Joseph J. Zannetti, 88, a resident of Swoyersville, passed away peacefully late Tuesday evening, January 26, 2016, at Timber Ridge Health Care Center, Wilkes-Barre, where he had been a guest for the past few days.

His beloved wife was the late Nellie (Konopka) Zannetti, who passed away on April 15, 2015. Together, Joe and Nellie shared 66 wonderful years of marriage.

Born on May 28, 1927, in Swoyersville, Joseph was one of six children born to the late Emilio and Helen (Fronczkiewicz) Zannetti.

Joe was a graduate of the former Swoyersville High School, Class of 1947.

A United States Navy veteran, Joe honorably served his country during World War II.

Prior to his retirement, Joe was employed for 30 years as a warehouseman for Economy Warehouse, later known as Wyoming Valley Distributing, Hanover Township.

Joe was a faithful Catholic and member of Holy Family Roman Catholic Parish, Luzerne. He was a past member of the former Saint Mary of Czestochowa Church, Swoyersville. Additionally, he was a member of the Central Pennsylvania Teamsters Union.

A loving husband, father and grandfather, Joe cherished every moment he had with his loved ones. His grandsons were the apple of his eye and he played an intricate role in their lives. He always enjoyed attending all of his grandsons sporting events, and it was a known fact that he was his grandsons’ personal “water boy.” Joe became so well known by his grandsons’ coaches, that they dubbed him the nickname “Skipper”.

In his free time, Joe found peace and tranquility in the outdoors. His favorite outdoor activities were fly fishing and hunting.  

The Zannetti Family wishes to thank the 5^th Floor medical staff at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center; the nurses and staff of Timber Ridge Health Care Center; the aides from both Comfort Keepers and the VA Hospital’s Home Care, for all of their kind and compassionate care in keeping Joe comfortable during his time of need. Also, they would like to thank the paramedics from the Swoyersville Ambulance Association and the Swoyersville Police Department for always being there when the family needed them most.

In addition to his parents, Emilio and Helen Zannetti, and his wife, Nellie, Joseph was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles and Eugene Zannetti; and his sisters, Mary Kaufmann and Katherine Olah.

Joseph is survived by his children, Joann Zannetti, at home; and Joseph Zannetti Jr. and his wife, Paula, Nanticoke; his grandsons, Joseph Zannetti, and twins, Paul and Brian Zannetti, all of Nanticoke; his sister, Patricia Foglietta and her husband, John, Luzerne; his sister-in-law, Joan Zannetti, Iselin, New Jersey; and his numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Monday, February 01, 2016, at 9:30 AM from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM in Holy Family Roman Catholic Parish, 574 Bennett Street, Luzerne, with the Reverend John T. Albosta, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Mount Olivet Roman Catholic Cemetery, Carverton, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Navy.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Sunday, January 31, 2016, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send the Zannetti Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

The family has kindly requested that flowers be omitted. Memorial Contributions may be made in Joseph’s memory to Trout Unlimited, P.O. Box 7400, Woolly Bugger, West Virginia 25438, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.