Salvatore “Zookie” Esposito, 91, passed away on Monday, December 5th, 2022, at his home in Hollywood Beach, Florida. Salvatore passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones, and hand-in-hand with his beloved wife of 62 years, Marie Esposito.
Salvatore was born July 15, 1931, to Carmine and
Edna Esposito. He fondly recants his birth in his family’s butcher shop on
Mulberry Street, a property which remains in the family today as Buonna Notte
Ristorante. Zookie forged a strong bond in childhood with his
grandfather of namesake, Salvatore, and would go on to dedicate his life to the
Esposito legacy. Zookie was a hardworking and tenacious businessman.
He was self-made in every way - having established multiple properties and
international businesses over the course of his life; many of which remain in
the family today. He is fondly remembered for his sharp wit, infectious
charisma, and daring sense of adventure - his children and grandchildren fondly
recall
l him sharing “war stories” and memories over his incredible life. Zookie enjoyed playing blackjack at casinos around the world, enjoying breakfast with his grandchildren, and being surrounded by his family on holidays and birthdays. He remains a living legend, having touched the lives of many across his home in Little Italy NYC, NJ, Florida, and beyond.
Salvatore is survived by his wife Marie, his four sons Salvatore, Joseph, Anthony, and Matthew, and his twelve grandchildren - Justin, Samantha, Amanda, Jake, Angelise, Salvatore, Elizabeth, Sophia, Isabella, Octavius, Abrielle, and Alexa.
A memorial service for Salvatore will be held at Fred Hunter Funeral Home in Hollywood, Florida on Thursday, December 8th, 2022.
