Benjamin J. Zappa

1940 - 2025

Benjamin J. Zappa, of Ridgway, Pa., died at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at age 85, following a long, debilitating, battle with multiple strokes and musculature weakness.
Ben was born Jan. 13, 1940, in Sharon.
He was the son, and only child, of Edward E. Zappa and Jennie Cantelupe Zappa.
Ben married the love of his life, Cheryl Sweeney, on July 20, 1968. Ben lost his wife, Cheryl, to cancer on July 22, 2007, after 39 years of marriage.
Besides his parents, and wife, Ben was predeceased by cousins, June Pringle, Joseph Ranallo, Joseph Cantelupe and William Cantelupe; and in-laws, Ralph and Martha Sweeney.
Ben was the last of his immediate family, but is survived by a cousin, Paula Cantelupe of Sharon; and two sisters-in-law, Pat Craig, of Chicora, and Kathy Bowser, of Butler.
Teaching was Ben's second love, and he taught in Ridgway schools for 33 years, before retiring. During those years, Ben taught junior high science and senior high school biology. It was also during those years that he met his wife, Cheryl, who was a high school guidance counselor.
In addition to teaching, Ben was also an avid runner, biker, swimmer, triathlete, marathoner and bowler. He amassed over 35,000 miles running and participated in 750 races. Participation also extended to Ben serving on the Ridgway YMCA Board of Directors, Tricounty Rails to Trails Board of Directors and the board of the Elk County Striders running club, where he was a founding member and had served as president since 1985.
ZAPPA - Funeral services for Benjamin J. Zappa, who died Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at KRISE FUNERAL HOME, 130 Center St., Ridgway, Pa. Family and friends will be received from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Burial will follow at Parklawn Memorial Gardens.
Ben requested that memorials be made to CAPSEA, P.O Box 464, Ridgway, PA, 15853.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com.