Carlos F. Zappala died June 21 in San Jose, Costa Rica of a heart attack. He was 59.
Born Feb. 13, 1949 in Buenos Aires, Zappala traveled extensively throughout Europe, living in Rome and London. He finally settled in Los Angeles, where he started his own business as a builder/contractor and importer of Milano Kitchens in Los Angeles, Italy and Costa Rica.
Zappala enjoyed traveling, cooking and playing tennis. He founded an orphanage and school for underprivileged children in rural Argentina.
Zappala is survived by his wife of 13 years, Dana Zappala of Malibu; daughter, Claudia Zappala of Buenos Aires; daughter, Michelle Wood and her husband James of Los Angeles; son, Joshua Zappala of Los Angeles; and twin sons Giancarlo and Luca Zappala of Malibu; brother, Ernesto of Buenos Aires and sister, Gloria of Los Angeles.
Memorial services will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church with the Rev. William Kerze officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association at 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231.