My thoughts and prayers go to Mike's family. We went to HS together, had a few classes together and had a blast. Loved his sense of humor and his amazing artistic ability. I still have a pix he drew of me when we were "studying" in the library at Arcadia. I will treasure it always.

Message from Charlie Oscar

March 1, 2018 7:34 AM

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Message from Lori Loeffler

May 28, 2015 9:10 AM

I still think about you all the time. Miss the crazy fun we used to have. When we'd run into each other 1 maybe 2 years of not seeing or talking to each other it was like yesterday. Miss the sounds that you would make, I try to copy but just can't. Hope you are at peace and will forever love you.

Message from Joey Lyn

August 2, 2014 12:38 PM

I just heard of Mike passing. He was the first person I met the day I moved to Florida. He always looked after me. I am truly taken by his death. He was my stength at times.

Joey Lyn

Message from David Jackson

March 29, 2014 10:19 PM

Dear Mike,
We met almost 20 years ago with your Red Sox hat on a Sunday afternoon. Many good time memories watching the Oakland Raiders playing on your big screen with The Coach, Vince and Freddy. Watching Mike Tyson boxing matches and the Florida Gators on Saturday. You had a big heart! Love you Bro, see you in heaven.RIP

Message from Jim O'Hara

July 2, 2013 2:32 PM

Mike,115, hardly a day goes by that I don't think of you and recall your great sense of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed all our years / work together at BRPD. They broke the mold when you were made you, you truly were larger than life, which makes it so hard to believe you are gone. I rest easier knowing you are keeping "watch " from above and I look forward to riding shotgun with you , so you can show me the ropes in heaven someday RIP buddy, till we meet again, Jim 126

Message from Stacey Perlman

March 3, 2013 12:53 PM

I couldn't read your obituary's until now. I can't believe it's been a year and a half since your gone. I think of all the great times we had up to the day before you passed away. I'm so sorry I wasn't there with you that day. You were a great guy, would do anything for anyone. Your mom and I go to visit you at least 2 times a month. It's getting a little easier, but I still miss you so much. I hope your at peace. I love you.

Message from Jaclyn Muckey

November 1, 2011 1:27 AM

My family and I were very sad to hear of Mike\'s passing. We moved out of Boca in 2008, out of the \'Mike\' square we had going on on our street! I remember when they built Mike\'s house across the street from mine, and there are plenty of good memories. He was always so nice, hospitable, and funny. Always outside in his lawn chair tanning. We\'ll miss you! Condolences to the family. If you guys check this, feel free to find me on facebook or email me! I\'ve since gotten married. I was Jaclyn Helock, but am now Jaclyn Muckey. I\'d love to get in contact with ya\'ll again.

Message from Michele (Frere) Strong

October 6, 2011 2:21 PM

My memories of Mike are far to personal to blurt out on a posting. All I can say is how shocked I was to hear of his passing. Life took us in different directions but I never forgot Mike. I was actually calling to wish him a Happy Birthday when I found out he had passed away. I find it hard to believe that Mike is no longer in this world. I have spent several New Years Eves with Mike and lots of dating on and off, but the thing that stands out is when I needed a friend - Mike was ALWAYS there. I can recall our first date -like it was yesterday- even though it was years ago- I was 23 then and I will be 49 this week. Long time. His mom worked at Burdines (now Macys) where my mom was secretary at in Boca. A piece of my heart was always with you Mike - and you know what - it still is. There was never anyone who came close to you. Rest in peace Michael. Love you ...Michele.

Message from Marge Hartman

October 5, 2011 4:01 PM

Mrs Zappia and Family,
My deeepest and sincere sympathy for the loss of your son, brother, uncle, cousin. It was a complete shock to hear of the loss of such a great man! I met Mike years ago. He was friends with my Uncle (Jack Hartman). Mike was an incredible person inside & out. He will be missed!!!! RIP Mike. I Love U.

Message from Stephanie Hartman

October 5, 2011 1:32 AM

Zappia family: I am so sorry and heartbroken for you guys over Mikes passing! This is and was the biggest unexpected shocker to me. I would have never imagined that tall handsome tan man who I would go out to Boca Bar and grill with, who got called Dog every now and then to go this soon. Way too young! I talked to mike on the phone twice or 3 times a week the least since I moved back to Cleveland. I always called him "my michael Michael motorcycle" and he would always call me trix because he said I always had tricks up my sleeve. I''''''''ll never forget the man I saw running down the hallway of best western in his boxers and cowboy boots and hat over some guy that followed me.. I will greatly miss all of those things. His phone calls, letters any pics, his laugh and beautiful smile! His big warm heart. There was not enough men like him in this world.. And there will never be another! I was supposed to be making my trip to see him in December on the 28th.. Mike, I love you and you will forever hold a place in my heart and I will miss you like crazy and listening to that guard dog in your house when I call... And all those Teddy bear hugs and the way u would talk to my kids... Forever your trix!

Message from Gary Wolovick

September 27, 2011 2:29 PM

Dear Mrs. Zappia and Family.

I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Mike from the 1st grade at Kiley Elementary through Peabody High School. Mike and I ran track (Roy ran for Coach Smyrnios too) at Kennedy Junior High and Peabody High. We hung around throughout our years in Peabody. He will be greatly missed.

Gary Wolovick

Message from Rohan Mills

September 22, 2011 3:15 PM

To the Family of Mike Zappia,
My Family would like to extend our heart felt condolences on the passing of Mike. He will be missed. We only knew Mike for about a year or so, since we moved to his neighborhood in Boca Raton, Florida. He was among the first to welcome us to the neighborhood, and had been very pleasant, to us ever since. We will remember him.
Rohan

Message from Anthony Buck

September 15, 2011 8:46 PM

To the family of Mike Zappia,

I was terribly saddened to hear of Mikes death. I worked with Mike from the time he joined the Boca PD until I retired in '92. I was a roomate with him for a short time and we had some great times on the job and off. Mike was truely an icon of Boca Raton and everyone knew him, especially the girls. He will be long remembered as "that blond cop" in the city. My deepest condolences,
Anthony Buck

Message from Catherine Hahn

September 13, 2011 11:48 AM

So sorry for your loss, I have know Mike for 20 years, what a great guy and served the Boca Police Dept with the upmost respect ...I would be riding my bike on A1A he would alway's go out of his way to say hi, and always ask how my son was doing... Jason Skahill... We will truely miss him..

Catherine

Message from evafellows

September 12, 2011 11:59 AM

Cathy,
I didn't know your brother very well. But he was a very friendly and colorful neighbor. I do know how much he loved you and your family. My kids still talk about the time he hid in a makebelieve coffin and then scared everyone at your Halloween party. He looked like the Dog, but he seemed like a real softie inside.Please accept my condolences for your loss, and drop me a line if you get the time. My best wishes to you and your family. Best, Eva (mother of Rebecca and Justin).

Message from Sharon (Stoner) Gerard

September 10, 2011 6:33 PM

I am sad to hear of Mike's passing. For the family... I feel your pain and sorrow. This summer (7 weeks ago) my 52 year old brother was found deceased in his bed and the cause of death is still unknown. I know what you are going through and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Mike was a friend and neighbor of mine at Banyan Courts. I'll always remember his bronzed bod and beautiful smile. He was a great guy and the kind of person whom you can never forget. He left a lasting impression to all that he came in contact with him.
Mike...keep smiling..they're all gonna love you in heaven too!!

Message from John P. Trombino

September 10, 2011 2:34 PM

Mrs. Zappia and Family,
I am very sorry to hear of Mike''s passing from my brother Mike. I remember meeting Mr. Zappia through Mike Zap and my brother Mike when you were living off Griffin Road in Davie, Florida. I got a few chances to hang around Mike Zap over the years when he came over to my parents beach house on Fort Lauderdale beach and on one occasion; Mike Zap along with some of my brother''s went target shooting at our plant nursery off Flamingo Road "back in the day" when there were nothing but orange groves in Davie; I still remember every detail as if it were yesterday. God bless you, Mike Zappia and family.

Message from Jack Watts

September 10, 2011 12:48 PM

Mrs. Zappia and Family,
My heart is heavy and sad. A man with whom I shared a part of my life is gone.
I met Mike at Morristown High and a great group of friends began to emerge. We went to County College of Morris and graduated together. A short time after moving to Boca and enrolling at FAU, Mike and George Ubertaccio came down. Together with Dave Salerno and Jeff Innis, our friendship grew. We moved off campus and rented a condo at Sandlefoot Racquet Club. I wish I could be there with you to share some of the great times that we had together.
Later I moved back to NJ and got married. Mike was in my wedding party. What fun we had. What laughs. What memories. As the years passed by we lost touch (my fault not Mike''''s).
Although they have never met him, my three boys know Mike very well from the stories I have told them. When I would mention Mike a smile would always appear on my face.
There have only been a few times in my life when I have wept over the death of someone; this is one of those times. Deep down in my heart I loved Mike, and I still do.
Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens" "A time to be born, and a time to die" "A time to weep, and a time to laugh: a time to mourn and a time to dance".
It is a time to weep and mourn the loss of your son, but this is Mike Zap! It is truly a time to laugh and dance also.
May the Peace of God rest upon you.

Message from Bob " Boca Bob" Lanning

September 10, 2011 12:09 PM

So, so sorry. Mike was a friend and a great guy. I met Mike at the Gym ( where else- Mike Grabows Fountain of Health) in 1980. He would frequent my restaurant-The Rib Connection- where he would drive my waitresses crazy. We spent many a night at The WildFlower- and none of us can forget Mike in his uniform with those mirrored sunglasses cruising A1A saving those damsels in distress. Only cop I knew who had girls Hoping he'd pull them over. He was a kind spirit and will be missed. HAVE A BLESSED DAY

Message from Victoria Ann Fields

September 10, 2011 8:12 AM

Mike always brightened our day with his smile and quick wit. It's hard to say good bye to someone you have known for over twenty five years. He
will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Message from Jerry Warrick

September 9, 2011 10:51 PM

I am in complete shock and sadness..Mike and I were neighbors and best buddies in MorrisTownship, NJ,,We then lived together at Banyan Courts in Boca Raton while he was attenting Police Academy in West Palm and when he first joined the force in Boca..Over the next several years I visited many times, including trips to the Florida Keys. He stayed with me here in NJ many years later and we had a memorable trip into NYC, including having drinks at Waldorf -Astoria..then a mad dash the next day to get him back to Newark airport on time..I am sad...very very sad...

Message from George Ubertaccio

September 9, 2011 5:28 PM

Mrs. Zappia,
  I don''t know where to begin, other than to say I am so sorry for your loss... Your son Mike was one of my oldest life long friends. I can still remember Mike (with than New England accent), when he came to Morristown, his senior year of high school. We clicked right from the beginning.
  Mike would always reminisce of the "good old days" as the years would pass. It was amazing how he would remember everything, so many details, as if it were only yesterday!
  We continued on to County College of Morris, to pursue of a college degree in Law Enforcement. During that period I was able to meet many of Mike''s other friends from Peabody, MA. Instantly, I could see their strong bond that he had with these guys! One guy I''ll never forget is Kenny! The big guy with the funny accent!
  I joined Mike down in Boca Raton to continue our hunger for knowledge  at FAU. To make ends meet we worked at the Boca Tecca County Club. We met so many famous people (mostly athletes during that time). I still remember; one day at the club we saw a guy walking on the other side of the street and said it looked like Larry Csonka. We yelled out "hey Csonk", the guy looked back at us and continued to walk away. Once again we yelled "hey Csonk" and the guy stopped in his tracks, turned our way and started to walk across the street towards us. As this man approached us, we had to lift our heads to see his huge face and it seemed like this man just filled the sky with his physical presence! It was on of the only time I ever seen Mike speechless, as he did a Jackie Gleason "a hum a hum a humma". We were in awe!
  I left Florida, started working in the Morris County Sheriff''s Office, got married, had 2 sons and thru the years Mike has always been there! We''d chit chat about currents events, a national crisis or disaster, a killing of a law enforcement officer and our families.
  Our families meant so much to both of us. We shared the passing of our fathers and that of my mother. Mrs. Zappia he loved you! We would always talk about you mainly during our holiday conversations. I''d tell him to give you a kiss from me! Conversations of families would include Roy and Kathy as he would want updates on my 7 brothers & sisters.
  Mike was a very dear friend. I am going to miss him. There''s a void in my heart that can''t be filled! I will going to miss talking to him, his friendship, his sense of humor, his community service, his patriotism for our country and I am going to miss his huge heart!
  Mrs. Zappia unfortunately I regret that I am unable attend the funeral service for Mike. I am with a heavy heart as I continue to mourn the loss of your son! He is in my prayers.
  Words truly cannot express the personal feelings I have for Mike! They threw away the mold, for he is certainly was one of a kind!
  Mrs. Zappia, may God watch over you, Roy & Cathy as you grieve the loss of your son Michael.
  May God watch over Mike''s soul and welcome him with open arms!
  I never forget my friend "ZAP", your legacy will continue and I''ll see you "down the line" brother!

Message from ken Hoyle

September 9, 2011 4:38 PM

Mrs Zappia , Roy and Kathy, It is still hard to believe Mike is gone, I shared many great times with mike over our 40 years as friends. After reading Mike Trombino condolences, I believe he summed up what kind of person Mike was, I remember Eddie Munster from my visits to FAU in the late 1970"s and he was a great guy. Mike was like a brother to me and he will always be remembered with a smile. Over the years I met allot of Mike"s freinds from New Jersy and Florida. They were all great people. It will never be the same with out Mike ! Mike and I spoke several times a week on the phone. The past few months Mike called my Mother in the rehab just about every day. He knew how much that mean"t to me and how differcult it has been. I guess what hurts the most is there were so many good memories, My grandmother once said, what doesn"t made you laugh will never make you cry ! Rest in Peace Mike, You will be missed !

Message from Kimberly Howell

September 9, 2011 4:21 PM

Zap...I feel so deeply crushed, I will forever carry your love, and our special memories in my heart, mind and soul. Loving you forever ZAP!...Kimberly xoxo

Message from Joe Hinckley

September 9, 2011 11:11 AM

Mike, Thanks for a lot of good times and memories! You lived life to the fullest and had a big heart. You''ll long be remembered. Here is one for you!!! GO RAIDERS!!!

Message from Andrew Borozny

September 9, 2011 10:40 AM

Mrs. Zappia,
I just got the sad news of Mikes death! My family and I are so truly sorry for your loss.. mike was a wonderful man and a great friend! He was a one of a kind man who you only meet once in a life time. I remember the last day I saw him, my wife and daughter didn't know him and my 7 yr.old yelled out with excitemnt.... "Daddy, Mommy.. Dog the bounty hunter is accross the street can we go meet him?" And I looked over and and there was mike standing there lol! I called him over an when he came my daughter smiled and said " Wow..Its the dog" lol! He of course being the special man he was played along with it and took a picture with her and he made her day! He also asked my wife that day to make him a necklace and we were trying to contact him to give it to him and we never heard back from him... my wife would like to give the necklace to you! So I will try to come to duffys on sat night so she can. We again are so very sorry for your loss of a wonderful man / friend
P.S if I know Mike .... He will always be looking down smiling at all who knew him!

Message from Cheryl Freeman

September 9, 2011 10:33 AM

To the Zappia Family: Please accept my condolences on Mike's passing. Mike and I worked together in the PD Road Patrol. He was a sergeant and I was one of the Road Patrol secretaries. Mike always presented a macho and funny guy up front, but if you really talked to him, you found he had a really sensitive side. I know he loved his extended family. Mike and I both shopped at the Target on Linton and we ran into each other so often, it became a joke and we would leave after visiting and say "I'll see ya in a couple of weeks." Mike was a character and I'm glad I had the chance to get to know him.

Message from mimi crowley

September 9, 2011 9:51 AM

Mrs. Zappia, I grew up in west Peabody right next to the Hoyle's and hung out with Mike--I am so sorry for your loss--Mike was a great guy---Back in my 20's i moved to florida for a year and would keep in touch with Mike he would bring me to the latest clubs and he was the first guy to ever have a brush and working mini blow dryer in his car and he would always fix his hair before we got out of his vet!! He was one of a kind and always, always treated whoever he was with the utmost respect--i have alot of fond/funny memories of Mike and will hold onto those moments forever---My heart goes out to you and your family Mimi Crowley DiPietro

Message from Tim Price

September 9, 2011 8:21 AM

Mrs. Zappia, I pray for you and your Family and was saddened to hear of Mikes passing. I worked with Mike in Boca Raton for a few years before moving back to Gainesville Fl. For the short time I knew Mike we became good friends, he will be missed by all.

Message from mona butters

September 8, 2011 7:06 PM

To the zappia family i am so so truly sorry for your loss i met mike when i was 18 now in my 40s i had just moved here maybe a week and knew nobody mike introdouced me to alot of people and had such a great heart he was allways very respectfull to me and a great friend allways there if ever i needed anything and when ever i saw his handsome face with that great smile i would have the biggest smile back he allways made me laugh and made sure everything was ok mike rest in peace we will all miss you.........

Message from Dale & Jude Echeverria

September 8, 2011 5:59 PM

Mrs Zappia and family we are very sadden to hear of Mike''''s passing
way to early in life. Mike will be greatly missed around our house. Our
heart felt condolences.

Message from Lynn Griffin

September 8, 2011 5:44 PM

I am in shock and deeply saddened. I loved Mike with all of my heart. I know he's in Heaven with his little dog, DeeDee now. He's always called me Lynn, Lynn, the city from Sin from his northern roots. He was loved by so many. This is a tragic loss for all of us.

Message from Walt Shebet

September 8, 2011 3:58 PM

My sincere condolences to the Zappia family from one of Mike's friends from Boca. I always seemed to run into "Zap" all over town, if he wasn't doing his usual super job as "Sarge" for Boca P.D., to his bodyguarding days for Don King (had a blast with him and his buddies at the Boca Hotel and the Royal Palm Polo grounds with the limousine) to his Hulk Hogan Halloween get-up, complete with the feathered boa. For a short time he was a neighbor on Texas Trail and we would have some great long talks in the driveway/garage...last time I saw him was at the Boynton Beach Mall, coordinating jewelry shipments for Kay's Jewelers...one of the coolest people you could ever meet, my prayers are with you now...Rest In Peace, Mike!

Message from Mike Burson

September 8, 2011 2:17 PM

To the Zappia Family,
I would like to extend my sympathy's to you. I grew up in Boca Raton and had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Mike. He was a fine man and he will be missed.

Message from A.Micahel Trombino

September 8, 2011 1:42 PM

Mrs. Zappia and Family, It is with much sorrow and a heavy heart that I have heard of Mike's passing .It is just hard to believe that my old college roommate in the FAU dorms is gone. Mike was a great guy and he had a big heart.I remember what a great impression that he made on everyone on the sleepy FAU campus back in the late 1970's .It seemed like yesterday that we were living the carefree life of college students . Mike or " ZAP " as he was know to his many friends helped create the Animal House enviroment on and off campus as The Incredible Hulk.I always loved hanging out with Mike ZAP .There was never a dull moment ,either in classes that we took together ,working out in the weight room on campus or parties on and off campus.He was the life of the party and I was brunt of alot of his pranks and hijinks. He affectionately called me Eddie Munster and that was my nickname throughout our friendship. As years passed we went our seperate ways but every once in awhile we would meet and we would remember the good old days when life was alot simplier and carefree.It seemed to me that Mike still lived that carefree lifestyle for along time.I still remember him being there for me and family when my Dad passed away he was at the wake and funeral and was a good friend in my time of loss .I will not forget Mike visiting the hospital when my brother-in -law was undergoing major surgery .He was soft hearted and a caring guy under all that muscle and toughguy attitude.When he said I'll smash ya ! It was always in jest. We never had a cross word between us. I hope you all remember the good times because I will. I know that he surely loved his Mom and Dad and brother and kid sister. Love Ya ! ZAP, I will never forget the good old days and our ocassional get togethers around town . Always very eventful. You surely did live life to its fullest.Your gone way too soon.

Message from Judi Denker

September 8, 2011 12:59 PM

I worked with Mike in the 80s at Boca PD.....he always put a smile on my face. I will forever remember him (as Im sure most Boca females will) as tan, musclebound and with a perpetual grin on that handsome face. Let's not forget the Hulk Hogan doll on the dashboard of his cruiser......:>) Gone too soon Mike, Judi

Message from Lionel Buda

September 8, 2011 11:31 AM

Sorry for you loss.I worked with Mike at Boca PD in the 1980s as a police aid. I remember Mike and he always had me laughing. I also rode with him a few times. He was a good officer and will surely be missed.

Message from Roxanna Trinka

September 8, 2011 10:24 AM

RIP, Mike. Many years of memories at the gym and around town. Gone far too young.

Image: Arvind Balaraman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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