CHESTERFIELD - John Zelli, 91, of Chesterfield Township, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 23, 2013, at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton, Hamilton.
Born in Girardville, Pa., he grew up in Ringwald, Pa., and had resided in Chesterfield for the past 50 years. Mr. Zelli was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He retired in 1980 after more than 30 years from DeLaval Turbine, Hamilton. He was the owner/operator of Zelli's Christmas Tree Farm, Chesterfield, for 15 years until 1989. He was a former member of the Bordentown Elks. Mr. Zelli had a love of music and played the organ, piano and accordion.
Son of the late Carlo and Marion Russo Zelli, and brother of the late Ralph Zelli, he is survived by his loving wife, Catherine Chiarello Zelli; his children and their spouses, Carol Estilow, Carlo and John Zelli, Maria Alaimo, Robert and Barbara May, Frank and Ingrid May, Anthony and Siobhan May and Christopher May; his sisters, Louisa Guerrere, Anita Russo and Madeline Berardi; seven grandchildren, Bradley and Jason Estilow, Andrea Kelly and Anthony D'Artiglio, Brittney May, Anthony John May, Zachary May; five great-grandchildren, Colton, Dalton, Ava, Jake and Brooklyn; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 27, at the Brenna Funeral Home, 340 Hamilton Ave., Trenton. Entombment will follow in Saint Mary's Cemetery Mausoleum. Calling hours for family and friends will be on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m., and Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Brenna Funeral Home. To send condolences to the family or for directions please visit www.brennafuneralhome.com.
Anthony May
November 7, 2014
Katie Zara
November 29, 2013
Cathy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. You will find the strength and courage to carry on at this difficult time in your life. I know how much John meant to you. Please look to The Good Lord for comfort and know John is in His company right now. You can always come and talk with me. Love you! My thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Pat Anderson
Patricia Anderson
November 26, 2013
Cathy and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of John. May you find comfort in the many memories you made together. God Bless you and your family
Mary Ann Deamer
Mary Ann Deamer
November 26, 2013
John's name is written in the Book of Eternal Life. All suffering is past and he rests in the compassionate arms of Christ. Find comfort in knowing he lived a blessed life. He loved and was loved.
Anne Chmielewski
November 26, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Shirley Guerieri
November 26, 2013
Cathy & Family,
John lives in the house of the Lord now,so fear not. As long as you remember the Joy's of his life he'll remain in your heart's forever. We shall all see one another again. My Condolences and Love to all of you.
Thomas Messina
Thomas Messina
November 26, 2013
Rest in peace
Anne Chmielewski
November 26, 2013
The promise of salvation is now John's. His name is written in the book of life and he has been called home. May you find comfort in knowing that all suffering is over and he rests in the arms of Jesus.
Anne Chmielewski
November 26, 2013
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