Brother John Zito, S.D.B.

1922 – 2010

Brother John Zito, SDB, returned to his Maker on June 8, 2010, from St. Philip the Apostle Residence in Tampa, FL. He was 88. Born in Niagara Falls, N.Y., he was the son of Sicilian immigrants, Joseph and Catherine Zito. He was a parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Niagara Falls. In 1938, he entered the Salesians of Don Bosco, making his profession of vows on Sept. 8, 1943.


Brother John was trained as a printer and practiced that trade for 12 years in New Jersey and Florida. During his life, he served in a number of ministries including the training of novices and running the St. Dominic Savio Classroom Club, a national organization that at its peak enrolled some 70,000 students (1959-1972). Brother Zito worked in the province vocation office for another 15 years (1972-1987) and then in youth ministry at the Salesian retreat center in Goshen, NY (1987-1991). From 1991 to 1999 he was treasurer of the house of formation in South Orange, N.J., and in 1999 he returned to the provincial house to help in the development office and then the mission office.


In 2006 Brother Zito retired to the St. Philip the Apostle Residence in Tampa, where he maintained an apostleship of prayer, counsel, and cheering for the Notre Dame football team!

Former provincial Father James Heuser said of Brother Zito: "For me, John lived a life clearly centered on God, a Salesian who made himself a brother to many, and who encouraged others to live in joyful trust. 'Smile, God loves you!' was his favorite motto ... a conviction which he lived."


He is survived by two brothers, Joseph (Angeline) Zito of Lewiston and Ralph (Anna) Zito of Niagara Falls as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by brothers Anthony (late Margaret) Zito, Paul (late Sarah) Zito, James (late Elizabeth) Zito, Samuel (late Gertrude) Zito, and sisters, Sr. Josephine Zito, FMA, Jennie (late Charles) Ruggirello, Mary (late Anthony) Catalfamo, Margaret (late Dominic) Certo.


Services were held in Florida and New York where he was buried in the Salesian Cemetery in Goshen, NY. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass which will be celebrated on Saturday June 26th at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Ave. Niagara Falls, NY. Memorials can be made to the Salesians of Don Bosco at St. Philip the Apostle Residence, 6410 East Chelsea St. Tampa, FL 33610. Local arrangements by M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Rd, Niagara Falls, NY 14304.