Katherine Zolezzi

Katherine B. Zolezzi, affectionately known as Aunt Katie, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, 2024 leaving behind a

legacy of love, kindness and loyalty. Katherine was born in Santa ‘Elia, Sicily and immigrated to the United States in 1930

at the age of 2. Her family moved to San Diego in 1936 and settled in what is now known as Little Italy. She graduated from

San Diego High School in 1946. After graduation, Katherine worked as a retail salesclerk before beginning a 40-year career

as a budget analyst at the Naval Headquarters on Harbor Drive where she supported naval operations in the Pacific.

On April 22, 1963, Katherine married the love of her life, Thomas J. Zolezzi. Together, they shared a life rich with travel,

adventure, shopping, and dining at their favorite restaurants. Katherine was an active member of the Italian Catholic

Federation #230, the Our Lady of the Rosary Guild, Santa Rosario Society and the Scripps Mercy Hospital Auxiliary--always

giving of herself to her community and faith. In addition, she had a deep respect and attachment to the Carmelite nuns,

often requesting prayers from them when someone was in need.

Katherine was not only a devoted wife, but also a loving aunt, godmother, cherished friend, and neighbor. She will always

be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her strong faith, incredible generosity and resilience. She touched the

lives of everyone she knew, and she was especially influential in shaping the lives of her nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her sister Rosalie Ingrande and sister-in-law Dona Busalacchi as well as numerous nieces and nephews,

many cousins and close friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas of 53 years, sister Josephine

Tarantino, brother Vito A. Busalacchi and parents Filippo and Rosa D’Amico Busalacchi.

Katherine’s family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the entire staff of Sea Breeze Senior Living for their loving care,

kindness and support of Katherine and her family.

Recitation of the Rosary and funeral mass will be held at 9am on Thursday, January 9 th , 2025 at Our Lady of the Rosary

Church on 1668 State Street, San Diego 92101. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Mausoleum, 4470 Hilltop Drive, San

Diego, CA 92102.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation made in Katherine’s name to the Carmelite Monastery, 5158 Hawley Blvd, San

Diego 92116.