Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Zirpolo Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Zirpolo
Sponsored by Goodbody Mortuary.
Vicki
May 24, 2025
I was a patient of Dr. Zirpolo. He was the kindess Doctor I have ever seen. He went out of his way to help. What a gent!
Carol
May 10, 2024
I miss you so much Mike! Your loving wife, ALWAYS! Carol
Evan Arapostathis
June 10, 2021
Besides my father, Dr. Zirpolo, was one of the greatest man I ever knew. He delivered me and my brother and cared for us after my father died when I was 9. I would not have made it into the NFL if it were not for Doc. I love him deeply. The medical field lost a great man. And I lost my father all over again.
Lauri Hines
May 20, 2021
Dr. Z was the best doctor I have ever had. He was so caring and hard-working. When I got pneumonia after the birth of my second child and almost died, Dr. Z put me in the hospital for a week. He was the first person I saw in the morning and the last person I saw in the evening. I trusted him completely. Such a good man, such a good doctor.
I moved from San Diego in 2013 and missed this news. Rest in peace Dr. Z.
Carol Marie Zirpolo
October 29, 2018
This man was and always will be the love of my life. He made me the woman I am today. His guidance and love taught me so much about life, caring and understanding of people in all walks of life. He truly cared about EVERY person he saw as a doctor and even those he knew as friends aquaintences.
My husband Michael Angelo Zirpolo was and will always be the GREATEST, most compassionate, caring man and doctor ever known and I am so very proud to have been his wife for 55 years. I love you Mike always and ever. And I miss you so so very much!!
Donna Dickson
April 1, 2016
Rest in Peace Dr.Mike
You will be missed.
Lisa Campise-Brinker
October 30, 2015
Michael was my family's Doctor. I was told many stories about him. My family loved him. Thank you Michael for taking good care of them. Rest in peace.
Frances Oliverson
October 12, 2015
Dr. Zirpolo was my doctor for many years
and I am so sorry for his passing. He will be missed by so many. He knew me as Frances Oliverson
Michelle Bailey
September 9, 2015
Dear Carol, I was just told Dr. Zirpolo passed away so my apologies for the delayed condolences. You know how much we loved "Dr. Z" - he was family to our family! Dr. Zirpolo truly had a heart of gold and treated each of his patients with the utmost care and concern. He took care of our family for so many years and we were blessed to have known him both professionally and personally.
I wish you and your family the best and hope your good memories of Dr. Zirpolo bring you happiness and peace.
May you rest in peace Dr. Zirpolo. Soar with the Angels my friend!
Capt. Donald Woodson
August 21, 2015
I started to go to him for Flight Physicals before I was hired by ABX Air, Inc. in 1978 which was the start of my Airline Pilot career. He was a true 'Doctor', that is what I liked about him. Was sorry to see him finally retire completely from medicine. It seemed all those years I went to him as though he was a major part of my aviation career. For those of us in Aviation and particularly many of his 'Professional' patients he will be sorely missed. A wonderful era has passed.
Lisa Orloff Paul Kraybill
August 15, 2015
Dear Carol and Family,
We just learned of your loss, of the world's loss - we are so sorry. We will never forget Mike's kindness, as well as the great woman behind the great man. It was a privilege to be able to return a favor when Mike came in need of medical attention himself, and Paul and I can honestly say that our going to see him was the only doctor appointment that we actually looked forward to! We send our love -
Lisa and Paul
Barb Maffia
August 11, 2015
So sorry to hear of Dr. Z's passing. I really enjoyed working with him for almost ten years. Learned alot from him. Think of him often. Blessings to the family.
Anetha Johnson
August 11, 2015
I was very sad today when I found out Dr. Zirpolo had died. I had a serious crush on him when I first started seeing him as a 14-year old teenager many years ago. He had a good heart, and said very insightful things about me to my mother. I hope his soul is resting in peace; he did a lot of good for a lot of people. (Ray Johnson's daughter; Frank Johnson's sister).
Ted Bliss
July 11, 2015
Many thanks,much love and highest blessings to you all!So long doctor mike,will see you on the other side.....
VICKI SHOEMAKER(PYLE)
June 22, 2015
I WAS VERY SAD TO HEAR OF MIKE'S PASSING. I HAVE VERY GOOD MEMORIES FROM BACK IN JR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL HANGING OUT WITH 1ST KATHEY IN SCHOOL AND THEN LATER ON JANIS AND I BECAME ROOMMATES AND BEST FRIENDS. I KNOW THIS WAS MORE THAN A SHOCK TO YOU AND I WOULD LOVE TO BE THERE FOR YOU IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO.
hunt harris
June 22, 2015
The doc got me through some rough times with the FAA doctors, and kept me flying...a great doctor, and a greater man.
June 21, 2015
When American Airlines open a base in San Diego in 1972, we were still getting company physicals so we went to Austin McDonald and most of us got our FAA physicals at the same time. Dr. McDonald retired to Canada and we found Dr. Zirpolo through the PSA guys I'm sure. As usual going to a new FAA doc is a little scary but that didn't last long with Dr Z. I was very impressed but the talks given at his memorial service and had no idea how many lives he touch during his career. He was one of kind and I will miss him. Barry
Jesse Martinez Jr
June 20, 2015
Can't begin to tell you how much Dr. Z meant to our family especially mine. He always have that open door policy kind of your country town doctor. He was a special friend to me I always sought advice for things in my life he will be greatly missed
June 19, 2015
He treated me and my family for many years. Kind and concerned. As were his Partners Dr. Banks and Dr. Depew. They and their personal approach to caring for patients will have been greatly missed.
Harry and Anne Bair
Shauna Hauck
June 19, 2015
Carol, I was so very sorry to hear that Mike had passed. My prayers & thoughts are with you all. He was always such an important part of my & my family's life, as he was for so many countless others. Both of you have always given of your time & caring. He will be greatly missed. We will try to be there tomorrow for his memorial.
Shauna McCoy Hauck
June 18, 2015
Always had time for you even when the office was overflowing with patients! A great doctor a great friend God bless Doctor Zirpolo ,Carol and the family. Linda Lewis Albers
June 18, 2015
Im gonna miss you Doc... Go RED SOX!
Lynette Walker
June 18, 2015
Carol, I just found out last night about Mike and it's simply heartbreaking. My heart goes out to you and your family. You and your family have been through so much sorrow lately although I was happy to hear that your darling granddaughter is doing so much better now. I just wish I could give you a hug my friend. I will keep all of you in my prayers and I will see you Saturday to celebrate Mike's beautiful life. Mike will surely be missed at my favorite place to have dinner... I am convinced his spirit will be watching over all of us. Please give my condolences to your family. I'll see you on Saturday at Mike's Celebration of Life. Your Mike certainly had an impressive and remarkable career in medicine. Lots of love, Lynette
Louisa Porter
June 17, 2015
Dr. Z - a true friend to all Pilots. One of a kind. He will be missed by all in the aviation community.
Ron Geyer
June 17, 2015
Air Traffic Controllers at the Southern California TRACON are deeply saddened by this news. Dr Z was one of a kind and a great man.
Colleen Crowden
June 17, 2015
Carol and family, my children and I are deeply saddened to hear of Dr Zirpolo's passing. He cared for us as well as my mother since 1970. He was the best, always so kind and caring. Our prayers are with you
Colleen Brown Crowden, Theresa , Andrea , Rachel and Stephani
Joy Scott
June 17, 2015
Dr. Zirpolo was MY doctor and MY HUSBAND;s doctor for 14 years when we lived in San Diego. He was very good to us and was close to our hearts for his caring and his fantastic advice and medical directions. May he rest in peace and sympathy to his famiily
Joy Scott, Salem, Virginia
Rusty Morse Alaska Airlines,
June 17, 2015
"Dr. Z" as I addressed him made my FAA physical a pleasant experience rather than a "visit to the DMV"! He was straight-forward and always ready to answer questions, while giving us the feeling that he was OUR doctor, not a rep of the FAA. Knowing as many pilots as he did, he also had a vast knowledge of what was going on in the industry. I'm retired now, so no more FAA physicals but I will remember Mike fondly. He was a good man and a true professional, admired by those of us he served for so many years. God bless him.
June 17, 2015
So sorry to hear of Dr. Zirpolo's passing. Dr. Mike meant so much to me and my family. Always in my heart. RIP good friend xoxo Tiffinee Salmas
MIchael Lewis
June 16, 2015
The very first man to see me come into this world in 1970! Incredible Man and Doctor! You will be missed.
June 16, 2015
Always looked forward to seeing Mike for my flight physical.Dr Z you were the Best!
Julie (Martinez) Knoll
June 16, 2015
Carol,
My condolences to you and the family. Dr. Z was such a huge part of my early years. He was compassionate and listened with loving concern and care. More than just a physician to our family but a dear friend. He was always there for our family and WAS our personal physician just like I'm sure everyone else felt the same! We were so honored to have had him in our lives. He was a big part of our family's many life's celebrations.
God Bless to a great man!! A heaven sent Angel
Sincere love and respect, Julie (Martinez) Knoll
Matthew Morter
June 15, 2015
So sorry to hear of Dr. Zirpolo's passing. My condolences to his family. Dr. Z was my primary care physician and FAA medical examiner for many years. He always made me feel better, both physically and emotionally. I'm so fortunate to have known him.
June 15, 2015
Sorry to hear of Dr. Mike Zirpolo's passing. The Zirpolos were great people, Mike a wonderful caring doctor, and will always be grateful to him and the care he took of a dear friend
Montgomery tower and San Diego AFSS 1987
Barry Berkeley
June 15, 2015
Kathy Lemos
June 15, 2015
So sorry for your loss Carol. Please come out meet my horses they will help you thru this. RIP Dr. Zirpola
June 15, 2015
My sincere condolences to Carol and the family. Dr. Zirpolo was my doctor starting when Dr. Banks retired and I was 17. Over the years he became not just my doctor but a trusted and beloved friend. I will always remember him and miss him. Rest in Peace dear Michael.
Nancy Isbell
Kathy Lemos
June 15, 2015
Carol, never forget his dry sense of humor fun times at Landing. Please come out see my horses. RIP
Mel & Karen Rohr
June 15, 2015
Will always remember you as the friendliest and most competent Doctor for my FAA certifications and family Doctor for my wife and me. Rest in peace Mike. Condolences to Carol Mel & Karen Rohr
Jeffrey Lindskoog
June 15, 2015
R.I.P. to a great guy and a good friend. You will be missed by many. Sincerest condolences to Carol and the entire family.
Joe LoPresti
June 15, 2015
God bless you, Doc Z. May you rest in eternal peace. Patient since 1987.
Dr. Zirpolo over 55 years of service to the FAA
Barry Berkeley
June 15, 2015
Alice Quiocho
June 15, 2015
Best doctor ever, compassionate listener, valued friend, loved forever and never forgotten. Rest peacefully with God. Thank you for being such a positive presence in so many peoples' lives.
June 15, 2015
Carol, condolences to you, Michael was the greatest.
Doris Rich Roland
Mike & Donna Virgilio
June 15, 2015
What a great man and Doctor! He gave us our blood tests to get married in 1972 and we continued seeing him throughout the years. Always had a great sense of humor and was able to add a bit of inspiration. God Bless you and your family and you will be in hearts and prayers.
Richard Swoy
June 15, 2015
Rest in peace, good friend,
Jerry Pendzick
June 15, 2015
Dr. Z was a good man, and a true healer. He really cared about the pilots her served. He will be missed.
June 14, 2015
Comforting thoughts to you, Kathy. John Davis
Barry and Karen Berkeley
Barry Berkeley
June 14, 2015
I started using Dr. Zirpolo in 1967 after he took over from Dr Banks when Dr Banks retired.
I received my private pilot license in 1966 and commercial pilot license in 1967 with instrument and multi engine ratings. I went work for the FAA as an Air traffic controller in 1970 and retired in 2000. Dr. Zirpolo was my FAA class 2 medical examiner for the entire period. He had a sincere interest in aviation. He will be missed but never forgotten by all the pilots and FAA controllers who he came in contact with
Thank you Doctor "Z" Your common sense medical skills and highly regarded reputation with the FAA Aeromedcal saved many of our careers.
Jim Van Vranken
June 14, 2015
Jim Van Vranken
June 14, 2015
Mike Torres
June 14, 2015
He was such a wonderful doctor for most of my life until he retired. Also was so helpful with my medical certificate when I was flying. A very caring man that always gave you his time. I never felt rushed during an appointment. Wonderful dr to my children too. Deepest condolences to the his family.
Edward Fowles
June 14, 2015
Thank you Good Doctor. Rest in Peace.
Gary Fingerman
June 14, 2015
Dr. "Z" will forever live in the memory of the fellow pilots that owe their lives and careers to a dedicated Doctor, friend and fellow pilot. How do you thank someone who has done so much for so many? Gary and Marilyn Fingerman
Showing 1 - 55 of 55 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Zirpolo's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Zirpolo
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Zirpolo's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
