Rozie Zappo-Doe

Rozie Zappo-Doe, age 71, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Thursday, July 31, 2025. A bright star was born in Wilmington, DE on July 10, 1954, to the late Joseph and Mollie (Moeller) Zappo, Sr. Her early childhood on Curry Lane was spent playing in the magic that only 1960’s Brookside could provide – like heading to Delaware Park to put a few dollars on the ponies with her grandfather, Pop. In later childhood, the family moved to Apple Road in Newark, where she made many friends, but particularly enjoyed telling stories about watching Rudy Baker and the Vegetables rehearse on Willa Road. Her summers were spent at the family cottage in Lewes, with many hours spent on Second Street, during simpler times. After graduating from Newark High School in 1972, Rozie, already a talented artist, continued her study at the Art Institute of Philadelphia. This, however, it turns out, would not be her life’s passion. She would find her true calling in helping others, whether that be through her work with Easter Seals, including running telethons and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Colin Powell and Richard Simmons (yes, that one!) – or in creating Compassionate Care Hospice Foundation to support those in hospice care. As she liked to quote, “Second star to the right, and straight on til morning”, I have no doubt upon her arrival in Neverland, she was greeted by her own cast of Lost Boys, her grandfather, Joseph Zappo, Sr.; her dear old dad, Joseph Zappo, Jr.; and her beloved brother, Joseph Zappo, III. That is if she’s not first trampled by her many dogs and cats from over the years, but especially her precious Nancy, who is surely waiting to show off her “new new” tricks. Rozie was preceded in death by her previous partner, Julian Bovell. Rozie is survived by her dedicated husband, Jerry Blamoh Doe; sister-in-law, Brenda Zappo; niece, Jennifer Whisler (John); nephew, Joseph Zappo (Suzanne); great-nephew, Jake Whisler; and great-nieces, Leksi Rhoades and Layla Zappo. She will be missed dearly. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10am until 11am on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 11am. Inurnment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rozie’s memory to the Brandywine Valley SPCA, 290 Churchmans Road, New Castle, DE 19720 or online by clicking here.

Rozie Zappo-Doe

July 10, 1954 - July 31, 2025