David Zeppo
October 24, 1962 –
June 4, 2026
Uniontown
On June 4, 2026, at just 63 years old, cancer claimed the life of David “Zep” Zeppo, leaving behind a void that words can barely touch. To his family and all who loved him, he was strength, loyalty, generosity, and integrity woven into one unforgettable man.
He was a 1980 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School and a Penn State University alumnus. A devoted husband, stepfather, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, he was the steady center of a family forever shaped by his love.
From a young age, David showed the qualities that would define his entire life. He was honest to a fault, someone you could trust without hesitation, the kind of person who could tackle any challenge, and always a gentleman. He had a natural gift for guiding others-offering support, sharing wisdom, and lifting people up in a way that made them believe in themselves just as much as he believed in them.
David was also defined by a tenacity that never wavered. He refused to back down from hardship or a fight, refused to quit when life demanded more of him, and refused to compromise the beliefs and convictions that shaped who he was. His strength wasn’t loud or boastful – it was steady, unshakeable, and rooted in a deep sense of purpose. Even in the face of illness, he met every day with the same determination that guided him throughout his life.
David’s dedication didn’t stop at home. He grew up working alongside his parents at the family business, Zep’s Furniture, where he spent more than 50 years, 33 of them as owner. He honored the legacy his parents built and grew it with pride. Under his leadership, the store thrived not just because he worked hard, but also because he treated everyone – employees, customers, and vendors – with genuine respect. To many, he wasn’t just a business owner; he was someone they could turn to, someone who listened, someone who was ready and willing to help in whatever way possible.
Those who knew him will remember how he showed his love: quietly, consistently and through action. He was the one who showed up, who fixed what needed fixing, who offered a steady hand or the right words at the right time. You could always count on him, and that reliability was one of his greatest gifts.
Some of his favorite pastimes were socializing with his buddies, whether it was a round of golf, a game of cards, or just stopping by the local bar for a night of conversation and laughs. He had a passion for snow skiing, rode motorcycles, and even tried skydiving a few times. He loved the Steelers, his dogs, karaoke, music, movies, telling jokes, and playful teasing. Next to his home, his favorite place was in the water – relaxing in his hot tub in the winter, waterparks with his grandsons, anchoring his boat in Cheat Lake, cruise vacations – if there was water, David was in it. More than anything, David loved to laugh and enjoyed being with people who loved to laugh with him.
David was preceded in death by his father, Joseph A. Zeppo, in 2024; and his mother, Joan Zeppo, just 3 months ago.
He leaves behind a family who adored him: his devoted wife of 33 years, Tina Wargo Zeppo-who cared for him at home and never left his side; his grandsons, Ty Rice-who proudly continues his legacy-and Efrain “EJ” Barbosa, Jr., with whom he shared a love of water, jokes, and intellectual conversation; his loving stepdaughter, Tania Wargo; his cherished siblings, Philip (Sharyn) Zeppo, Sandi (George) Yezbak; mother-in-law, Shirley Wargo; sister- in-law, Twila (Rich) Kendall; along with several nieces and nephews, relatives, longtime friend, Larry Barchetti, and many others who were lucky enough to be part of his life. Last but not least, his precious golden retriever, Bailey.
Special thanks to Andrew D. Ferguson Funeral Home for their care and assistance, and to his hospice care team at Amedisys for their compassion, especially Wendell Bates, who was more than his nurse-he brought David and our family hope, comfort, joy, and peace through faith and friendship.
Those who knew him know it is impossible to sum him up in a few paragraphs. We will all remember those bright blue eyes, that huge smile, and his unmistakable, genuine laugh. To his family, he was “home.” Life will never be the same without him.
In lieu of an immediate funeral, a Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 22 in the Hopwood Social Hall, 114 Old Furnace Road, Hopwood, PA 15445. For further details, visit https://sites.google.com/view/zeppo-celebration-of-life/celebration-of-life