Vincent N. Zappone

April 4, 1930 - July 26, 2023

Vincent N. Zappone of Hollywood passed away July 26, 2023 at the age of 93, after a lengthy illness. Vince (also referred to as “Coach” by many) was born on April 4, 1930 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The second oldest of six children, he graduated from Greensburg High School in 1948, where he was on the football team and discovered his love of the sport. He played semi-pro football for the Youngwood Red Devils before beginning college at Northeast Junior College at Monroe, Louisiana. After graduation, he received a full football scholarship to attend Tulane University, and while there, Northeast College became a university. He chose to return there to continue to play football under his mentor, Coach Jim Malone. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Northeast Louisiana State University, he served in the United States Army in Texas as a first lieutenant. He played, and began to coach football for the team at Fort Sam Houston. He met and married his wife, Marge in San Antonio, Texas during his military service. Vince and Marge were married for 56 years and were the parents of four children.
After his army service, in 1955, Vince began his career as a teacher and coach in Michigan. He coached football, baseball, and wrestling teams at St. James High School in Bay City, Brighton High School, and Fowlerville High School. He earned his master’s degree from Michigan State University.
In 1965, Vince and family relocated to Hollywood, Florida and he began his career at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory high school, which spanned 35 years. He was head coach of the Chaminade Lions varsity football team from 1965-1977, and led the Lions to seven district and three regional football titles. He served in many other roles at Chaminade over his tenure, including teacher, golf coach, athletic director, and director of development and alumni. After hours, he also worked as a wrestling referee for many wrestling teams in Broward County. He received many athletic awards and honors during his life and in 2006, Chaminade-Madonna honored him by dedicating its football field in his name.
Vince loved life and people, and especially coaching, mentoring, and supporting young men and women. His family will miss him dearly but is comforted to know that although he is gone, the memory of him and his positive influence will live on in the hearts and lives of the students and people that he touched.
Vince is predeceased by wife, Marge; parents Michael and Jennie Zappone, sister Genevieve Panigall, and brother Nick Zappone. He is survived by sisters Mary Fry and Flora Mae (Joseph) D’Amato; brother Michael (Mary) Zappone; children Michele (Mark) Moyel, Janet Zappone, Vincent N. Zappone, Jr. and Joseph (Rita) Zappone; grandchildren Joseph (Izzy Pines) Conway and Katie Conway.
Visitation will be Tuesday 5-9 PM with a Prayer Service 7:00 PM all at Landmark Funeral Home. Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Nativity Catholic Church. Interment with Military Honors will be Thursday, August 3, 2023, 10:30 AM at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. www.stjude.org

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