Zambelli tribute is fitting send-off

Condolences were sent from around the world.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The ground rumbled as the early afternoon sky filled with puffs of red, green and purple smoke. It was a fitting send-off for a man with the nicknames "Boom Boom" and "Mr. Fireworks."
About 200 mourners gathered Wednesday afternoon at St. Mary's Cemetery for the burial of George Zambelli Sr., head of Zambelli Fireworks Internationale in New Castle. A Mass had been held earlier Wednesday in St. Mary's Church in New Castle.
Larger display
A larger fireworks display was planned last evening in downtown New Castle for the public. Zambelli's wife, Constance, requested both fireworks displays as a tribute to her husband.
Zambelli, 79, died Christmas day from complications relating to influenza. He had been battling cancer for 10 years.
Zambelli's daughter-in-law, Melanie, recounted his last days in West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh after prayers were said at the grave.
"Weeks ago they told us he didn't have long to live. He surprised everyone by living another eight days," she said.
His health improved and failed during that time and Zambelli was periodically awake as his wife and children gathered in his hospital room, she said.
"He said, 'I love you all and thank you for all of your help,'" during one of his waking moments, Melanie Zambelli said.
At other times he talked as if he was doing business in his office, she said.
"He was always at work, even in his last days. If only in his mind," she said.
Zambelli was well-known for his work ethic that took him into his office before dawn and home late at night. He frequently answered the office telephone.
Melanie Zambelli said all 20 of his children and grandchildren were present when he died Christmas day.
Zambelli fireworks were expected to be shot off in several major cities on New Year's Eve, including New York, Boston and Long Beach, Calif.
The company provides about 3,500 fireworks displays each year. It's one of the largest and oldest pyrotechnic companies in the country.
Family business
Zambelli took over the business from his father, Antonio, who came to New Castle from Cassarta, Italy, in 1893. The company has provided fireworks for every president since John F. Kennedy and numerous heads of state and royalty.
Funeral Director Roger DeCarbo said flowers were sent to the funeral home from around the world and included condolences from dignitaries and royalty.
cioffi@vindy.com