An extraordinary light went out when Martin A. (Marty) Zappanti passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 19, 2018. Marty was born a special needs child to Frank and Helen Zappanti on November 4th, 1962. To his parents though, Marty was always just special.
Marty lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed every minute of it. Spending time with his family was probably his favorite thing to do. He loved listening to music, dancing and going to lunch and movies. With his bright eyes and big smile Marty was always friendly, and always greeted everyone he knew with happiness and love. He was a Number 1 Bronco fan and looked forward to the games every week.
He spent his early years attending Alta Vista School. Around the age of 17 he became a consumer at Las Animas County Rehab Center and continued there until his death. At LACRC Marty participated in many working opportunities. He helped pack fish hooks and packaged fireworks. He was a member of a mobile work crew that cleans the Bell Block Building daily. He delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. He would always bring a smile to the community’s elder residents when he knocked on their doors with a hot lunch. He also attended Day program classes including Daily Living Skills and Cooking. Marty was one of the first residents in the original LACRC Group Home when it first opened in our community many years ago. It was important to Marty’s Mom and Dad that he be as independent as possible and live his own life.
Marty was a Special Olympics athlete. He ran track and field and bowled for many years. Whether he came in first place or last he always had a good time. He participated in and enjoyed many activities at LACRC especially their holiday parties. One of the highlights of Marty’s life was when he was chosen to be a torch bearer for the 2002 Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City, Utah. In February, he carried the torch through the main street of Leadville, CO in subzero temperature holding the torch so high with pride and joy.
After a life well lived, Marty is now in heaven with his parents, Frank and Helen Zappanti, brother, Larry Zappanti Sr. and his Uncles Louis (Sonny) and Don Kancilia.
Marty is survived by his sisters, Irma Marie Zappanti, Nellie (Paul) Barros, Sharon (Bob) Reorda
honorary sisters Elaine (Frank)Alfonso-Naccarato and Kim (Terry) Legan.
Nieces, Jennifer Barros and Rachel Barros, Nephews, Larry (Magdalena) Zappanti Jr., Brad (Anna) Reorda, Adam (Diadre) Kosec-Zappanti, Brandon Zappanti and Oscar Prieto-Cano.
Great nephews, Hayzin Zappanti, Matias Samora Zappanti, Hunter Reorda, and great nieces, Hadley Reorda and Aniya Marie Kosec-Zappanti.
Marty is also survived by his very special friend Mary Dimock, his Adam’s Group Home Housemates, and many other friends and staff members at Las Animas County Rehab Center (LACRC).
Visitation will be at the Comi Chapel on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm
A Rosary will be held at the Comi Chapel on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at 7:00pm
Funeral Mass for Marty will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Church on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 10:00 am with interment following at the Trinidad Catholic Cemetery
Honorary pallbearers are Russell Langfitt, Max Montano, Monty Quintero, Cleo Barela, Tommy Herrera, Tom Remple, and Chrisopher Abeyta-Garcia.
Active pallbearers are Robert (Bob) Reorda and Paul Barros, Larry Zappanti Jr. Oscar Prieto-Cano, Adam Kosec-Zappanti Brandon Zappanti, and Hayzin Zappanti
In keeping with Marty’s love of life and parties please feel free to dress in bright colors.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Las Animas County Rehab Center (LACRC).
Arrangements made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home.
Saturday morning..I just read this . Wish that I had heard earlier because I would have been there to attend his services. I loved his cheerfulness and his ,”good mornings” when I was caring for him and the rest of the boys. Those years were some of the most memorable times in my life. May God bless you, Marty!