Benjamin J. Zappa

Benjamin J. Zappa of Ridgway, PA died at 12:30 pm on Friday September 5, 2025, at age 85 following a long, debilitating, battle with multiple strokes and musculature weakness. Ben was born on January 13, 1940, in Sharon Pa.

He was the son, and only child, of Edward E. Zappa and Jennie Cantelupe Zappa. Ben married the love of his life Cheryl Sweeney on July 20, 1968. Ben lost his wife Cheryl to cancer on July 22, 2007, after 39 years of marriage. Besides his parents, and wife, Ben was predeceased by cousins; June Pringle, Joseph Ranallo, Joseph Cantelupe and William Cantelupe, and in-laws, Ralph and Martha Sweeney. Ben was the last of his immediate family but is survived by a Cousin Paula Cantelupe, of Sharon, Pa and two sisters-in-law: Pat Craig, of Chicora, Pa and Kathy Bowser of Butler, Pa.

Teaching was Ben's second love, and he taught in Ridgway schools for 33 years, before retiring. During those years Ben taught Junior high science and Senior high school Biology. It was also during those years that he met his wife Cheryl, who was a high school Guidance counselor.

In addition to teaching, Ben was also an avid runner, biker, swimmer, triathlete, marathoner and bowler. He amassed over 35,000 miles running and participated in 750 races. Participation also extended to Ben serving on the Ridgway YMCA Board of Directors, Tri County Rails to Trails Board of Directors and the Board of the Elk County Striders Running club where he was a founding member and served as president since 1985.

Funeral Services for Benjamin J. Zappa will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Krise Funeral Home, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA, 15853.

Burial will follow at Parklawn Memorial Gardens.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday at Krise Funeral Home from 10:00 AM until the time of service.

Ben requested that memorials be made to CAPSEA, P.O Box 464, Ridgway, PA, 15853.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com.