Mary Frances Zito

On January 6, 1923, in Cross Plains Texas, Mary Frances (Fran) was born to Ruby and Eli Neeb. She had two older brothers, Garrett and Dell, and a younger brother, Billy. All have preceded her in death.

Once the depression began, her family moved to Abilene to be near her maternal grandparents, the Wilsons. There, she graduated from Abilene High School and Hendricks School of Nursing as a registered nurse.

Wanting to do her part during World War II, she joined the Army as a 1st Lieutenant. She was stationed in California where she treated returning wounded warriors. It was there where she met her future husband, John Zito.

In 1959, John and Fran retired from the Army and moved to San Antonio to raise their family. She embodied a servant’s heart and continually placed others first. Mary was very active at First Baptist San Antonio, and later at NE Baptist. She loved the Lord and always put Him first, serving Him faithfully in so many ways in her church.

In 1974, she and John opened Zito’s Sandwich Shop. She loved her thousands of customers that made Zito’s Deli a part of their daily lunch tradition. She worked every day until finally retiring at 93. She’s the embodiment of what it means to be an American and believed with everything in her heart the promise and opportunity our country holds for everyone. Zito’s is still making “Serious” sandwiches today, and is operated by her youngest son, Brad.

She was a titan in every aspect of her life, a WWII and Korean War Army nurse, a pioneering entrepreneur, a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Fran celebrated her 100th birthday this year and was blessed with great health, love for family and friends, and mostly love for her Savior. She went to be with Him February 1, 2023, greeted with the words “Well done, my good and faithful one!”. Of course, she met Jesus wearing her best make up, hair styled, earrings on and nails polished. She dressed every day like she was going to meet Jesus, even if she never left the house.

Mary Frances Zito is preceded in death by her husband, John Zito, as well as her parents, and siblings. She is survived by many who loved her. Surviving her is her daughter, Pamela and husband Doyle Peterson, son Robert and wife Pam Zito, son Brad and wife Teresa Zito. She also leaves behind ten grandchildren, Blaine (Jenny) Peterson, Corby (Lauren) Peterson, Britt (Kelly) Peterson, Melissa (Luis) Sanchez, Michael (Kim) Zito, Matthew Zito, Mark (Lauren) Zito, Courtney (Cohner) Mokry, Caroline Zito, and Christen (Matthew) Cantu. The thirteen great grandchildren missing her are Genevie Peterson, Belle Peterson, Libby Peterson, Blaire Peterson, Blake Peterson, Ellie Peterson, Campbell Peterson, Graham Peterson, Tatum Peterson, Jack Sanchez, Gabe Sanchez, Lilah Zito, Mary Zito.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.org) or your home church. Mrs. Zito will be interred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.