George H. Zarella

Deacon George Henry Zarella, 75, of Venice, FL and Easton, MA passed into eternal rest surrounded by his loving family on April 15, 2021. Loving husband of Nancy Kelleher Zarella. Born in Boston, MA to the late George and Helen Ahearn Zarella. In addition to his wife of almost 57 years, he is survived by his 3 children Kimberly Sousa and her husband Gerald, George Jeffrey Zarella and Gene Zarella Loving brother to Robert Zarella, Mark Zarella and his wife Lisa Loving Papa to his adored grandchildren Nicole and Evan Sousa, Georgia, Anthony, Claudia, Kayla, and Cecilia Zarella. George was also predeceased by his brother John Zarella George joined the Air Force in 1964 becoming an Air Traffic Controller in the States, Philippines, and Vietnam. Honorably discharged in 1968, he was hired by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) where he worked as a controller, an instructor of the national and international air traffic program at the ATC Academy, then retiring as a Regional Manager in 1999. George became a member of Holy Cross Parish in 1981, faithfully serving as a lay minister, Pro-tem moderator of the First Parish Council, and Baptism Preparation and lector. George was ordained to the Permanent Deaconate in May of 1993. Deacon George so enjoyed the RICA program, Story Telling, Seeking God with Deacon George, Mom's and Tots, just to name a few. He so loved his Holy Cross Family. He was also privileged to have worked as a Hospice Chaplain for Guardian Hospice and Old Colony Hospice. George also enjoyed golf, biking, coaching little league Babe Ruth and the great "Easton Cubs", along with umpiring minor, high school, and college leagues. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours May 6th from 3-7PM at Holy Cross Church, 225 Purchase Street, Easton, MA. Funeral Mass celebration May 7th at 10:00AM at Holy Cross Church. Interment with military honors will follow at the National Cemetery in Bourne, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Deacon George's memory may be made to Holy Cross Church, Old Colony Hospice, Tidewell Hospice, or the American Cancer Society.