Robert Zappa

Robert Amy Zappa died Tuesday, February 14, 2023, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Bob was born July 1, 1944, in Cumberland, Wisconsin to Anna and Amedeo (Amy) Zappa.

Bob was raised in and near Cumberland. He attended the rural, Section 10 school and Cumberland Schools, graduating in 1963. He wrestled and played football while there. He served in the Army. He and Donna (Rassel) were married on November 24, 1971. They lived in Newport and Saint Paul Park.

Bob was a proud, active Saint Paul Union Local 455 Pipefitter, working in the Twin Cities area and Alaska, California, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. He was well-known for his community projects including The Zappa Pumpkin House; the aluminum can collections for Park Gymnastics team; American Legion activities; raising plants and vegetables that he gave away, and numerous other projects.

He and Donna have owned cabins in Cumberland where they have been active in the community, but also took time to enjoy lake life with their daughters and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and four sisters. He is survived by his wife, Donna; daughters, Gretchen Zappa Gieser (Pat) and Mary Ellen Zappa Stillwell (Jon); and four grandchildren, Ellie and Lucy Gieser and Matson and Max Stillwell.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 3, at 10:30 (visitation at 9:30) at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in Saint Paul Park. Refreshments to follow.

A casual celebration of life and Military Honors will be held Saturday, March 4, from 1:00 to 4:00 at American Legion Post 98 in Saint Paul Park. Refreshments to follow.

Burial will be held later this summer at Saint Anthony Abbott Catholic Church in Cumberland.

Memorials may be directed to SoWashCo Cares, Saint Anthony Abbott Church, or personal choice.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION:  For those who would like to participate in Bob's service via livestream, you can watch the service on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 10:30 AM (CT).  It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and "CLICK PLAY" to begin.  Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service.  If you are having troubles with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.