Judith Ann Zitiello

Judith Ann Zitiello, age 74, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, March 6. She was surrounded by her faithful husband of nearly 41 years and her three children. After a 10-year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, she was at peace with joining her Heavenly Father in Eternity. 

Judi was born on October 5, 1949, to Aubrey and Audrey Green in Royal Oak, Michigan. She is survived by her sister, Sharon Gibson, and brother, Ernest Green. Growing up in Michigan, she loved visiting her grandmother’s home, spending her days sailing on Lake Huron, and attending concerts at the Pine Knob Ski Resort.

She had an incredible work ethic. She got a job at a young age at a local market, and from there, she found herself in finance. Eventually, Judi became the first female Vice President at Ford Consumer Finance in the 90s. 

She met the love of her life, Tommy Zitiello, in 1983, and she would later refer to him as her “Joseph” as she felt his commitment to her was much like Joseph’s to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Their love story was one of faithful commitment, heartfelt service to each other, and a million laughs. Together, Judi and Tommy built the most EPIC life for their family and friends. 

She was a devoted mother to three sons and one daughter: Scott (Blake), Louis (Emily), Evan, and Lindsay (Matt), and grandmother “Mia” to 10 grandchildren (Taylor, Abby, Olivia, Tommy, Jayden, Jude, Mick, Olive, Thomas, and Isla).

Judi is preceded in death by her Dad (Aubrey Green), Mom (Audrey Green), mother-in-law (Peggy Zitiello), Uncle and Aunt (Frank and Sue Zitiello), brothers-in-law (Pat Goold and Bill Gibson), her hero (JT Townsend), and other extended family members and close friends.

Judi was someone with great faith. She attended mass each Sunday and loved hosting Bible studies, sharing her testimony with others, and being an active Christian Women’s Club and CRHP member. As a published author, her book, Woven, shares her incredible testimony. 

Next to her faith, Judi lived to serve others. She built the warmest home. Her house was the place everyone wanted to be at. She loved hosting and cooking, especially Italian dishes. Her lasagna could not be beat.

Faith and service were the fabric of her life. She raised over $4 million through her foundation, Champions for Hope. These funds provided countless pieces of adaptive equipment to those in need and furthered pancreatic cancer research at the Mayo Clinic. After her cancer diagnosis, she helped hundreds of families navigate their pancreatic cancer journey. She felt it was her duty to help people and made herself available to anyone who needed her.

 During the last four years of Judi’s life she could be found in her “heaven on earth” Zitiello Family Farm located in North Carolina.  Judi loved tending to the numerous farm animals which included Cows (mini and large), goats, sheep, donkey, chickens, and hens.  All named after various family members.  The latest addition being three mini cows (Mia, Papa, and Jude) This wonderful place served as a place where friends and family could visit and create lasting memories.  Judi and Tommy wanted a place that left a legacy of wonderful family moments!

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2024 in the chapel of Quinn Shalz Funeral Home.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 11, 2024 in Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church of Ponte Vedra Beach with Reverend Matt King as Celebrant.