Ronald A. Zampogna
Ronald A. Zampogna, jokingly known to his family as "The Management," passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on August 27, 2024, at the age of 81.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sue Zampogna; daughter Tammy (Bob) Liberato of Oxford, PA; sons Tim Zampogna and Rick (Tracey Benson) Zampogna, both of Kane, PA; daughter Julie (Andrew) Wehner of Oxford, PA; brothers Joe Zampogna of Kane, PA, Mick Zampogna of Lakewood, MN, and Tom (Kelly) Zampogna of St. Marys, PA; brothersin-law Don (Coleen) Lundeen of Kane, PA, and Jim Lundeen of Vero Beach, FL. Ron was also the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren: Brandon Liberato of Oxford, PA; Juliann Liberato of Oxford, PA; Megan (Kevin) Magdenic, Ethan Zampogna, Aiden Zampogna, and Addy Zampogna, all of Kane, PA; Amanda Zampogna of Warren, PA; Alyssa Zampogna of Erie, PA; Caitlyn Zampogna of Slippery Rock, PA; Ricky Zampogna of Kane, PA; and Sara Wehner and Xander Wehner of Oxford, PA. His legacy extends further with his greatgrandchildren Leo Magdenic, Graham Magdenic, Serenity Markert, and Malakai Bray.
In addition to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Ron is also survived by many cousins, 34 nieces and nephews, as well as many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Dominic and Virginia Zampogna; mother-inlaw Betty Lundeen; grandson Elliot Zampogna; sisters-in-law Pat (Lundeen) Lemmon, Susanne (Joe) Zampogna, and Mary (Mick) Zampogna; and nephews Kevin Nelson and Matthew Lundeen.
Ron dedicated 36 years to the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, where he began as a Timber Marker on the Sheffield District and rose through the ranks, earning numerous Forest Service Awards. His career pinnacle came when he was one of only ten recipients nationwide to receive a National Forest Service Award in Timber Management.
After retiring in 1998, Ron's family persuaded him to start a winery. In 2000, Flickerwood Wine Cellars was born in Wetmore Township, Kane, PA. The winery quickly gained acclaim, winning multiple awards, including the PA Wilds Business of the Year. Ron's legacy continues as three of his children now run the winery.
Music was Ron's lifelong passion. A self-taught drummer from age 12, he formed his first band, The Blue Knights, in high school, making a significant impact on the rock & roll scene of the late 1950s & 60’s. He played in several other bands, including The Nasty Five and Shiloh, performing together for nearly 25 years. In 2007, he founded the house band Uncorked Acoustics, later renamed Uncorked, at Flickerwood Wine Cellars. After 66 years of entertaining thousands of fans, Ron played his final gig with a memorable drum-off alongside his son Rick and grandson Xander.
Ron was known for his charm, wit, dance moves, poetic talent, musical ability, one liners and a love for gardening, cooking, and fixing anything. He was a dedicated husband, father, and friend, teaching his family the values of unconditional love, perseverance, humility, and loyalty.
A member of St. Callistus Church, Ron was also involved in the NRA, NARFE, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Wine America, PA Wine Association, and the Musician's Union. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, buying trucks, and cheering on the Raiders every Sunday but most of all Ron enjoyed watching all his grandkids play music and sports.
Services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 5, at St. Callistus Church. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM in the gathering space, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am with Father William O’brian officiating.
Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
The Cummings Funeral Home, Inc. is handling arrangements.