Robert A. Zuppardi, 58, of Guilford passed away January 11, 2012 in St. Raphael’s Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Carol Montanaro Zuppardi. Mr. Zuppardi was born in New Haven Dec. 2, 1953, son of the late Anthony and Frances (Fernino) Zuppardi. He was predeceased by a brother Anthony Zuppardi. Besides his wife, he is survived by one son, Anthony (Cori) Zuppardi of East Haven; two daughters, Melissa (Joseph) Zuppardi-Bozzi of New Haven and Francesca Mari Zuppardi of Guilford; one grandchild, Gabriella Zuppardi, a grandson on the way. He also leaves behind his cherished in-laws, Joseph and Joan Schaefer of West Haven; and two brothers in law, Michael Montanaro of North Haven and Matthew (Patrizia) Schaefer of Wallingford.

A baker by trade, he was a former sole owner and operator of Zuppardi’s Apizza in West Haven. For several years Robert assisted his son Anthony Zuppardi (Tony) in running Tony Zuppardi’s Apizza in Wilmington Vermont. Robert’s infectious personality made him popular with his customers who he considered lifelong friends. He always made it his passion to make each and every customer feel like part of his family. Robert loved to engage his customers in conversation and friendly sports banter in addition to priding himself on remembering their favorite pizza. Most recently Robert teamed up with his best friend, protégé, and most importantly son Anthony Ralph Zuppardi III (Tony) and long time friend Paul Rivera to open Tony Z’s Apizza in Northford. Robert alongside his family and close friends strived to carry on the family legacy his father left behind in creating a restaurant based on the principles of love, family, and friendship which he considered each and every one of his customers to be.

The passion he had about his work was only second to the passion he had about his family especially his youngest daughter Francesca who excelled in softball, school and music. Anyone who knew Robert knows how proud he was of watching her pitch softball and of the young woman she is becoming.  Robert adored his wife Carol and the many memories they shared while vacationing in Rhode Island, Vermont, Florida and their memorable trip to Alaska. Robert was forever grateful for Carol’s unconditional love and support throughout all his times of need. Robert was also very proud of his daughter Melissa’s academic accomplishments and was excited to become a grandfather for the second time.

Robert loved watching sports and was an avid Miami Dolphin and Los Angeles Dodgers fan. In younger years he enjoyed playing softball and basketball as well as fishing with his son. Robert will be missed most by his family and anyone who had the opportunity to know him.

Friends may call at The Celentano Funeral Home, 424 Elm St. (cor. Dwight) New Haven Sunday from 4 to 8 pm and are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in St. George’s Church, 33 Whitfield St. on the Green in Guilford Monday morning at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Cleveland Clinic, Cardiothoracic Center, P.O. Box 931517, Cleveland, OH 44193. To leave condolence messages, please visit www.celentanofuneralhome.com.