HORNELL-Edward P. “Zap” Zaparzynski, 89, passed away early Monday morning (March 20, 2023) at his home at 1190 County Route 66, The Woodlands, after a long illness.
Born in Elmira on May 17, 1933, he was a son of the late Joseph and Antoinette (Gublo) Zaparzynski. In 1979 he was married to Peggy “Peg” (Gordon) Zaparzynski, who predeceased him on January 17, 2019, after 40 years of marriage. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by one son, William Zaparzynski; a grandson, Jason Coates; a great-granddaughter, Zoey Kays; an infant brother, Edward; a brother, Theodore; and four sisters, Irene Celia, Adeline and Helen.
A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Ed proudly served his country with the First Marine Division from 1952 until his honorable discharge as a Corporal in 1955. He served one year in Korea and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the UN Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
Zap has resided in Hornell since 1961 and was employed by the former Erie and Erie-Lackawanna Railroads, retiring after 37 years of service from Conrail as a trainman. After retiring he was employed as a driver for Simmons-Rockwell.
He was a member of the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440, the Cpl. J.J. Mooney VFW Post No. 2250, the American War Vets, and the Hornell Association. An avid bowler, he has been a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan since the age of 12.
Ed loved his daily coffee at Stop-N-Shop in Hornell and trips to the Casino and purchasing scratch off lottery tickets.
He is lovingly survived by one daughter, Irene (Jim) Farrell of Dansville, NY; two sons, Edward (Joanna) Zaparzynski of Tucson, AZ, and Jeffrey (Jodi) Zaparzynski of Hornell; one stepson, Michael (Michele) McGruther of Downingtown, PA; seven grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews and his beloved companion, Big Papi (named after Boston Red Sox player, David Ortiz).
To honor his wishes there will be no calling hours. A funeral service and military honors will take place in his memory at 11 a.m. Friday (March 24, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell, with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Interment will be at Bath National Cemetery. Following the service everyone is invited to a “Celebration of Life” at the Hornell American Legion beginning between 12-12:30 p.m.
The United States flag and the Marine Corps flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Zap’s military service.
The family will provide flowers and suggest that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belforst Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Ed’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Zap are welcome on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home or at www.bishopdesanto.com.
