We welcome friends and family to submit your fondest thoughts and memories of George, or your condolences to his family, so that we might add them to a list of tributes to share with all who visit our web site. To do so, simply complete a Memorial Tribute form and submit it to us. We will post your tribute as soon as possible.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

For Our "Pop" or "Pop-Pop",

Always a smile with a hug or a long handshake; always a kiss with a tear of happiness; always a genuine happiness to see us when we walked through your door; and ALWAYS a suit and tie! Your pride of "Family" always shining strong on everyone that surrounded you at any gathering or celebration. That pride "has" instilled an entire new meaning to everyone you've touched throughout the decades, the next generations beginning their families, and the little ones who watched - it has shaped them as well. You have given SO much without even knowing just how important it would become in so many lives. Not by material, not by monetary or anything that would leave us within that week.....but simply by example. Your amazing strength in your beliefs, values and love of family have forever shaped us all and will stay here long after we grieve your loss. That gift never ends... as your strength, steadfast faith and love will carry us through these difficult days as we miss your earthly presence. Your family is reunited with Nana in God's love and that peaceful vision will warm our hearts. Please know how much we'll cherish your beautiful writings in all of the cards you've given us. They will touch generations to come and almost surely, make them cry as well! Rest now, strong Father...you are at home in our hearts. We love you.

In Love & Prayer,
Michael, Shar, Brittany & Maddie
saffa@rcn.com

Sunday, January 6, 2007

With sincere condolences for your loss.

The Vash family

Sunday, January 6, 2007

Please accept our deepest sympathy from the Bedo and Titus family. I grew up with Martha (Sister Mary Martha) and remember going to George's Market on Thomas Street, during grade school. Mr. and Mrs. Zammatore were always very cheerful and pleasant. My brother Bill Bedo went to school with Roseann at Brensinger. My daughter Jennifer also knew them growing up. May he rest in peace now that they are together again.

Jeane (Bedo) and Ron Titus
barny@usa.net

Sunday, January 6, 2007

To my Dad,

The last year and a half of your life was hard for both of us, yet I found joy in spending the many days I visited with you at the Care Center to be quality time where we just sat together, sang songs with the other residents and talked about the past. You knew we would always be there for you and never forgotten.

I remember walking to Kindergarten with you, hand and hand and when I started learning math, you would have me recite my multiplication tables. I was always good in math and I think you gave me the foundation. Working in the store, learning to make change (before computers!) and talking to the customers gave me the social skills to enjoy people of all nationalities. You and Mom also made me proud of our heritage as Italians, but never showed prejudice to other nationalities.

I thank you for the moral values you taught us, the sacrifices you made to give us a loving home and for always being there when we needed moral support.

I will always keep you in my heart and will miss you! You are now with Mom and at peace.

Love,
Roseann
joro77@ptd.net

Sunday, January 6, 2007

Pop,

Well, I always knew the day would come when I wouldn't be able to visit you in person or call you on the phone to say hello and hear your voice. What I didn't know was how badly I would feel now that you and Nana are both gone. No matter how many times a person has to experience a personal loss over the course of their life, they can never quite prepare for the reality of it all.

The last day and a half, pictures of my life with you have passed through my head: Family parties in the backyard and garage on Thomas Street, Chris and I sleeping over Nana and Pop's house on a Saturday night which always included church followed by a trip to your favorite fast food place, Burger King; You slicing lunch meat in the back of the store and Chris and I running back to get a slice of chopped ham or American cheese; Christmas Eves; Bringing in the boxes for the weekly store order, then marking the cans/boxes/packages and stocking the shelves; Refilling the cigarettes and trying to memorize every brand; Working the cash register for the first time with you over my shoulder (of course that was back in the days when we had to figure out tax, total and change all in our head because no one did it for you; Us sneaking banjos from the ice cream freezer and cupcakes from the Tastycake display and thinking that you and Nana didn't know; Watching the neighborhood kids drive you crazy over the penny candy you sold (you know 'DON'T TELL ME WHAT YOU DON'T WANT, TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT!!!'); You telling me when I started driving a car to 'WATCH OUT FOR THE NUTS ON THE ROAD AND DON'T YOU BE ONE'; Nana saying 'HEY BUDDY!' when she disapproved of something we said or did; Your various apartments; Our trips to church (just the two of us) followed by lunch; My visits while you were at the nursing home and the smile you would give me which told me that, although you might not have known right away, you knew it was me.

The list goes on and on. But one thing remains constant in all the memories. You were a man of principal who felt strongly in his beliefs and who was very proud of his accomplishments, his heritage and especially his family. Many people, friends and family alike, loved you very much because you were a caring, sensitive man. I am sure that all your grandchildren feel very fortunate that we were able to enjoy you for such a long, wonderful life. I am happy that your great grandchildren were able to enjoy you as well.

I was always proud to ask someone if they remembered "George's Market" and then to be able to tell them that "George" was my grandfather. Thank you for being a wonderful father to Mom, Uncle Tom and Aunt Martha as well as a wonderful 'father figure' to us all. I am honored to be your grandson and proud to have you as my grandfather.

Pop, I will miss you more than you know.

Love Always,
Michael
maffa17@rcn.com

Monday, January 7, 2008

This man was not only my father, he was my personal hero and role model, as well. Sadly, after years of waging simultaneous battles with prostate cancer, Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Syndrome, my Dad finally gave up the fight and allowed the God of his Christian faith to take him to what we are taught is a much better place.

My Dad was never involved in politics, either on a national or state level. He never achieved advanced degrees, having only graduated high school. Because no jobs were available, his father mortgaged his home to enable him to buy his first business at the age or 19 and he had owned his own businesses ever since, until retiring in 1980.

He had poor eyesight throughout his life, and spent the years of World War 2 running his store as the sole means of support of his wife and infant daughter, Roseann, as well as his widowed mother and younger sister, Pearl, who had no social safety net in those days to provide for their care, while working nights in the defense effort at Bethlehem Steel. He rarely traveled or took any vacations, devoting every cent to the support and education of his three kids.

Although he was an active member of his Church community, it was only after his retirement that he threw himself into community service, which he did with a vengeance. Funny thing is, whatever group he joined, he invariably became its president, probably because this man was the most organized person I've even known, but more likely because he had the biggest mouth in the group (I say that affectionately) and knew how to get, and keep, the attention of whatever group he happened to be a member.

My father had a deep and abiding love of this country and its promise of a better life for all who chose to live here. This is a message he received from his own parents who left their lives in Sicily and immigrated to this country around the turn of the prior century. I last saw my Dad this past Wednesday in the hospital. At that time he was awake and in no pain. I was even able to get him to laugh at some goofball remark I made to him (I forget what it was now).

Ironically, I discovered that his roommate in the hospital, before he was returned Friday to his nursing home where he died the next day, was his old mailman, who delivered to him both at the store and at the senior apartment complex where he last resided before going into nursing care. Himself 85 year old, this man told me that my Dad used to give him a soda and a snack from his store at least once a week. He also remembered my Dad walking down South Main Street greeting, and being greeted by, everyone he met. His words to me? "I told my wife that George would probably be elected mayor if he ran." Especially during the past year and a half of my father's nursing care, I've heard numerous such stories about my Dad from people, many of whom I had never met before.

At the risk of becoming too maudlin (i.e. effusively or tearfully sentimental), I will end my comments here, concerning this remarkable man. Beyond the tribute I wish to pay to my father, I believe my Dad's story is illustrative of the proposition that everyone's life has value, no matter how humble. In my own personal, biased, opinion, this is a life deserving of honor and respect.

Over the years I've come to believe that before someone can be called a great man, he first has to be a good man. As good men go, I believe my Dad was the absolute best.

Tom Brokaw likes to refer to the Americans who came of age during the Great Depression as the Greatest Generation. In my humble opinion, this man was one of its greatest members.

Thomas A. Zammatore
Pieman56S@aol.com

Monday, January 7, 2008

My Beloved Pop,

There are just not enough words to describe the incredible loss I feel now that you are gone. Over the last few days I've spoken to countless family and friends, every one of them said the exact same thing..."George was a man of honor and dignity" "George was loved and respected" "George was quick with a smile, handshake or hug" But to me and Michael, you were just "Pop"...the leader of the family, our cheerleader, our friend.....I have so many wonderful memories of you and Nana, and of the store. I loved your house so much...it was my favorite place to stay other than home when I was younger. I remember how excited Mike and I would get when Mom would tell us that we were staying overnight with you....WHOOPEE SUGAR CEREAL!!!!! How Nana's sheets always smelled like they came right from the clothesline, how no matter how late it was, you always let us get one more snack from the store, the smell of the kitchen on almost any given day, the way your kitchen table was always set at night for breakfast the following morning, the aluminum tree that used to be in the store, learning the register, the cigarettes and how to close the tops of my number nines on the cans! THAT DROVE YOU NUTS!! I remember being a little girl and staring up at you while you were slicing meat in the back of the store, you smiling down at me..I always thought you were so tall, turns out I was just short!!

You have made our family what it is today Pop. We are held together by a bond that you and Nana created that is so strong, nothing can break us apart. I am so thankful that I spent the last few months revisiting the old days with you..even though sometimes it seemed that you didn't remember me, I know you knew. I always told you and Nana that you two were my inspiration, my faith my reason for hanging in there and never giving up...I am strong and capable not only from the love of two wonderful parents, but also, my grandparents. I will carry yours and Nanas love in my heart always, and will never forget how lucky I was to have my "Pop" as long as I did.

Be at peace with Nana and know that your family carries on strong with the bonds you've created.

Love, Kisses and Prayers,
Your Granddaughter,
Christine
astm55@yahoo.com

Monday, January 7, 2008

Joe and I just wanted you to know how sorry we our for your loss. Your Mom and Dad always made us feel at home when ever we were in their presence. All the times we doubled dated. Our marriages, our children. George always had a smile and hug for us. No matter when we would see him. Joe and I will always admire him. He will be missed. Be good to one another and Take care of yourselves.

Always my friend.
Love,
Carol and Joe Borini
cedlordevham@bellsouth.net

Monday, January 7, 2008

Many people come and go in our lives and few leave lasting impressions or touch our hearts. I only knew him for a short while but George was one of those special people. His gentle smile, his outstretched hand and his wonderful singing voice that filled the lobby and brightened my day, is what I'll miss the most! Lopatcong Center will never be the same. From my family to yours, our deepest and heartfelt sympathy.

Deborah McMinn
djmcminn@verizon.net

Monday, January 7, 2008

Dearest Dad:

When God called me to the religious life, you were Mom's strength as I received your blessing. When I left for the foreign mission, I was sent with your blessing. After finishing your long hours of store work, 12:00, 1:00, even 2:00 a.m. you each would write me a letter of the days happenings (365 days and ? letters) They faithfully arrived in Chile too.

How can I not thank you for making the accordion so alive for me as you taught me to play from the heart. What a gift in my work in Chile! Who would have thought? But I think I really contemplated the strength of all you and Mom believed, lived and even died for when Mom died. You never wanted to interfere in our lives. When I came home, the apartment was so empty. I didn't know how to help you adapt to the reality and was concerned. You took the initiative, from the first night, to show the three of us that you were okay. You would not let me sleep in the apartment. After the funeral you returned immediately to the normal rhythm of going to the Nutrition Center, with your volunteer commitments as always, and two weeks you shipped me back to Chile again, with your blessing.

You've supported me step by step with the strength of a fathers love. I always told you my name is Chip: Chip off the old block. As time went on, I came to see actually what a gift it is to be like you. Leaping through the years like this leaves so much unsaid. But it will be retold in my in life's work and commitment. Thank you, Dad. We will keep that torch that you and Mom have handed on to us brightly burning. It will be passed on with our blessing.

Love and prayers always,
Your Martha
mzammatore@hotmail.com

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

We are very grateful that we had a chance to spend occasions with Roseann's dad and enjoyed his company very much. He had a nice sense of humor and reminiscing with him was a joy. His attire was that of a fine gentleman (we loved the ties) and he always wore a pin with his wifes picture and NEVER failed to speak of how much he loved and missed her. Now he will be with her.

He was very fortunate to have the love and caring of his family which made his journey to heaven a peaceful one.

With sincere sympathy.

Di and Jan Reynolds
jadi55@ptd.net

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Tom, I am sorry. While reading about Mr. George Zammatore on this web site I thought about this book,

Father to Son: Life Lessons on Raising a Boy by Harry H. Harrison.

A young boy doesn't come with instructions. He just comes with boundless energy, spirit, and love, all waiting to be shaped. And one of the powerful forces in the shaping is the wish to grow up to be "just like Dad," who was himself a young boy once. With apologies to mothers and daughters, there's really nothing like the primal bond between a son and his father.

A little book of wisdom for fathers on raising boys, Father to Son is a guide to the joys and responsibilities of fatherhood. Divided into sections covering the different stages of a boy's life, the book features one succinct lesson per page-some lighthearted, some serious, all supported by the book's strong moral backbone. Here is the importance of passing along skills- "Show him how to eat an Oreo." "Show him how to put a baseball in a new glove and wrap a belt around it." Of setting a good example- "Be home for dinner." "Do push-ups together." Of staying involved- "Race him. You'll never forget the day he beats you." "Be sure to meet his girlfriends." Being flexible- "If his favorite thing about organized sports is the uniform, let him wear it to school." Offering guideposts, material and intangible- "Hang a punching bag in the garage." "Put a computer in his room. Never a TV." "Never tell him boys don't cry-ask him why he's crying." Nurturing responsibility- "Make him understand that even a small lie makes him a liar." "Teach him the joy of finishing a job." And instilling wonder- "Teach him the joys of staring at the moon." "Encourage him to go barefoot."

Submitted by: Unknown
upenshah@hotmail.com