Bernard J. Zollo

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