Anthony "Scrappy" Zirafi

Anthony J. "Scrappy" Zirafi, 89, of Girard, passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2019, at Hospice House in Boardman. Scrappy was born March 11, 1930, in Girard, the son of Samuel J. and Madeline (Messuri) Zirafi Sr. Scrappy was a pitcher for the Philadelphia Philles for a short time after graduating high school. He then worked as a fireman for the City of Girard for 25 years, retiring in 1986. Scrappy had also worked for Santisi's IGA, on the loading docks, and was always working construction and remodeling jobs. He  was a member of St. Rose Church and had been a coach for St. Rose boys basketball, and loved all kinds of sports. He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughters; Debbie (Ken) Johnson, of Girard, Cindy (Tim) Breese, of Girard, Nan Zirafi, of Los Angeles, CA., Susan Zirafi, of New York, NY, Amy (Bob) Roth, of Canfield,and Becky (Nick Carney) Zirafi, of Akron, and his grandchildren; Tim Breese, Kelly Johnson, Krista Johnson, Molly (Fiancee Alex) Breese and Brooklyn Roth. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia (Ault) Zirafi, whom he married May 22, 1954 and died January 18, 2007, his son, Tony Zirafi,  brothers; John Zirafi and Samuel Zirafi, sisters; Rose Kobal and Virginia Perry, and his grandson, Cory Breese. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 25th, 11:00 AM at St. Rose Church, preceded by a prayer service at 10:30 AM at Blackstone Funeral Home. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday from 4 - 7 PM at the funeral home. Scrappy will be laid to rest at Girard City Cemetery, next to his wife. To view this obituary and to send any expressions of sympathy to the family, visit www.blackstonefuneralhome.com.