Robert L. Zappulla

Robert (Bob) Zappulla, 67, of Overland Park, Kan., died at his home on Thursday, September 4, 2008. Bob was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather and brother as well as a caring friend, a generous person and a religious man. He loved to be in the company of family and friends. Bob was the third child of Salvatore and Frances Zappulla. He was born on Dec. 12, 1940, and grew up in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from New Utrecht High School in 1959 and enlisted in the US Navy where he served for two years aboard the aircraft carrier Essex. Bob apprenticed as a woodworker and spent his career as a master carpenter and craftsman. He took pride in his custom work and design. Bob had a keen sense of adventure and enjoyed conquering new challenges. He met his wife, Linda, on a scuba diving trip to St. Thomas. The diversity of his interests included scuba diving, tennis, bowling and Scrabble. He was an ardent participant in the Senior Olympics. He is survived by his wife, Linda and son, Matthew of the home; daughters, Francine Valente and Doreen Reyes and granddaughter, Nikita Reyes, all of Virginia. Also survived by his sister, Sally Grieco of Florida; and brothers, Joe and Tom Zappulla of New York, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. A funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park. Visitation will precede the Mass at 9:30 a.m. Shiva will be at the family home at noon Tuesday, and 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kccremation.com. Arr.: Cremation Society of KS & MO, (913) 383- 9888.