Catherine "Kate" Zumpano, 96, of Port Jervis, died July 9, 2008. She was born March 16, 1912, in Frostburg, Md. She was married for 71 years to Joseph Zumpano, who predeceased her.
She was a resident of Port Jervis since 1940. She was employed by the Port Jervis Drug Co. until her retirement in 1977. She was a member of Saint Mary's Church, Port Jervis.
A family statement read: "Kate was a wonderful cook, and her recipes will be passed on for generations. She looked forward to sitting on her front porch and greeting neighbors and friends. She lived in her residence for 56 years, even after her husband's death in 2003. Kate's family is very grateful for the caring companionship and support provided by her friends since his passing. Special thanks to Joanna Muhlbeck, who was like her second daughter, and Joanna's husband, Ed, for the many things they did for Kate over the years. She loved you both very much. Many thanks to Tara McCann, who provided home care for the past several months, and Jodi Gunderman, who buoyed Kate's spirits with weekly visits for many years. Thanks to all the neighbors and friends who brightened her day by stopping by to chat. Their support allowed Kate to remain at home where she wanted to stay. She will be missed by all her friends and loving family. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother."
She is survived by her two sons, Vincent Zumpano and his wife, JoAnn, of Northfield, N.J., and Francis Zumpano and his wife, Emily, of South Windsor, Conn.; and her brother, Albert Via, of Frostburg. Kate loved surrounding herself with family and friends and will be missed by her nine grandchildren and her 20 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Jim Kelly, of Middletown, and her brothers Anthony, Adam, Herman, Alfred and Adolph Via.
Visitation was Sunday at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Port Jervis. Prayers were offered Monday at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Port Jervis.
Burial was in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Middletown.
Memorial contributions may be made to the James P. Kelly Scholarship Fund, c/o Kathleen Mortimore, 200 Phillipsburg Road, Goshen, NY 10924.
Funeral arrangements were by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771. For information or to send a condolence note to the family, visit www.Knight-Auchmoody.com.