Mr. Anthony J. "Babe" Zarella, age 82, of Woburn passed away unexpectedly at the Winchester Hospital on November 12th, surrounded by his loving family. “Babe” as he was affectionately known to family and friends was the dear and devoted husband of Virginia M. (Pappas) and together sharing more than 56 years of marriage. Babe was born in Boston in February of 1929. He was raised and educated in Billerica and was the son of the late Lillian (Dempsey) and John Moore.
Babe was a 1946 graduate of Howe High School in Billerica where he was an outstanding student athlete and was the quarterback of the football team. Following high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force and honorably served his country for three years during WWII. In 1948 while stationed in the South Pacific, Babe was elected the captain of the USAF Football Team which participated in games in the Armed Services Pacific League. Following his return home, Babe attended Springfield College on the GI Bill and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1953. In 1954 he earned his Master of Education Degree from Boston University majoring in guidance and counseling.
He soon began working as substitute teacher in the Billerica School System and eventually became the Head Guidance Counselor of the Howe Junior High School in Billerica. He also served as the Senior Guidance Counselor of Billerica Memorial High School and went on to work for the Massachusetts Department of Education where he was the Senior Supervisor in Education, guidance, counseling and testing. He retired as the Director of Pupil Services of the Lincoln Sudbury Regional School District.
In 1964 he was selected as one of the City of Woburn's Four Outstanding Young Men. Nominated to represent Woburn in the selection of, Massachusetts Outstanding Young Man. Babe also served for three terms as an elected member of the Woburn School Committee from 1964 to 1970 and served as the Committee Chairman in 1970.
However Babe's greatest joy came from time spent with his family. He cherished his time with his children and especially enjoyed his grandchildren and was extremely proud of their many accomplishments. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Michael Zarella of Las Vegas, NV, daughters, Deborah Dube and her husband Richard of Newburyport, Denise Miller and her husband Kevin of Townsend. He was the loving Papa of eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Vinny Maglio of Everett. He is predeceased by his sister, the late Edith McCusty, and brothers, the late Hank Henry, Joe Zarella and Frank Leone.
Family and friends will gather at the McLaughlin –Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., Woburn, Friday, November 18th, at 9 a.m. Followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Anthony Church, 851 Main St., Woburn, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Thursday from 4 thru 8. Services will conclude with military honors and burial at Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn.