Mr. Joseph "Joe" John Zappa

Joseph “Joe” John Zappa, 80, died Tuesday April 18, 2023 at home in The Woodlands, Texas from ongoing health complications. Joseph was born September 10, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland as one of six children to C. Joseph Zappa and Elizabeth Wills. He was a devoted husband to Bernice Zappa of 58 years and beloved father of two sons, David and John.

Determined to be the first in his family to graduate from college Joseph worked several jobs to supplement a partial scholarship, while obtaining his degree. Joseph graduated form Loyola University with a Bachelor of Science and shortly after obtained his CPA.

Joseph married Bernice Kelly on June 13, 1964 whose faithful commitment brought the stability needed to build a loving family. Together they raised their two boys amidst multiple relocations, domestically and internationally, as required for Joe’s professional advancement. Joe went on to develop a distinguished career with Exxon Mobil spanning 33 years before retiring as a Financial Executive from the company at age 55.

In all, Joe moved with his family 11 times including relocation to countries on 4 different continents. He was proud of being ranked a top performer for his work on complex international projects and the broad world experience living in other countries provided his two sons.

Joe chose Texas to enjoy his many long years of retirement often traveling with friends to experience new destinations worldwide. Compared to Maryland, the mild winters in Texas also suited Joseph’s passion for golf which he played year round into his early 70’s.

Joseph is survived in death by his wife Bernice and son David. Joe is also survived by his brother William and William’s wife, Sarah Zappa along with his sister Rose and her husband Joseph Jehnert, and his sister Deborah and her husband, Edward Katz. Joe was preceded in death by his son John, his brother Francis X. Zappa and late sister Barbara Ann Weygant.

Joe will be forever remembered for his dedication to placing his family before all else to provide them the best life possible, his competitive love of golf, and his humorous, warm, generous nature that earned him so many enduring friendships throughout his life.

The memorial service for Joseph is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Thursday, May 18, 2023 in the Robb Chapel at The Woodlands Methodist Church located at 2200 Lake Woodlands Dr, The Woodlands, Texas 77380.

In lieu of sending flowers, friends and family are encouraged to make memorial contributions to any charity they prefer or The Woodlands Methodist Church for the Missions at https://www.thewoodlandsumc.org/give.

Please share your fond memories and kind expressions of sympathy with the Zappa family at forestparkthewoodlands.com.

Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home is honored to serve this family.