BETHLEHEM – It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mr. Salvatore Joseph Zarrella, age 101, say farewell for now to our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, who passed away at Vitas Inpatient Unit of St Mary’s Hospital on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, surrounded by the comfort and love of his family. He was the widower of Yolanda (Petto) Zarrella.

Sal was born on July 10, 1925, in New Rochelle, NY, the son of the late Salvatore and Jennie (Coviello) Zarrella. He was educated in local schools, and he proudly served his country in the United States Army as a paratrooper during World War II, participating in numerous battles and missions in the European theater. He was recognized by the State of CT and the American Legion as one of the oldest combat veterans in Connecticut, a testament to his bravery and dedication. Salvatore's service to his country exemplified the values of honor and sacrifice, which he carried with him throughout his life. He was honored several times as the longest living WWII veteran by several organizations including a proclamation presented to him and his family by Senator Richard Blumenthal. He was employed for many years as a Master plumber with Scovill Mfg. He was known to many as the guy who could fix or repair anything and everything and loved woodworking.

Throughout his remarkable 101 years of life, he exemplified the values of honor, integrity, devotion, and love. A proud veteran who served his country with dignity, he considered his greatest privilege and most meaningful accomplishment not his military service or the many milestones of a century well lived, but the family he loved so dearly. Above all else, he was a devoted family man whose children and grandchildren were the very center of his world. Their happiness brought him his greatest joy, their accomplishments his greatest pride, and their love his greatest comfort. To him, family wasn't simply an important part of life—it was everything.

Left to honor his legacy and treasure his memory are his children: Dennis and his wife, Diane of Vero Beach FL, Gerald and his wife, Barbara of Ocean City NJ, John and his wife, MaryAnn of Torrington; Teresa Le and her husband, Trung of Bethlehem; Susan Barker and her husband, Douglas of Watertown, and Mark and his wife, Michelle of Morris. His grandchildren, with whom he had a very special relationship: Christine, Scott, Catie, Lauren, Nicholas, Matthew, Joseph, Mark, Jenna, Michael, Alyssa, John, Emily, Kelly, Ryan, Michelle, and Eric, as well as 11 great-grandchildren. He also leaves two brothers; Andrew of MA, Daniel of Waterbury, several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Sal was predeceased by his brother Patrick Zarrella. 

Funeral Services for Mr. Zarrella will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Prince of Peace Parish, Church of the Nativity, 48 East St., Bethlehem. Those planning to attend are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Watertown. Relatives and friends may visit with the Zarrella family on Friday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St @ Southmayd Rd., Waterbury. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Salvatore to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts of condolence.