Dr Arthur Zampella 1917-1992

Dr Arthur Zampella May 15, 1917 - January 9, 1992

January 9, 1992  was a rainy and cold day. I was living in a railroad flat in Jersey City, NJ. I was living a few blocks from the place that my father had been born in 1917.  It had been many years since my father had a series of heart attacks, and  coronary by-pass surgery. Most of his brothers had all died and I remember him being saddened that most of his friends were also gone.

Growing up, I knew he was not always in the best health, but on that fateful day, I still lament January 9th as his final goodbye. I was twenty four when he died. I am fifty-one now. I carry his memory with me each and every day. His wedding ring on my finger as a daily companion. Once while playing softball in Central Park I thought I had lost his ring. I sat in the grass devastated that I had lost yet another link to him. The ring was recovered. I have his watch and some other personal possessions of his. He was a man of humility with few items collected throughout a lifetime.

I am most grateful that each and every day I can walk the very grounds at Idylease that he did. If it snows, I can remember him pulling me on a sled with his rubber galoshes. Everywhere I look, I can remember a story or a spot of him being there.  I am grateful that he equipped me to carry on. I belong here. I have so many people amongst the living that have made this possible. They know who they are and I am eternally indebted to them.

I often feel his presence with me at milestones in my life since he is gone. I know he would be saddened by my setbacks and elated by my successes.

When I was twenty-four, I thought my father’s death would teach me about dying. At fifty-one, I think it has taught me mostly about living; that life is short but meaningful; that even though time is measured, there is some time, if you pay attention; and that everything that matters in life is in the here and now.

I miss you Dad.

-Richard Zampella
January 9, 2018

Happy New Year from Idylease

Happy New Year from Idylease. It’s our 115th Birthday.

Idylease first opened her doors to the public on New Year’s Day in 1903. We are celebrating 115 years as West Milford’s most noted Historic Landmark. Here’s wishing you all the joy of the season. Have a Happy New Year!