Obituary of Karen Lynn Zappariello

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Karen Lynn (Donald) Zappariello, 46, on Friday, May 2, 2025.

Born December 24, 1978 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Karen was a beautiful person inside and out from the moment she came into this world. Karen grew up in Media, Pennsylvania and as a child enjoyed dance class and playing the piano. She attended Penncrest High School where she was in show choir, a champion swimmer and played volleyball, eventually participating in a state championship game her senior year and later continuing to play in college. Karen graduated high school in 1997 and went on to graduate with honors in interior design from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale embracing her incredible artistic talents.

In 2000, her world changed when she met her future husband and love of her life, Jeffrey Zappariello. They started their life together in Fort Lauderdale, Florida while going to school and working together at Max’s Grill where they made many good friends and incredible memories that Karen always cherished.

After getting engaged and moving home, Jeff and Karen married in 2004 and several years later welcomed Nicholas (13) and Olivia (11), creating the family Karen always dreamed of and so completely adored. As a family, Karen loved spending time in Ocean City, where many of their family memories were made and loved watching Nicholas and Olivia participate in their sports and activities, especially soccer.

As they reflect on their loss, Nicholas and Olivia would like people to know that their mom threw the best birthday parties, was the best baker and was an amazing artist- and most importantly that “she was the best Mom ever.” Karen leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and strength and will be deeply missed by everyone who was fortunate to know her.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband and best friend, Jeffrey, children Nicholas and Olivia, her parents John and Patricia Donald, her siblings Christine Rogers, John Donald and Jennifer Donald-Pupo, her mother and father-in-law, Nellie and Joseph D’Alessandro, and puppy, Marley, which Karen handpicked last year as a surprise for Nicholas and Olivia, as well as many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 10th at Minshal Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Middletown (Rte. #352) & Knowlton Rds., Middletown Twp., Media, PA 19063.

Viewing will be held Saturday, May 10th after 11:00 a.m. with Service to follow at 1:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, an education fund has been established for Nicholas and Olivia. Contributions may be made to the Zappariello Family Educational Support Fund: https://gofund.me/d2118665.