David James Patrick Zotti, 98, of Cape Coral Florida and formerly of West Haven, CT peacefully passed at Gulf Coast Village. He was born on September 12, 1925 in New Haven, CT to Cosimo Zotti and Emma Benevento Zotti. David was one of the 7 children; brother to Louis, Roger, Mario and George Zotti, and sisters Concetta “Connie” Grillo and Elizabeth “Betty” Vitagliano all who adored their brother, “Davey”.
He grew up in the Legion Avenue section of New Haven, CT. He entered the US Navy and served his country bravely and honorably in WWII aboard the USS Vincennes CL-64, which saw action in the Mariana Islands, the Philippines, Formosa, Leyte Gulf, Japan and Okinawa. His ship experienced her narrowest escape in the war; on April 1, 1945 the day of the initial assault on Okinawa, when an enemy aircraft, hit by the ship’s gunfire crashed only 50 ft astern.
David was a very fortunate man having survived such action in WWII. He was further blessed with 2 wonderful women in his life. He and his first wife, Madeline Mondo Zotti, were married for 30 years until her death in 1977. In 1979 he married Teresa “Louise” Sabellico Zotti. David and Louise were married for 39 years until her death in 2018.
He is survived by his 4 loving children, Emma Zotti Nailor (the late Robert C. Nailor), David A. Zotti (Virginia), Louise Mondo Rajewski (William) and Debra L. Zotti (Lexanne Kroll). He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law Theresa Zotti and many nieces and nephews.
David worked for Winchesters, Olin Corp and UNC Naval Products. He retired from UNC Naval Products in 1989 after 40 years of service. He was an avid Trap/Skeet shooter and was a member of The Seymour Fish and Game Club for many years. David was a very creative artist with many award-winning duck and other wildlife carvings, wooden ship model building and paintings.
In 2018 David was a member of the Southwest Florida Honor Flight to Washington DC. The sole purpose of Honor Flights is straightforward and pure spirited: To safely transport our Veterans to Washington, DC to be honored at their memorials and receive the welcome home they deserve.
David’s peaceful passing is a comfort to his family as we are certain he is with Madeline, Louise, Bobby, his parents and his brothers and sisters. The family would like to thank his caregiver Anna and the staff at Gulf Coast Village.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, July 19 at 10:00 a.m. from St. John Vianney Church in West Haven. Burial follows in St. Lawrence Cemetery in West Haven, with military honors accorded.
Memorial contributions in David’s memory may be made to S.W. Florida Honor Flight Inc. P.O. Box 495065 Port Charlotte, FL 33949.
The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home 12 Franklin St. Ansonia, has been privileged with arrangements.
