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John Zerbato Obituary
He was the beloved husband of Eleanor Zerbato, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage.
John was loved by all who knew him. To his family and friends, he brought his trademark wit, generosity and humor.
Born in Bryn Mawr, Pa., he was the son of the late Geno Zerbato and the late Jean Rofi Zerbato.
John grew up in Berwyn, attended Conestoga High School, and put himself through Villanova University, where he graduated in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in business.
In 1980 John and Eleanor married and were blessed with four children: Justin (Bonnie) of Silver Spring, Md.; David (Laura) of Wilmington, Del.; Robert of West Chester; and Rachael of Boston, Mass.
John loved his family above all and served as a mentor to many.
John pursued his passion for carpentry under the guidance of his father. In 1984 John was introduced to Lon Marcelli and they went on to start their own successful contracting business, Zerbato-Marcelli Inc.
From a young age, John was an avid train enthusiast and also enjoyed fishing, gardening and photography.
John made a lifestyle of continuous involvement with his faith community, including coaching sports at St. Agnes, ministering the Eucharist at Mass, and volunteering at Salesianum.
In addition to his wife and four children, John is survived by his sisters, Donna (Judy) and Carole (Ted), and his brother, Michael (Kathleen).
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home Inc., 410 N. Church St., West Chester, 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com.
His Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, at St. Agnes Church, 233 W. Gay St., West Chester, with a visitation prior to the Mass from 9 to 10 a.m.
Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, West Chester.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's name to ACT in Faith, 212 S. High St., West Chester, PA 19382, or online at www.actinfaithgwc.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Zerbato
Robert B.
May 22, 2014
I am sorry for your lose, john was a good man, I did not know him long but in that short time I knew him I could tell he is one of those good guys. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Betty Robertson
December 28, 2013
Dear Richard & Lon,
I was so sad yesterday to hear of John's passing.I am thinking of you both and will keep you in my prayers.I met the three of you right after my husband passed away at 52 after 33 yrs. of marriage.I know how difficult this time is.John was very special! The first time I talked to him,I felt like I knew him my whole life.He was very easy to talk to and fun to talk to.Keep all the good memories alive!
All my Love,Betty Robertson
December 20, 2013
El,
I am so sad to hear about John. He was such a wonderful man. Know that my prayers and thoughts are with you.
Terry (Coffey) Trevethan
Shirl Lynam
December 19, 2013
ps:
Most of all John was a wonderful, warm and caring Husband.
God's Blessings to all.
RIP John
Ron Medykiewicz
December 18, 2013
Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you all. John was a dedicated Man of Faith. As a Cubmaster in the Boy Scouts, John was the only Scout leader I ever knew who started his scouting meetings with the Sign of the Cross. May he rest in the Peace of Christ.
Shirl Lynam
December 18, 2013
RIP JOHN
I met John while caring for Mother, Jean.
John's a very warm, caring and loving son, father, brother, cousin, nephew and friend. He always thought of others before himself. I really liked him and will miss him. He may be gone, but not forgotten!
Prayers go out to his family, for whom it has been a tough year. Losing Jean in February, his cousin Steve Santoleri in the fall and now John. Love to all!
Mike Floyd
December 18, 2013
So sorry to hear about John, I know him during the Forge Millwork days. He was a good guy and customer of ours.
December 18, 2013
John...a good husband, a good father, a good man! El, we are just so heartbroken for all of you. Know that we love you and will keep you in our prayers, Uncle Bob and Aunt Lin
Drew Dwyer
December 18, 2013
John was a great man with a big heart. I grew up on the job site and spent a lot of days with John and his sons. Please give my best to your entire family. John Zerbato was one of a kind and someone who I always respected and looked up to as an example of what it means to be a MAN. I am so sorry for your loss; just know John had an impact on anyone who had the chance to get to know him. Your family is in my thoughts and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Linda Zebley-Stump
December 18, 2013
Eleanor, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Take care, Linda
Linda and Paul Allison
December 17, 2013
We are so sorry for John's untimely passing. John was a truly good person whom we had the privilege to know and work with for many years. John did many projects for us and we regarded him as a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Our heartfelt sympathies are with his beloved wife and children. May John rest in peace.
Natalie Fala
December 17, 2013
My dad and brother speak so highly of John. They describe him as a truly genuine, kind, and caring man. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
December 17, 2013
El:
My deepest sympathies to you and your family for the loss of John. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Madelyn Trofa
Lori and Warren Samolsky
December 16, 2013
Eleanor and family: Our neighborhood will never be the same. We will miss Johns humor (and his love of leaves and snow) but know that his light will continue to shine brightly on your and your family. We are here for you.
December 16, 2013
My heart is broken for you . I will be as present as I can but am always with you in prayer.
Emily Siolek
Andrea Cooper
December 16, 2013
Dear Eleanor,
I'm so terrible sorry for your lose. Your entire family are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Andrea Cooper
Liz Preston
December 16, 2013
I am so sad to learn the news of John's passing. He lived next door to my family when I was growing up in Berywn, and they really were like a 2nd family to me. Sending much love and strength to all that are grieving.
Kate (Mathews) French
December 16, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of this, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
December 16, 2013
Dear Eleanor, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband John. Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you. Arleen Kelly
Susan Bender
December 16, 2013
Words can not express how sorry I am to hear of Johns passing. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Oster
December 16, 2013
To Eleanor and her family, our deepest sympathy. Words cannot express how saddened we are that John had to leave you and your family. We will keep all in our prayers.
Tricia Statuti
December 16, 2013
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
John was a very special person and touched the lives of many.
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