Robert James Zotti CMSgt USAF (Ret)
November 23, 1933 – January 17, 2022
Age 88
Robert James Zotti, aka Buz, Buzzy and Bob, was born in Summit, New Jersey, and graduated from Summit High School. During high school, he was active in baseball, basketball, swimming, and football. At 5’ 4” and 134 pounds on the football team, he provided a powerful ground attack quarterbacking and running the football. After graduation, having had too many violations as a cab driver, he chose to join the Air Force. During his Air Force career, he met and married Julianne White. While stationed in Greece, they welcomed the birth of Steve and two years later Sandy. Back to the USA and a tour in Japan is when Randy arrived. The family returned to Texas and Robin was born in Wichita Falls. The final stop of his military service was Offutt AFB. It was at this time that he earned a bachelor’s degree from UNO.
Growing up near the beach, Bob loved the water and sun, spending as many days as he could at the beach. Even as an adult and living in Nebraska, he would take his kids to Merritt Beach for a day of swimming and lounging on the sand.
After 26 years of military service finishing as a Chief Master Sergeant, he worked for the US Postal Service as a supervisor for 16 years. Later, he worked at Warrior 9 golf course in the pro shop.
In 1985, Bob married Marilyn Kohl and they were together for 36 years until his passing. Joining the family were Susanne, Julianne, Christine and Dan. Bob and Marilyn enjoyed being with family, golfing, bowling, weekly mass, and spending time together finishing their day with a cappuccino.
Flowers, gardening, coin collecting, and organizing his large collection of DVD tapes were his hobbies. However, he really enjoyed time in the sun. Even when it was difficult to walk, he would push his walker to the patio to sit outside and soak in the sunshine. On a sunny day, remember him; he will be missed.
Survived by wife of 36 years Marilyn; children Steve Zotti (Priscilla), Sandy Zotti (Keith), Randy Zotti (Stacey), Susanne Bartmess (Noel), Julianne Kenkel (Dan), and Dan Kohl (Michelle); 23 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by parents Carmen and Mary Zotti; daughter Robin Zotti-Pierce; step-daughter Christine Montgomery; brothers James and Richard Zotti.
Visitation: Sunday, January 23, 2:00-4:00 p.m., with Vigil Service at 4:00 p.m., both at the Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel.
To view video of the Vigil Service, please click the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/robert-j-zotti-762571
Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, January 24, 11:00 a.m., St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 2302 Crawford Street, Bellevue.
To view video of the Mass, please click the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/robert-j-zotti-441977
Inurnment: St. Mary’s Cemetery, Portsmouth, Iowa
Military Honors: Offutt Air Base Force Honor Guard and American Legion Post 331
Memorials: St. Mary’s Catholic Church
4 Comments
Marilyn, we are so sorry for your loss he was a good man you and your family are in our thoughts and our prayers God bless you and keep you. All my love ❤️🙏
The Nick Bruck Family wraps their arms around Marilyn and all The Zotti Family Members as we send heartfelt sorrow with the passing of Bob. Bob, we never met you, in our younger years our family and Marilyn’s Family, the Olinger’s were farm neighbors. Marilyn, with your kindness you sold our family your 1959 Chevy which the Bruck girls used to get where needed. In the end the 59 Chevy ended up in a demolition derby. We at times thought the car was safer in a demolition derby then one of the girls driving the highway. Mr. Robert Zotti USAF, we salute you and thank you for your service. Your life was full, today hearts beat with sadness, all who knew you will cherish your memory as it shines down on all. Rest in peace Bob. The Nick Bruck Family, Ron.
Marilyn and family, we are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We can only imagine how devastating it is. Thank heaven you have a lot of years of great memories to visit in the future. RIP Bob
Marilyn…sorry we could not be there for the services. But, thank you for the videos. It was a great tribute to Bob. The Honor Guards were amazing, playing taps was very emotional. Knowing how Bob felt about his service in the Air Force. Hearing the Pastor speak of his time in Atlantic City, brought back memories of your visit with us here in New Jersey. Especially, taking you two to Atlantic City and boy, does he have stories to tell!!! What a great guy !! He will be missed❣️.
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