Alma M Zangaro's Obituary
Alma Zangaro (née Santosusso), 92, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2024, surrounded by her family. Born on January 14, 1932, in Philadelphia, PA, to Alfonso and Madeline Santosusso. She was the devoted wife of the late Anthony A. Zangaro for 55 years before his passing in 2007.
Beloved mother to Joseph Zangaro (Kt Carney), and the late Mark A. Zangaro (Evelyn Horowitz Zangaro). Cherished grandmother to Kief Zangaro (Becky), Kathryn Pedreira (Rocco), Mara Zangaro-Carolan (Alan Rossi), Joseph K. Zangaro, Jacob Zangaro, and Caroline Udell. Proud great-grandmother to Logan, Kaylee, Russell, Audrey, and Malia. Dear sister to the late Anthony Santosusso. Former mother-in-law to Carol Kramer-Zangaro.
Alma was born and raised in West Philadelphia and attended St. Francis de Sales Catholic School and West Philadelphia Girls Catholic High School, where she developed her beautiful handwriting. She went on to receive a certificate in Gerontology and managed a 150-unit assisted care property in Ventnor, NJ, for many years.
Those who knew Alma remember her as the life of the party. She enjoyed her daily 4 PM sangria along with singing and dancing to her favorite pop songs and music from the 40s. Alma was a devoted wife and mother, serving as a proud den mother for her sons’ Boy Scout troop, and was active in St. Peter’s Parish in Riverside. “Alla Famiglia!” was always proclaimed after saying grace before enjoying her famous home-cooked Italian meals. Her signature dishes included Pasta e Fagioli, meatballs and gravy, and Italian Wedding Soup.
Her home was adorned with her favorite animals—turtles, and she often humorously said, “We’re off like a herd of turtles.”
Among her passions, she love gardening, the Phillies and Eagles, and was devoted to her aunts, uncles, and the Greenwood Ave neighbors.
Above all, Alma will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family and her faith. Alma's vibrant spirit and loving nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Friday, June 14th at Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 North, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and again the next day at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church on Main Street in Moorestown, NJ. A short viewing from 9:00am will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30. Burial will be held privately on a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations on Alma’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s NJ foundation, https://www.alznj.org/, or the Penn Memory Center, www.PennMedicine.org/PMC
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