James R Zirpoli, Sr.

James R. Zirpoli, Sr. 77 , of Toms River, formerly of Newark, passed away May 15, 2025 after a year-long battle with various illnesses.

Jim was born and raised in Newark, NJ. He graduated from East Side High School (Newark) in 1965.  He attended Monmouth College for a year, studying fine arts.  He served his country in the Navy Reserve during the Viet Nam War and was medically discharged.  Jim worked alongside his dad in his printshop, later taking over the operation. He then moved on to part-owner, along with his brothers, of 4Z’s Deli & sub shop & Zirpoli’s Pizzeria. The brothers also owned and operated The Bootlegger, a bar, in the Ironbound section of Newark. His entrepreneurial spirit took him into the construction business where he remained until he retired and moved to Toms River.

Jim was a very talented artist, which he pursued upon retirement.  He worked in many mediums; i.e., charcoal sketches and both acrylic and oil paintings. He gifted a few lucky relatives and friends with portraits of themselves, a loved one or even a pet.

Jim was a realist with a very big heart, always there with advice or any way he could help his family and friends.  He enjoyed both classic rock and classical music.  He loved to listen to Pavarotti or classical music to relax.  He was very intrigued by the spirit world and liked to say he had a connection with those who passed.

The most important people in Jim’s life were his 3 loving grandchildren, Luca, Mia and Rocco Zirpoli.  I don’t think you could find a bigger smile than his when he was spending time with them or watching their sporting events.  Sadly, the last few years he was unable to attend in person, but he would watch online when possible and cheer them on from home.

Jim was the loving husband of Mary (Levant) Zirpoli, his wife of 55 years.  They met at the age of 13 when his family moved into the neighborhood and have been together ever since.  Jim was the devoted/proud father of Jason Zirpoli and his wife Alfie (Grasso) Zirpoli and James R. Zirpoli, Jr, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 40.  He also leaves behind his loving brothers and sister, Charles Zirpoli & his wife Sheila, Edie (Zirpoli) Pepe, and Ralph Zirpoli and his wife, Olga, as well as his brother-in-law, William Levant and wife, Juanita, and sister-in-law Lois Levant Somodi & numerous nieces and nephews. James was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Carmella (Biondi) Zirpoli.

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Sunday, May 18th from 1-5pm.  Funeral on Monday, May 19th, assembling at the funeral home at 9am, followed by the funeral mass at Holy Family Church in Florham Park at 10am.  Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in E. Hanover.

In memory of Jim, charitable donations can be made to the American Kidney Foundation; @give.kidneyfund.org

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