John Lewis Zoccola's Obituary
John L. Zoccola, 92, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home on January 7, 2026, held lovingly in the arms of his devoted wife, Patricia W. Zoccola. His final moments reflected the way he lived his life—surrounded by love, grace, and unwavering faith.
John was born December 29, 1933, in Memphis to John and Florena (Annaratone) Zoccola. He is preceded in death by his sister Theresa Almond and is mourned by his sister Josephine Thorne. John grew up rooted in family, faith, and service. He graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1951 and from the University of Memphis in 1955. On April 12 of that same year, he married the love of his life, Patricia A. Wade, beginning a remarkable 70-year partnership defined by loyalty, laughter, and a shared devotion to their faith and family.
John was inducted into the United States Army in 1957, commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1958, and continued serving as a Reserve Commissioned Officer until his honorable discharge as Captain in June 1968. Those who knew him would say he carried himself with the quiet confidence and discipline of a soldier throughout his life—steadfast, principled, and always ready to serve.
A Certified Public Accountant from 1960 until his passing, John approached his profession with diligence, integrity, and genuine care for those he served. His clients trusted him deeply, especially admiring his persistence in advocating for them with the IRS. As Managing Partner of the Memphis office of Alexander Grant & Company, Managing Partner of Zoccola, Kaplan PLLC, and Governor and Chief Manager of Zoccola Investment Advisors, LLC, he built not only a respected career but a legacy of mentorship and excellence. His sons often said that from their father, they learned what a true work ethic looks like.
John’s passions were simple and unwavering: Faith, Family, and Work—each lived with intention and devotion.
A lifelong Catholic, John attended Mass weekly and lived his beliefs through service. He offered his time, talent, and resources generously to organizations across Memphis. He was deeply involved in the St. Louis Parish Men’s Club, serving as President, and contributed significantly to Christian Brothers High School through the Booster Club, Capital Development Fund, and Hall of Fame. He served on the St. Peter Villa Board as Finance Chairman and devoted countless hours to Ave Maria, where he was both Board President and Finance Chairman. His service also extended to the Assisi Foundation as a Board Member. He was honored as an Affiliate Inductee of the Institute of Christian Brothers for his lifelong commitment to faith, education, and service—an honor he treasured dearly.
Marrying Patricia marked the beginning of a life built on love, respect, and shared purpose. Their partnership was admired by all who knew them—a true team in every
sense. They were blessed with two sons, John Terry (1957) and William Louis (1959), who grew up inspired by their father’s example. Both pursued paths shaped by his influence: Catholic education at St. Louis Elementary and Christian Brothers High School, with Terry attending the United States Military Academy at West Point and William attending the University of Notre Dame. William followed in his father’s footsteps as both a respected CPA and lawyer, while Terry served the nation as a decorated U.S. Army Officer (Retired Colonel) for thirty years.
John’s heart expanded even further with the arrival of his grandchildren—Anthony, Allison, Maria, and Tommy—each of whom he cherished deeply. In his later years, he found immense joy in his great-grandchildren, Elliott and Maxwell, delighting in every opportunity to love, laugh with, and spoil them. To his entire family, John was a pillar of strength, a source of wisdom, and a constant example of generosity and kindness. He was their Husband, Dad, Grandad, and Great-Grandad—and he will be profoundly missed.
John’s love for his work was an extension of his love for people. He believed in doing things the right way—with honesty, thoroughness, and quiet determination. Colleagues respected him, clients trusted him, and his sons learned from him the dignity of hard work done well.
A Funeral Mass celebrating John’s life will be held at St. Louis Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on January 20, followed by burial at Memorial Park Cemetery.
John L. Zoccola lived a life marked by service, generosity, faith, and love. His legacy endures in the countless lives he touched and in a family that will carry his example forward with pride and gratitude.
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