Anthony (Tony) Russell Zoppina passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home on Friday, March 7, 2025.  He was 98 years of age.

Tony was born on October 15, 1926 in Burlington City, NJ. His father immigrated from Sicily after serving in the Italian Navy in WWI and his mother, also Sicilian was born in the USA. Tony joined the Navy at 17 years old in 1944 during WWII. He proudly served his country in both the European Theatre and the South Pacific. After the war, he met and married a beautiful girl from the Pines, Bessie Emmons. They resided in Browns Mills for their entire married life raising two children, Russell and Cheryl. Tony was an incredible entrepreneur, with a tenacity that never stopped. He was the proud owner of Zoppina & Son Excavating and the Sunset View Inn night club in Browns Mills, which was known for bringing many big name country and western entertainers to the little town of Browns Mills, among other businesses. He served as a Committeeman in Pemberton Township for many years. He was the Road Commissioner and was essential in the establishment of the MUA in Pemberton Township and served as their first President. He was an Exempt Volunteer Fireman in Pemberton Township, as well as a member of the Pemberton Lions Club, as civic duty was important to him.

He would tell you that the best of times were enjoying his retirement at his Lahaina, Maui condo and subsequently, Marco Island, Fl. One of his favorite pastimes, in addition to travel, was spending quality time with his buddies at the Medford VFW where he was a life member.

Tony is survived by his loving daughter, Cheryl whom he resided with for the last several years, his grandson Wayne Bell and his wife Lisa, Marty Clauson (Cheryl’s fiancé) and many extended relatives and friends, especially his buddies at the Medford VFW. He is predeceased by his wife Bessie and son Russell.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Tony’s wonderful life on Wednesday, March 12th. Viewing hours from 9:30 -11:30 with a service starting at 11:30 at the Bradley & Stow Funeral Home, 127 Medford-Mt. Holly Road, Medford, NJ 08055. Interment will follow at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Tony’s honor to the Medford VFW Post 7677, 317 Church Road, Medford, NJ 08055.  (www.BradleyStow.com)