Steven Dale Zarilla

Steven Dale Zarilla passed away unexpectedly on March 9, 2018 in Houston, Texas at the age of 59.

Steve is survived by his parents, Sara and Samuel Zarilla of Houston, Texas; his daughters, Christie Zarilla of Orlando, Florida and Mary Morgan of San Antonio, Texas and his son, Zachary Zarilla, of Richmond, Virginia; his grandchildren, Maria, Landon and Connor; his sisters, Susan Zarilla Jacobson of Houston, Texas, and Sandy Zarilla Poole and brother-in-law, Steve Poole of Magnolia, Texas; and his brother, Samuel Zarilla, Jr of Houston, Texas; and his nephews, Nathan “Jack” and Jonathan Jacobson of Houston, Texas.

Steve was born on October 19, 1958 in New Castle, PA to Sara and Samuel Zarilla. He earned the Boy Scouts of America rank of Eagle Scout in 1975, and graduated from Alliance High School in 1976. And in May of 1976 he joined the United States Air Force.  After his basic training in Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, he was stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, in Goldsboro, North Carolina as a Law Enforcement Specialist, SAC/TAC. He obtained the rank of Sergeant and was discharged in 1980.

After the Air Force, he lived a short time in Ohio, but during the 1980’s he ultimately made Houston, Texas his home.  While Steve worked in a number of businesses, his natural talent was as a craftsman.  He loved designing, drafting, home remodeling and woodworking of all types.

He was an avid outdoors man and enjoyed target practicing. He was kind and generous; he was a good brother and loyal friend. He always had time to solve a problem, no matter how small. He was always ready to debate an issue or tell you what Rush Limbaugh had to say that day, and he was an voracious newspaper reader.  His most enjoyed adventure was his cruise to Alaska which he reminisced about often.  He loved sports and he loved Elvis.  He started listening to him when he was very young, would argue he was the best singer of all times, and he never stopped being a fan.  He was dedicated to his Catholic religion, frequently volunteered, and was passionate about serving God.  His firm belief in God supported him in his struggles and ultimately gave him peace. He was loved by many and is dearly missed by his family and friends, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Cypress Fairbanks Funeral Home, 9926 Jones Road, Houston, TX 77065.  Committal service will be Monday, March 19, 2018 at 10:30 AM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Steve’s life.

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