MAYNARD/ WORCESTER__ Richard J. “Punky” Zona, 83, of Maynard and formerly of Worcester, passed away on Thursday, November 4, 2021 in his home. He was predeceased by his wife, Susan M. (Racila) Zona.
He is survived by his children, Nancy Page and Richard J. Zona, Jr., both of Arizona; his granddaughter, Melanie Campbell, and two great grandchildren, Tyler and Nicholas. He also leaves nieces, nephews and a clan of Courville cousins.
Richard was born in Worcester, son of the late Victor J. Zona and Margaret A. (Courville) Zona. He was also predeceased by his sister, Norma (Zona) Ciborowski.
Anyone who knew Richard really well, called him “Punky”. He loved his late wife Sue and his children very much and talked about them all the time. He was a retired bus driver, employed by Worcester Regional Transit Authority. He enjoyed sports, and was an avid baseball fan, and played professional baseball in his younger days. He loved listening to the oldies, especially Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. For many years, he drove the Edgemere bus route, and always gave a friendly wave to Vinny & Barb Metivier. In more recent years, he met with family members for “Pancake Wednesdays” at IHOP. Punky always looked forward to these special breakfasts, spending some time strolling down memory lane and having many laughs with people he loved. He will be dearly missed by his family, but we take comfort knowing he is back together at home, with his parents and sister now. We wish to thank all of Punky’s friends that looked after him at Summerhill Glen, he appreciated your kindness.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 10:00am in St. Peter’s Church, 929 Main Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Minuteman Senior Services – Meals on Wheels, 26 Crosby Drive, Bedford, MA 01730.
DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton Street, Worcester is directing the funeral arrangements.