Obituary of Bonnie Zappariello-Reilly

Bonnie Zappariello-Reilly passed away on September 15th after a lengthy illness at age 72. Beautiful thoughts, remembrances and sympathies have been pouring in citing Bonnie's civic activities, friendships and unique life experiences. Bonnie was independent, artistic and a loyal friend. With her late husband, Francis J. Reilly, they were a formidable team in their work for the CEO Group, the organization of local business owners that Fran established in 2007. Bonnie's planning and organizational expertise greatly contributed to the many successful CEO Group events and endeavors. Bonnie had a successful career in sales and marketing with major hotel organizations and was the owner of the Cape May Convention and Visitors Bureau in the 1980's. Bonnie was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School, Class of 1961 and attended The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts to study one of her passions and talents, that of Art. She was predeceased by her husband, Francis J. Reilly (2014); her parents, Frank and Gertrude Zappariello (1995 and 2007) and brother, Frank Zappariello (2006). She is survived by her sister Lois Genovese (partner Frank Amari) of Mount Laurel, NJ and Gina Zappariello (Richard Illescas) of San Francisco and Ensenada, Mexico. Nephews Damon (Merissa) Zappariello of Conshohocken, Pa. and Jeffrey (Karen) Zappariello of Wilmington, Del.; niece, Christina (Genovese) Renna (Mike) of Mount Laurel, NJ. Stepson Daniel (Nancy) Reilly of Ledyard CT, stepdaughters Katherine Reilly of Portland ME and Susan Reilly of Atlantic City NJ, step-grandsons Jeffrey Reilly of Saratoga Springs NY, Christopher (Emilia) Reilly of Norfolk VA and Alexander (Lauren) Reilly of Groton CT. The family would also like to thank and acknowledge the many friends and family members who supported and helped Bonnie through her battle over the last 18 months.