Rosa Zappi, 92, of Barnegat, NJ died peacefully on Wednesday,November 15, 2023.   Rose was born in the lower east side of Manhattan on July 12, 1931. After graduating from high school, she began working for Proctor and Gamble in New York City. Rose married Vincent Zappi in 1960 and together they raised 3 daughters. They moved to Howell, NJ in 1964. Rose became very active in the community and was known as the unofficial mayor of Howell. She was involved with St Veronica School, Girl Scouts, the Howell Women’s Club and many other community organizations. Rose was best known as the gatekeeper at the Candlewood Swim Club. She worked there for many years and she would often reminisce of happy times spent at the swim club. Rose later worked as a school secretary for the Monmouth County Vocational School District for 10 years. 

Rose loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren’s sporting events as well as taking trips with them. She was an avid Yankee fan and enjoyed many games with her grandchildren. Rose loved eating out and spending time in Atlantic City, which she called her “Happy Place”.  She loved chatting with anyone, anywhere.  She was truly a pleasant soul. We will miss her warm heart and beautiful smile. 

Rose is predeceased by her husband Vincent Zappi. Surviving are her three daughters and their spouses, Maria (Patrick) Capriotti, Gina (John) Najar, and Lisa (Mike) Oliver, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.