Philip R. "Pudy" Zito Jr.

Philip R. Zito, Jr. "Pudy" passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2015. He was 87 years old, originally from New Orleans, but moved to Independence, LA in 2006. He attended St Joseph Catholic School on Tulane Ave where he participated in every extracurricular activity available as well as belonging to the choir, served as an altar boy and graduated there in 1942. Philip and his first wife were married on a Sunday morning at St. Joseph's Church on his 18th birthday. Philip was very young helping with the family baking business which qualified him as a baker at McKenzie's later on. At only 19 years old, he began working at Lane Cotton Mill as a floor sweeper and worked himself up to become a steward and eventually president of the union. In the search of improving himself while struggling to earn a living, Pudy accepted a variety of jobs, always welcoming a challenge, therefore qualifying him as a jack of all trades. He retired as an operating engineer and belonged to the local #406. Pudy's zest for life and the desire to learn motivated him to paint with oils and write poems and stories in his spare time. He enjoyed entertaining himself, family, and friends by playing the accordion, guitar and the harmonica, which he learned to play by ear, never having lessons. He enjoyed fishing, watching college and professional football games, and especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Pudy will be remembered for his kindness and compassion, his sense of humor, his quick wit, and his love for helping anyone who asked without expecting anything in return. He just couldn't say no. No words can express how deeply he will be missed. He is preceded in death by his first wife of 58 years, Rosalie K. Zito, their infant daughter, Sheri Ann, a brother, James Zito, a sister, Sarah Z. Gonzales, as well as his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Catherine Jean Zito. Devoted father of Judy Marotte (Paul-Deceased), Patsy Garrett (George), and Barbara McNulty (Keith). Pudy had six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, (soon to be nine). Also survived by three step-children, three step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild, as well as a half-brother, Richard P. Zito. A special thanks to Heart of Hospice staff, especially Lisa Revere, for their guidance and compassion in Pudy's last days. A memorial to celebrate his live will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2016 from one o'clock to three o'clock at the Garrett residence. Burial will be private.