Joanne Zappile

(née Vitello) Of Washington Township, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, at the age of 80. She is the beloved wife of Albert. Devoted mother of Jennifer Colvin (Rick), and Melissa Booth (Chris). Loving grandmother of Katie, Dylan, Brynn, Sarah, and Eleanor. Dear sister of Joseph Vitello, Jr. (Barbara), and Elaine Vitello. She is survived by her sisters-in-law Vera Villarose (the late Larry), and Joan Purcell (Frank). Cherished daughter of the late Joseph and Angeline (née Nigro) Vitello. She is loved by her nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joanne was the oldest daughter of Joseph and Angeline Vitello and a graduate of the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur in Philadelphia. Needing a date for her sophomore cotillion dance at Immaculata College, she asked her neighbor Albert, never realizing that date would last for the next 60 years. Joanne and Albert moved to Washington Township, NJ, where they raised their two daughters and became active members of the Church of the Holy Family. Joanne showed great care as a member of the Stephen Ministry, based on Jesus’ command to love one another and “to bear one another’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2).

After over 30 years, Joanne retired from the Defense Personnel Support Center and began her favorite role as Mom-mom to her 5 grandchildren. Their interests became hers as she supported them at every school and sporting event. She was a lifelong fan of Mickey Mantle and the New York Yankees. Joanne especially loved the time she spent in Ocean City, NJ. It was always a good day when she could sit on the beach and see the ocean.

Family and friends are invited to attend her visitation on Thursday, October 22, from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm, at the Church of the Holy Family, 226 Hurffville Road, Washington Township, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 pm. Inurnment will be at New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Joanne’s life may be made to Camilla Hall, Immaculata University, 100 Maxis Drive, Malvern, PA 19355.

                           “A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”