Obituary of Concetta Zoppi
Concetta “Connie” Zoppi, a cherished soul whose 94 years of life were imbued with love, laughter, and an indomitable spirit, peacefully passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Bridgeway Care Center in Bridgewater, NJ. Born to Antonio and Maria DellaValle in the vibrant city of Newark, Connie's early years were filled with the warmth of family and the bustling streets of her neighborhood.
As life's journey unfolded, Connie moved to Irvington, where she lovingly raised her family, creating a home filled with nurturing care. Connie became her father’s sole caretaker until his demise at age 88. Her later years were spent in the serene Leisure Knolls Adult Community in Manchester, where she reveled in the company of "The Girls," her card-playing confidantes, and kindred spirits, sharing stories and laughter that echoed through the halls.
Connie's zest for life was paralleled only by her dedication to her work. She began her career as a teller at Howard Savings in Newark. She then spent the next two decades as a bank manager at Hudson City Savings Bank in Union and later in Manchester, becoming a beloved and steadfast figure in the community.
A devout Catholic, Connie found solace and joy in her faith, attending mass regularly and embracing the spiritual journey with heartfelt devotion. Whether it was in Manchester at St. John’s Church or alongside her daughter Maria at Our Lady of the Mount RC Church in Warren, her faith was a constant source of strength and comfort.
Her spirit was as vibrant as her youth, where she dazzled as a jitterbug queen, a testament to her love for dance and the joy it brought to her and those around her. Music and rhythm were in her blood, a legacy of joy and celebration she shared with her three band-leading brothers and her lifelong dance partners, sister Claire and cousin Anna.
Connie's passions extended beyond the dance floor to the kitchen and sewing room, where she expressed her creativity and love through the culinary arts and meticulous crafts, skills she honed from her youthful days.
Above all, Connie’s heart belonged to her family, whom she placed at the forefront of her life, ensuring their well-being and education with a mother’s fierce devotion. Her legacy of love, selflessness, and nurturing care is her most precious gift to her children, Anthony and Maria, and her beloved grandchildren, who will carry forward her values and spirit.
Predeceased by her brothers Ray and Lenny, and her sister Claire, Connie's memory will be cherished and celebrated by her remaining brother Fritz, her children Anthony Zoppi (Debbie) and Maria Wiecek (Dave), her adored grandchildren Eric (Katherine), Ryan (Mackenzie), Nick (Katie), and Gabrielle, along with a community of friends who were touched by her kindness and radiant spirit.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Connie's life at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ, on Tuesday from 10am to 12:30pm, followed by a funeral service that promises to be as beautiful and heartwarming as the life it honors. A private ceremony on Wednesday will lay her to rest at the family cemetery, where she will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Connie’s memory may consider a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to her compassionate heart.
