simsbury. Friends may call prior to the Mass at the church from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Granby Food Bank, 8 Old Mill Lane, Simsbury, CT 06070. Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is assisting the family with the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.vincentfuneralhome.com.