Thomas L.(Zap) Zappone age 69 of Marblehead, OH, passed away at Brethren Care Village on December 20, 2024. He was born in Ashland on September 1, 1955 the son of Ronald and Lila (Lee) Zappone, he was a resident of Ashland most of his life.

Tom graduated from Ashland High School in 1973 and attended The Ohio State University.  He was employed at Faultless Rubber/Abbott Labs before his retirement. He is well known for his athletic abilities as a standout player in Baseball, Softball and Bowling. He was inducted into the Ashland County Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. His Hall of Fame introduction, recounts all of the accolades that he garnered as a player.

He was a two time member of the United States Pan-American Softball team, a member of the Elks National Championship Bowling Team, and was a standout baseball player at Ashland High School. He is best known for his prowess on the softball field, as a great short-stop with an arm like a cannon who was also dangerous in the batter’s box.

He played for the Creative Cartons team before moving on to become a member of the Faultless Rubbermen from 1976-1984. He was a member of Faultless/Garber from 1985-1991 and ended his career with amalgamated F-G/ESS. During his time playing for those teams he received nearly every personal award that a player could receive. He was most proud of being selected to represent the United States during the Pan-American games in 1987 in Indianapolis and again in 1991 in Cuba. He was voted captain of the team by his teammates in 1991. He also received many other awards; 6 time First-Team All State, 3 time All-Regional team, International Softball State Most Valuable Player in 1985 and the Open State Softball MVP in 1981. He filled the manager/player role in 1983,1985 and 1991. He was also inducted into the Ohio ASA Hall of Fame. Other accomplishments also include awards in Baseball, he was a three year letterman at Ashland High School. Being the first recipient of the Floyd Zimmerman Award in 1973 and earned Ohio Cardinal Conference honors. Tom graduated as one of the greatest pitchers to come out of Ashland High School with a 19-1 record over his career.

Surviving are two siblings; sister, Laurie Zappone of Florida and brother, James Zappone of Ashland. He is also survived by niece, Alyssa Zappone of Ashland, many special Cousins, and two very special friends/brothers, Warren Jones Jr. and Bob Simonson, along with his countless friends, world wide.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Lila Zappone.

In keeping with Tom’s wishes, there will be no services. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be left for the Zappone family by visitingwww.heylfuneralhome.com

Heyl Funeral Home is honored to help the Zappone family with arrangements.

Funeral Home: Heyl Funeral Home

Website: heylfuneralhome.com