Joseph Paul Zanella

Joseph Paul Zanella, 84, of Emmitsburg, Maryland, passed away Sunday, October 16, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.

He was the husband of the late Patricia Zanella, his beloved wife of 56 years.

Born and raised in the coal region (Mt Carmel PA) he was the son of the late Paulo and Josephine Zanella, who immigrated to the United States from Northern Italy.

Joe was a graduate of Mount Carmel Catholic High School and Saint Vincent College where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.  After college, he worked for finance and mortgage companies in Philadelphia and New Jersey. In 1968, he began his career at Mount Saint Mary's College as the first Director of Financial Aid, a position he held for 33 years. The Mount held a special place in his heart. He valued the lifelong friendships he made there with faculty, staff and students.

He was an avid sports fan, especially Yankee baseball and Notre Dame football. He enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, any type of trivia, playing cards, and entertaining everyone around the piano. He coached Little League Baseball for 27 years (Emmitsburg Giants) and was proud of his players, fellow coaches and the successes they had together. Above all, Joe loved his family and their times spent together.  His advice, storytelling and booming singing voice will be dearly missed.

He had a strong faith and was a member of Saint Joseph's Catholic Church.

He is survived by his children, Joe Zanella, Tina Delauter and husband Kirby, John Zanella and wife Abby, Beth Folger and husband Marcus, Steve Zanella and wife Wendy, David Zanella and wife Holly; grandchildren Maureen and husband Blaine, William and wife Kristin, Emily, Sam James, Jennifer and husband Hektor, Evan, Weston, Sam Albert, Kamryn, Drew, Anna, Joseph and Natalie; great grandchildren, Nola, Harvey, Ruthie, Luca, Penelope, Enza, Millie, Lincoln, and Paul, cousin, Vic Zanella who was like a brother to him, brother-in-law Sam Spears and wife Debbie; sister-in-law Joann Spears; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three daughters, Catherine, Mary Ann and Patti, brother, Albert Zanella and sister in law Bruna Zanella.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 47 DePaul Street, Emmitsburg, MD. The family will receive friends following the Mass at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Restoration of the Blessed Mother Campaign at the National Shrine Grotto at MSM University at NSGROTTO.org/restore.

Arrangements by MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, P.A., Emmitsburg.