Joseph (Joe) Zeppo

Joseph (Joe) Zeppo, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family at the age of 95 on April 2, 2024. His legacy is etched in the hearts of those who knew him, and his impact will resonate for generations to come.

Born on March 29, 1929, Joe, a life-long resident of Uniontown, graduated from the Uniontown Area High School. His entrepreneurial spirit, strong work ethic, and unwavering values attributed to his successful start-up and operation of several business endeavors in downtown Uniontown for more than 60 years. His first business was a gas service station on Morgantown Street that eventually expanded to three. Interested in a new business opportunity, Joe divested his interest in the gas service stations and started a new family-owned business with his wife, Joan, by opening the city’s first Western Auto store in downtown Uniontown. Later, he transitioned the store to Zep’s Furniture, which remains in downtown Uniontown today under the ownership of his youngest son David. Joe made a special effort to know every customer by name and took great care to meet their needs and accommodate their requests. He truly appreciated and valued their patronage.

Joe’s greatest joy was his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Joan Oleskiewicz, in 1949. Their enduring love story spanned over seventy-four years, something only a lucky few are fortunate to experience. Virtually inseparable, Joan stood by his side, a pillar of strength and grace, as they lived, worked, played, and raised their three children: Philip, Sandi, and David.

As a father, Joe was both firm and tender. He taught his children the value of integrity, kindness, and resilience. He also instilled in them his sense of fun and love of laughter. His grandchildren and great grandchildren adored their “Pap-Pap” and cherished the stories he shared about his life experiences.

Although operating a small family-owned business left little time for hobbies, Joe loved playing and watching golf, duck-pin bowling in his early years, was an avid Steelers fan, and spent many a Saturday on the dance floor with the love of his life. They were members of and attended church services at Abundant Life Church, and were long-time members of the Elks Club.

Joe’s legacy extends beyond his accomplishments and hobbies. He leaves behind a blueprint for living a life of purpose, love, kindness, and resilience. His unwavering commitment to family and friends serves as an inspiration to all who knew him.

Preceding him in death are his parents; Philomena (D’Andria) and Albert Zeppo; two brothers, Philip and John Zeppo; and one sister Dorothy (Zeppo) Marriotti.

Left to cherish his memories are his devoted wife of 74+ years, Joan (Oleskiewicz) Zeppo; son, Philip (Sharyn) Zeppo of Ohio; daughter Sandra (George) Yezbak of North Carolina; son David (Tina) Zeppo of Uniontown; Grandchildren, Nicole Zeppo and Tania

(Michael) Bertolone of Ohio, and Tania Wargo of Uniontown; Great Grandchildren, Zach Zeppo, Giada Bertolone, Ty Rice, and EJ Barbosa.

The family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate team at WVU Hospice, with special thanks to Melissa, Brandy, Bethany, and Laura for their compassionate care and support. Their kindness and dedication eased our hearts as we navigated this difficult journey.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Andrew D. Ferguson Funeral Home in Uniontown where family and friends will be received on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Visitation will continue in the funeral home Saturday, April 6th, from 10-11 am followed by a service celebrating Joe’s life at 11 am with Pastor Ed Lakota officiating. Interment will follow in LaFayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the WVU Hospice Program or charity of choice.