Patrick Anthony Zappa

Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather
Age 79, of West St. Paul. August 6, 1946 – December 28, 2025. Patrick was a deeply loved husband, father, and grandfather. He was married to the love of his life, Jane Frances (Stumpf) Zappa, for 56 years.
Born in North Hudson, Wisconsin to Eugene and Cecelia (Madden) Zappa, Pat was the oldest of seven children. He attended Divine Word Seminary (Milwaukee) through high school and earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from the College of St. Thomas (St. Paul), and a master's degree in management from Central Michigan University. He then proudly served our country as a commissioned officer in the US Air Force for 20 years, specializing in counterintelligence and serving in the elite Office of Special Investigation and retiring at the rank of major.
Known as "Papa Pat," he thoroughly enjoyed his role of grandfather and loved reading to his grandkids, getting down at their level to play with them, laughing his special, unforgettable laugh, and flashing his huge, joyous smile. His hobbies included collecting vintage toys and trains and cheering on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the New York Yankees. His Catholic faith led him in every phase of his life, and he maintained a special devotion to Pope Saint John Paul II and the holy rosary.
Preceded in death by parents, Cecelia and Eugene Zappa and brother, Michael.
Pat is survived by Jane; daughters, Bridget Hahn (Rob), Sarah Rodriguez (Antonio) and Cecilia Harry (Andrew); grandchildren, Madden, Patrick, Enrique, Theodore, Vincent and Gianna; siblings, Joann Edwards (Terry), Mary Black (Dave), Joseph, Eugene (Sue) and Tracey Ellertson (Rob); and many other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Tuesday, January 6 at the Church of St. Joseph, 1154 Seminole Ave, West St. Paul. Visitation 5-7 PM Monday, January 5 at Klecatsky & Sons West Chapel, 1051 So. Robert St., West St. Paul; and 1 hour prior to the Mass at church. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery, January 7 at 11:30 AM.
If you wish to remember Pat, memorials are preferred to the Minnesota Veterans Home Adult Day Center. Please consider making a Mass intention for the repose of Pat's soul at basilica.nd.edu or a Catholic church of your choosing.