Jerome Louis Zampelle

Jerome (Bob) Louis Zampelle passed away peacefully on September 26 , 2019 surrounded by his family. He was 92.

Bob was born in 1927 to adoring parents Francis Victor and Elvira Marie Zampello.  He enjoyed all of his long 92 years of life in Keyport.  After graduating from Keyport High School, he served his country joining the Merchant Marines and then the Army. He was part of the occupation force in Japan and upon returning home in 1947 he finished his studies at Panzer School of Physical Education (Montclair State University).  While there he excelled in baseball, later turning down an offer to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals to return to his hometown.  He obtained his first teaching job in the Union Beach school system, then in 1952 moved on to serve the Keyport district.  While teaching at Keyport he coached football, basketball and baseball.  He eventually became the vice principal and then principal before retiring in 1988. Bob held passions for playing golf and skiing.  He was a respected sports official throughout both the Shore Conference and the state.  He officiated football as well as basketball and baseball for 49 years.  In 2019 he was inducted into the Shore Football Coaches Foundations Hall of Fame.

Bob leaves behind his dear wife of 65 years, Catherine; his six children Kathryn Krylowski and her husband Paul, Elvira Tice, Mary Pittaro and her husband Michael, Louis Zampelle, Barbara Jean Angley and her husband Chris, and Francine McGeorge and her husband Darren; his ten grandchildren and their respective spouses; and his seven great-grandchildren. Bob touched many people in his long lifetime. He had an ability to leave an impact on those he met. It is because of this that he will never be forgotten and will be dearly missed by all he came to know.

Family and friends are welcome to a visitation for Bob that will be held on Monday September 30, 2019 from 2-4PM and again from 7-9PM at Day Funeral Home, 361 Maple Place, Keyport 07735. All are invited back to the Funeral Home at 9AM on Tuesday October 1, for the Mass of Christian Burial that will take place at 10AM at St. Joseph's church. Entombment at St. Joseph's cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Lung Association in Bob's name.

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