Obituaries

GERALD RONALD ZOPPA
SEPTEMBER 12, 1936 – FEBRUARY 5, 2022

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts, that we announce the passing of Jerry, as everyone knew him, (except when his Mom was mad …or the police) on February 5, 2022 of lung cancer.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Anna of 64 years and his daughters Diana (Shawn) and
Jeri-Ann; sons David and Glen (Cindy) and his grandchildren Sara and Courtney, Taylor and Allie, Connor, Liam and Alex.

Jerry was predeceased by his mother Anne Zoppa and father Peter Zoppa in Selkirk, Manitoba and Thunder Bay as well as several family members.

He was born in Kenora, Ontario and moved with his parents Anne and Peter Zoppa to Thunder Bay, Ontario where he stayed until he married in 1958. Jerry and Anna moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1962.

Jerry loved his country music, especially the guitar. While living in Thunder Bay he had his own four-piece band. They played at school dances, Club Seaway in T-Bay, and many different venues. He was also a member of the local Musician’s Union for many years. He was a lifelong trucker, travelling throughout Canada and the USA in his transport truck.

He was a family man who loved his grandchildren, and especially loved singing songs, like his favorites, “Molasses, Molasses”, and “The Cat Came Back”. Jerry loved travelling with Anna in their motor home from coast to coast in Canada and throughout the U.S. with trips to Hawaii and Cuba. He loved the warm weather.

Jerry was an active member of the Lisgar Lodge in Selkirk from 2005 to 2021 and introduced the infamous “Pig Roast” that happened every summer at the Lodge. He joined the Khartum Shriners in 2007 and had his 1990 Ford Custom 500 in all the parades in Canada and the USA.

He will be greatly missed by brother-in-law’s Bill (Joan), Rudy (Gail) in Thunder Bay and Ignace, Ontario as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Special thanks to the staff at the Grace Hospital and H.S.C. for their care, and lastly Riverview Health Centre for all that they did for Jerry. God Bless.

Cremation has taken place.

To celebrate and honor Gerald’s life, the family is holding a Service of Remembrance on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at the Masonic Memorial Centre, 420 Corydon Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba at 1:00 p.m. with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to the Shrine Transportation Fund at the Shrine House on Wilkes Avenue.