Fred F. Zoccole, Sharpsville, passed peacefully from this world in his home at 8:30 a.m. Saturday (3-17-12) surrounded by the family he cherished.

Fred was born in Sharon on September 2, 1928, to Frank and Louise Conti Zoccole.

Although he was a quiet man, Fred had a most generous heart and a mischievous sense of humor. He enjoyed telling stories of his travels, which included visits to 46 states and many countries around the world.

He proudly served for 4 ½ years as a member of the flight deck crew aboard the aircraft carrier USS F.D. Roosevelt. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Fred worked at Sharon Steel for 35 ½ years as a skilled electrician. Because he was able to repair anything electrical or mechanical, co-workers, friends, and family called on him to fix the unfixable. He never hesitated, day or night, to come to the aid of anyone who needed his help. Following his retirement, Fred loved cooking and baking, especially Italian food. He took special pride in seeing people enjoy his pizza, and he taught many of his recipes to his children and grandchildren. He volunteered his cooking skills for St. Bart's Lenten fish fries and Erie Diocese Cursillo retreats. Fred also loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter for many years. In the spring and summer, he spent hours caring for his lawn, fruit trees, and garden. He was a member of St. Bartholomew's Church, the Erie Cursillo M!

ovement, and the American Legion.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Rita Karen Joy Zoccole; son Brian and his wife Karen of Sharpsville; son Kirk of Wilmington, N.C.; daughter Christine of Pittsburgh, PA; daughter Colleen and her husband Vince DeJulia of Sharpsville; granddaughter Brittany and her husband Justin Shaffer; granddaughter Larissa Zoccole; granddaughter Ashley Neustadtl; granddaughter Sasha Neustadtl; grandsons and his best buddies Kellen and Carter DeJulia; great-grandchildren Adeline Mae Garcia, Lily Byler, and Teddy Danger Shaffer; sister Frances Buzard of Sharpsville; sister Rose Ann Mahon and her husband Jim of Fowler, OH; special cousin Dolores Amato and her husband Dominic of Brookfield, OH; and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Howard and sister-in-law Janet; his brother Patsy; and his sister Antoinette 'Tootsie' Taylor.

The family extends special thanks to Julie Getway and Jennifer Wallace for their compassionate care of Fred during his courageous and hard-fought battle with lung cancer.

In lieu of flowers, his family suggests that anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in his memory to please consider one of the following charitable organizations: Mercer County Community Food Warehouse 109 South Sharpsville Avenue, Suite A Sharon, PA 16146, St. Bartholomew's Outdoor Fund 311 West Ridge Ave., Sharpsville, Pa. 16150 or Books from Birth Fund 917 Latonka Dr., Mercer, PA 16137.

Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday (3-20-12) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon.

To post a tribute to his family or to view the obituary on line visit the web site www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Service: Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Wednesday (3-21-12) in St. Bartholomew's Church, Sharpsville, with the Rev. Marc A. Stockton, pastor, as celebrant. A brief prayer service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning in the funeral home prior to leaving for the church.

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.