Joseph (Smokin Joe) Zello, Jr.

Joseph F. Zello, Jr., 61, of Conneaut Lake passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Joe was born in Los Angeles, CA September 17th, 1960 a son of Joseph Frank Zello, Sr. and Judith Ann (Smith) Zello.  He married his devoted wife, Beverly (Deafenbaugh) Zello and they have been together for 29 years.

Joe was a graduate of Hempfield High School, Greensburg, PA.  Joe worked in Meadville and Pittsburgh for many years and in 1988, he returned to Conneaut Lake to build and open a family restaurant known as Smokin’ Joe’s Wild Wing Café.  He also leased the Lakeside Driving Range for several years.  In 1997, Joe and Bev purchased the East Side Car Wash that is still in operation to this day.  They continued with the restaurant until he became ill with RA and sold the business in 2006.  In 2007, helping his son Matt, they formed Smokin’ Joe’s Lawn Care specializing in residential lawn care around the lake.

He was a faithful member of Our Lady Queen of the Americas Church.  Joe was a member of the Conneaut Lake Sportsman Association and was an avid hunter.  He loved being outdoors whether hunting, fishing or just being in the woods.  Joe was the little league baseball coach for his son's team for many years.  He was always on the move helping others whenever he asked and "specialized in the development of student employees" through his restaurant. Joe would create valued friendships to everyone he crossed paths with and will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Beverly of Conneaut Lake; his son, Matthew Zello (Rachel) of Dickson, TN who are expecting his first granddaughter in April 2022; his mother, Judith Zello of Greensburg; his sister, Melissa McCoy (Timothy) of Ligonier; his brother, Robert Zello (Kimberly) of Germantown, MD and his niece, Cassidy McCoy; his mother-in-law, Betty Deafenbaugh of Beaver Falls, numerous brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Joe with visiting hours on Sunday, November 14, 2021 from 2-6 p.m. and Monday, November 15, 2021 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Waid-Coleman Funeral Home, Inc., 12422 Conneaut Lake Road, Conneaut Lake.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of the Americas Church, 155 S. Ninth Street, Conneaut Lake with Fr. Jeffrey Lucas, Celebrant.

The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Our Lady Queen of the Americas Church, 155 S. Ninth Street, Conneaut Lake 16316 or to the Conneaut Lake Sportsmen’s Assoc., 11861 Sportsman Road, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidcolemanfh.com

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