It is with heavy hearts that the family of Joseph Vincent Zambelli, age 91, bid farewell to our beloved husband and father, who passed peacefully on July 28, 2026.

Joe was born on March 4, 1935, in Mount Vernon, New York, the son of the late Joseph and Elvira (Tota) Zambelli.  Joe was a proud graduate of A.B. Davis High School in Mount Vernon and Iona College in New Rochelle, where he graduated in 1958 with a degree in business administration.  He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1954 and after attending college on the GI Bill, took a position with General Foods Corporation in White Plains and Rye Brook, New York.  Joe worked at General Foods for thirty seven years, climbing the ladder in various corporate divisions, as a financial analyst, financial planning manager, controller, and cost strategy consultant.  An expert in efficiency and cost strategy, Joe traveled the globe, analyzing potential acquisitions as well as streamlining business operations for company brands and divisions across the US, Europe, South America and Asia, and was part of the team that developed Total Quality Management for GF.  A thoughtful and philosophical man, Joe mentored scores of colleagues over his vibrant and dedicated career with the international food company.

Left to honor his legacy and cherish his memory are his soulmate and wife of sixty three years, Barbara “Bobbi” Zambelli of Poinciana, Florida, his devoted children, Bara Zambelli of Asheville, North Carolina, Jean Zambelli of Westport, Connecticut, Jay Zambelli and his wife, Caryn, of Portland, Oregon, and Carolyn Zambelli, of Darien, Connecticut, his grandchildren Emma Taggart, Tasha Taggart, Isabel Nichoson, Georgia Nichoson, Katherine Cavolo, Thomas Cavolo, Joseph Cavolo and Alfredo “Freddy” Zambelli, and his loving siblings, Dolly Orza of Briarcliff Manor, New York, and Alfred Zambelli, of Harrison, New York, and many cherished nieces and nephews.  Joe was predeceased by his beloved siblings, brother Andrew Zambelli, and sisters Mary Riggio, Rose Goldsmith, and Jane Lieto.

Throughout his life, Joe enjoyed many passions that shaped who he was. With a love for sailing and golf, he often spent his summers on Long Island Sound or on the green at Longshore in Westport, Connecticut, where he and Bobbi lived for twenty seven years and raised their children, and in Florida, their adopted home state.  Joe was an active member of the Florida State Elks Association and enjoyed the camaraderie of the Stonegate Golf Club men’s league.  A humble man with twinkling blue eyes, a love of Big Band Swing, and a timeless sense of style, Joe was always happiest with his closest friends and family, and proclaimed himself to be “a lucky guy.”  Never at a loss for a profound turn of phrase, Joe will be remembered by his loved ones for his strength and warmth as well as his keen intellect.

The family plan to hold a celebration of Joe’s life at a later date.  In this time of reflection, the family welcome all who knew and loved Joe to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories.