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William Zappettini Obituary
January 2, 1930 - April 23, 2022
William ("Bill") Angelo Zappettini, Jr passed away peacefully at his home in Atherton, California on April 23, 2022, at the age of 92. Born January 2, 1930, in San Francisco, he was the son of Rosa and William Zappettini, Sr, and brother to Reno. Bill is predeceased by Paula, his loving wife of nearly fifty years, and together they raised and are survived by their children, John and Anna, along with their grandchildren, Isabella and Gianna. Bill's charisma, strong spirit, and generosity touched many people. He will be remembered most for enjoying life to the fullest, with a smile on his face and a cigar in hand.
Raised in the Bay Area, Bill attended Bellarmine College Preparatory, University of San Francisco and served in the Army during the Korean War. He spent over five decades pioneering the wholesale flower business. During the 1980's, he hosted a segment on KCBS Radio on behalf of the San Francisco Flower Mart. Bill loved to gift fresh flowers for any occasion.
Bill along with his wife Paula were active members of the community and the Catholic Church. They were vested with high honors by The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, received the Assumpta Award from the Archdiocese of San Francisco for their philanthropic activities, and were bestowed as Knight and Dame of Magical Grace into the Order of Malta.
Bill was dearly loved and will be missed by many. He will be laid to rest next to his wife Paula at the Italian Cemetery in Colma. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1pm on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at The Church of Nativity in Menlo Park. In lieu of flowers the family encourages a donation in Bill's honor to the Order of Malta, Western Association https://orderofmaltawestern.us/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Zappettini
Robert A Ferris
April 23, 2025
Sucj a wonderful and great individual. There was never a time when Bill did not always put a smile on your face. We all miss him greatly!
Ed Steiger
February 26, 2023
I worked for William Zappettini Co. in the early 50's
during summers. In those days William was known as Junior. It was was a great summer job and I enjoyed all the people I worked with (Reno Zappettini, Larry Basso, Will Basso, Larry Adams etc.) I am glad to know that William had a nice long life. My best regards to the family.
Paul Szalajka
May 10, 2022
Bill gave me a job at the SF Flower Market back in the early 80´s. He was a special person and will be remembered fondly. RIP KCBS Flowerman
Patrick and Tina Ford
May 9, 2022
Mr. (Bill) Zappettini was always a friendly face at the Menlo Italian Club. He always said hello and asked how things were going. I enjoyed seeing him each month and will miss his company.
Prayers and comfort to the Zappetini family.
Roy Houff
May 5, 2022
One of my best friends and we had much good times together. There was only one Bill Zappettini, God bless you!
Daphne den Hoed
May 4, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Fr. Michael Fones, OP
May 4, 2022
Condolences to his family and friends. Bill will be in the prayers of the Dominican community at Siena House, Oakland.
Lore & Vic Viegas
May 4, 2022
Dearest Barbara. We were so saddened about this news. We have such fond memories of you both as you were always so gracious to us at Sharon Heights. You actually are our favorite member!!! My mom Lorraine Carmassi sends her love as well. We can only imagine Bill and my dad Angelo having a martini together in God's world! May God bless you all in this most difficult time. Loren & Vic Viegas... Xox
diane lubich, Healdsburg, CA
May 2, 2022
My uncle, John Podesta, worked with Bill and his Dad before having his own nursery. My Dad was a retail florist for 52 years in San Francisco. We would all see one another at the florist picnic, and, when I was a young girl was at Bill Sr's home for a swim. My birthday is January 2, 1937. My sincere sympathy.
Cille De Primo
May 1, 2022
Bill was so kind and very generous a wonderful human being. He hosted me, and at that time, my 101-year-old Mother in his beautiful patio. We shared an excellent glass of Port wine we had gifted him. In return he gifted me with bottles of Lourdes holy water. I will always hold this beautiful memory in my heart. Rest In Peace in the beautiful paradise of heaven Bill along with your wife Paula. God bless you.
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