Obituary of Nelda "Nell" Zambelli

Nelida (Nell) Trapani Zambelli passed away on July 13, 2017 at the age of 96. Nell was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on October 8, 1920 to James and Esther Trapani, both of whom were originally from Southern Italy. The family moved from Argentina to Vineland in the late 1920's, making their home on Chestnut Avenue, where Nell fell in love and married her next door neighbor, Gino Zambelli. Their 60 plus year marriage brought forth three sons, Robert, William and Michael, and three grandchildren. Nell was a loving and fiercely loyal wife, mother and grandmother, always putting her family's needs ahead of her own. Due to Gino's career in accounting, Nell and Gino moved frequently, making homes in upstate New York, three wonderful years in Milan, Italy, and in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. After Gino's retirement, Nell and Gino settled in Atlantic City and Hallandale, Florida where Nell enjoyed the beach, the boardwalk and the casino nightlife. Nell and her beloved Gino enjoyed traveling and together they had many adventures exploring Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Nell took great pride in being an excellent homemaker and cook. While living in Italy, she mastered many Northern Italian recipes. One of her greatest joys was preparing meals for her family. When her youngest son entered high school, Nell looked for new ways to keep herself busy and found great joy in catalogue sales at Sears, Roebuck in White Plains, N.Y. She was a natural at this job, where her warm personality and strong commitment to customer service often won her the prize of top sales person. Nell is survived by her three sons, Robert, William and Michael, two daughters-in-law, Linda Simpson Zambelli and Grace Cocuzza Zambelli, three adored grandchildren, Elizabeth Benesh, Jessica Zambelli and Gregory Zambelli, her sister, Mary Trapani Clark, several nieces and nephews, and Robert's fiancée, Harriet Wigmore. Nell will be greatly missed but never forgotten as her legacy lives on in the hearts and deeds of her friends and family. A memorial service will be held at the Sacred Heart Cemetery Chapel on August 2 at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Nell's memory to a charity of your choice.