Bernard J. Zollo
April 9, 1933 ~ August 11, 2022
Born in:
Brooklyn, NY
Resided in:
Nesconset, NY
Bernard J. Zollo was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife Enza, his children Rosanne (Michael), Laura, and John (Kate), his grandchildren Joseph (Danielle), Michael (Jennifer), Elizabeth (Matthew), John, and Maria, his great-grandchildren Avery, Jonas, Violet, and Isabella, and his siblings Jean, Dee (Chuck), and John (Rita). He passed peacefully in his home and will be dearly missed by all who loved him.
Bernie was the life of the party anywhere he went. He was always quick to make friends. He was an avid fisherman, an entrepreneur, a teacher, a tinkerer, and a forever student. Bernie loved nature and animals. If there was a dog in his lap, he was a happy man. He loved music and dancing. Whether it was on the dance floor, in a chair, or anywhere the rhythm would strike. He especially loved his wife Enza. She was his sun moon and stars and their love story is like that of a movie.
If Bernie wasn’t working, you could find him on his boat fishing, clamming at Fire Island, walking through the arboretum in Oakdale, teaching his grandchildren an array of life skills, and reading about places all around the world that he wanted to visit with Enza, most of which he did. He could captivate a room with his elaborate stories of his travels and experiences.
To know him was to love him. His sense of humor was one of a kind. He was a determined, hard working, dedicated, stubborn, and passionate man and he instilled those values into his children and grandchildren.
Over his life, Bernie has often taken to leadership positions. Bernie was the successful business owner of City Line Business Machines Inc. for 46 years. He was an active member of the Oakdale Sportsman Club, winning captain of the year several times. He held many leadership roles with the Long Island Business Men’s Association including president. Lastly he was the head of the Boy Scouts planning committee for his son, John.
In 2014 he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. For most this diagnosis destroys them but not Bernie. It was another challenge to be overcome. He never gave up despite every obstacle presented to him. To him, the difficulty of the situation was not a deterrent. His acceptance and perseverance of every challenge was admirable. His philosophy was if there was a will there was a way, there were no problems, only solutions and every challenge deserves a second effort. His wife, Enza, took on the role of caretaker over the years and kept him motivated throughout his journey. Earlier this year he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. In typical Bernie fashion he exceeded the expectations.
He was a brilliant man with a big heart. If you needed him, he was there with some wine and a story. Every life challenge was an opportunity to learn a new skill which in turn would be a lesson for whoever would listen. He took so much pride in teaching others.
The family would like to thank all of the exceptional aids that were there when he needed them and Jim Megna for the physical therapy brilliance that helped a determined man continue to walk.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in his memory be made to the following charities:
The Parkinson’s Foundation
The American Lung Association
St. Jude Children’s Hospital
Good Shepherd Hospice
Services
Visitation: August 18, 2022 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787
Mass: August 19, 2022 10:00 am
St. John Nepomucene R.C. Church
1140 Locust Ave.
Bohemia, NY 11716
631-589-0540
www.stjohnnepomucene.com
Love you Grandpa Bernie.
Bernie was an amazing man to talk to and although I only knew him a brief time he was a force to be reckoned with. My condolences to the entire family.
You are bigger than life so I know you will always be with me. From bunny slippers, to fishing off a pier, to bouquets from your garden…you will always be my big brother. You will always hold that special place in my heart. I am so honored to have been part of your life. God bless you.
To my friend Bernie, you need to know what a wonderful person you were and how hard you tried to stay here for Enza; your chrildren will make sure she is ok.
The good Lord felt your pain and took you home so you never hurt again. Rest in his Eternal peace.
My prayers are with you. Bernie will always be in my memories
Dear John Zollo and Family – May the joys you knew with your Dad, and the times you shared help comfort you at this very sad and difficult time. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Jane LaCova, Executive Director, SCBA
We enjoyed many years on the road of life with you. Scouting, camping in Maine for 3 day weekends and enjoying Florida. We still have laughs of our escapades! Pool diving, races to camp sites, povich pants etc. save a primo spot for us!!! ♥️
Our condolences to Enza and the entire family. Bernie always had us laughing. Even at my dads wake. My mom wanted me to roast my dad, because he wanted laughter. He got it. At the end I offered everyone to say a few words if they wanted. Bernie was the first one to speak. In fact, it went from roasting my dad to roasting my mom. We all loved it. So, here’s to you Bernie….thank you for the many years of laughter. You were one of a kind.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I will keep your Dad and you and your family in my prayers.
I always enjoyed having a chat with your Dad. He will be missed greatly. Our prayers to your whole family
All our love to Enza and the entire Zollo family.
Our prayers will continue for you all….
Dear Enza and Family, May The Most High wrap his arms tightly around All of you. I will always have wonderful memories of you Bernie. The LaRocca/Zollo family party’s were full of laughter, singing and mostly Love! We are so very Blessed to be your Family. Rest well my sweet cousin.
Bernie, I have known you since Rosanne and I were toddlers together. Our families have been friends forever , and we have shared many memories over the years–fence hopping into each others backyards, barbeques, boating, fishing, helping each other out…..so many things, so many stories and a million laughs. You and my dad, what a pair! Our families were–and will continue to be–friends for life. I will miss your smile, your laugh, and your great stories. All my love and prayers are with Enza, Rosanne, Laura, John, and your whole family. When you live in someone’s heart and memory, you never truly die. You will live on and be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a hard working, respectable and honest man to all who knew and loved you. Say Hello to my Mom and Dad. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Thank you for some of my best childhood memories fishing and playing in your backyard. Always loved listening to your stories as you had such a way of making us laugh with them. You will always be remembered and hold a special place in my heart.
With Deepest Sympathy to the Zollo Family
Dear John Zollo and family,
We are all so sorry for your loss. Your dad must have been a wonderful man he raised a kind and thoughtful son.
Condolences to you and your family.
All of us at the Town Clerk’s Office
While I have several fond memories of time spent with Mr .Z and the family my favorite one is the story of the picture that he keeps in his wallet. The picture of the girl he had loved all his life. Rest In Peace. Fondly Betsy Morales
I met Mr. Zollo a few times and I have to say it was a pleasure meeting him. He had this present of making you feel welcomed and thou I worked at his former company City Line Business Machine with his nephew roy Fisher it felt like I was working for him. Great man great lost. Rest in peace Mr. Zollo.
I AND BERNARD WERE CLASSMATES AT STUYVESANT HIGH SCHOOL IN MANHATTAN AND GRADUATED IN JANUARY 1950. GREAT, SERIOUS GUY AND A BROOKLYN NEIGHBOR AS WELL. SORRY I TRIED CONTACTING HIM TOO LATE. REST IN PEACE, BERNIE.