John Edward Zapatka

Beacon Falls – John Edward Zapatka, 85, passed away February 23, 2026, at his home with his caring family surrounding him, transitioning to heaven to meet his wife, Nancy Ann Zapatka of Beacon Falls.

John was born July 13, 1940, in Waterbury, CT. The son of the late Alyda and Stanley Zapatka. He served proudly in the U.S. Navy and as a volunteer firefighter at Beacon Hose Co. No. 1. John worked at New Haven Copper and retired to enjoy Rhode Island and his family. He loved to eat, clam, fish, and play the lottery. John Zapatka was devoted to his family and friends. He kept sobriety over 55 years to allow his family the best life from motocross to waterskiing to fireworks. John loved being a dad, an ocean person, an animal person, and he taught several of our friends’ children to swim in Rhode Island. John always believed, “the more the merrier”.

Mr. Zapatka is survived by his daughters Susan and Melissa “Missy” Zapatka both of Beacon Falls; his sister Sandra Robinson, his sister-in-law’s Barbara Barry of Derby, RoseMarie Gruttadauria of MA, and his furry four-legged granddaughter Zoey. He is also survived by his niece Heather Grillo and her husband Anthony Grillo and nephews Michael Gruttadauria and his wife Tracy Gruttadauria, Bryan Gruttadauria, Matthew Gruttadauria and his wife Lisa Gruttadauria and Matthew Knapik; his many great nieces and nephews Jared Grillo, Sydney Grillo, Jack Gruttadauria, Thomas, Joseph and Anna Gruttadauria, Zack, and Emily Shell, Josh, Austin, and Aurora Knapik. John was predeceased by his daughter Lisa Marie, his brother-in-law’s Anthony Gruttadauria and Earl Robinson, and his furry four-legged grandchildren, Joy, AWOL and Freight.

Our family wants to thank all our friends, family, neighbors, and Beacon Hose Co. No. 1 for their constant support and love over the years. We thank our care team, Mary Martinez, Josephine Onofrio, and the Constellation Hospice Team. Each of you is so wonderful; we are very blessed. I personally want to wish my VA work family/team for all the love, support, and coverage during this time and always.

Arrangements – Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family and there are no calling hours. The Buckmiller-Ford-Mengacci Funeral Home of Naugatuck is aiding with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Beacon Hose Co. No. 1 by clicking HERE