Joseph Anthony Zanelotti, Jr, 96, passed away April 3, 2022 in North Beach, surrounded by his family. He was born March 25, 1926 in Washington, D.C. to Joseph Anthony, Sr. and Lena (Mazzocchi). His father came over from Italy and settled in Washington, D.C., where they raised their 16 children.

Joseph entered the U.S. Navy in January 1944 at the age of 17. He went to the Great Lakes for boot camp and after his 6 weeks, he went to gunnery school in New Orleans. After his training, and earning the rank Gunner’s mate, he joined his first ship, “The Juan Seguin”, and the assignment was to transport material around the US Coast.

The ship then joined a convoy to the North Atlantic, transporting war material and men to Europe. During the 27 months he served, Joseph traveled to Libya, Tripoli, Egypt, France and England. Joseph was proud to serve his country and protect our freedom. He had seven brothers, and during his service four also served at the same time.

Not only was he proud to serve his country, Joseph was immensely proud of his family. He truly believed that family came first. He married the love of his life, Doris Marie Emelio on January 5, 1947 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. Together they had five children. After leaving the military, he spent his career as a tile and marble superintendent.

Joseph enjoyed fishing, rabbit hunting, and grew a beautiful garden. He enjoyed coaching youth soccer, softball and basketball, even after his own kids were grown. He was extremely athletic and exceled at all sports. He was a Washington Senators, now Nationals fan as well as the Redskins. Joseph loved his family and would host large Christmas gatherings at his home, where he lived alone until he was 95. He made the best homemade ravioli and sauce.

Joseph is survived by children Joseph Zanelotti and wife Sandy, Joyce Hartman, James Zanelotti and wife Mary, Joanie Zanelotti-Cook and husband Buddy and Teresa Zanelotti-Whitten. Also surviving are grandchildren Joey, (Dragana), Jamie (Joe), Becky, Timmy (Bridgid), Nikki, Anthony (Sarah), Ashley (Matt), Jeff (Ashley), Natalie (Jason), Denny and Craig, and 27 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Doris, all his siblings, and sons-in-law Bill Hartman and Dave Whitten.

A private family interment will take place at a later date at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham. A reception will follow the Mass in Padua Hall at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.