Yvonne M. Zaffiro Obituary
Yvonne Marie 'Babe' Zaffiro, age 90, passed away Friday, June 7, 2024, in Wauwatosa, WI.
Yvonne was born March 8, 1934, in Milwaukee, WI, to Charles Pikalek and Josephine Pikalek née Caravello. She was a 1951 graduate of Saint John's Cathedral High School and retired from U.S. Bank in 1999. She was a devoted member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church.
She met husband Sebastian Zaffiro at age 13 while they both attended Saint Rose Catholic School and Parish. Wed in 1951, Yvonne and Sebastian raised two sons and two daughters together, all while managing the tavern they owned — the Ranch House (now Sobelman's) on St. Paul in Milwaukee. Seb and Babe celebrated nearly 35 years of marriage before his death in 1986.
Yvonne leaves a lasting legacy marked by her kindness, hospitality, enthusiasm for helping others and dedication to family. Yvonne was warm and welcoming to all who knew her, whether playing hostess at the Ranch House or the open door policy within her home; often hosting family and neighbors for a dip in the pool or sharing stories with the many friends her children and grandchildren brought to the table. She was avid in her acknowledgement of birthdays, anniversaries and Saint's days; and kept in close contact with cousins and childhood friends throughout their lives.
Yvonne's dedication to her grandchildren was notable and reciprocal; Yvonne, better known as "Nonny," rarely missed a weekend visit or extracurricular event. Nonny often brought her "grandbabies" on adventures with her—however near (errands) or far (Disney World). She loved knitting, quilting, bocce, and road trips with Carol Ann, but there was nothing she loved more than the attention and affection of her adult children.
She is survived by her children; son, Charles "Chick" (Carole); daughter, Michael Ann "Micky"; son, Rick (Cheryl); daughter, Vicky Zaffiro-Feerick, her five loving grandchildren; Christina Garthwait (Matt), Gabrielle Zaffiro McLemore (Martin), Jennifer Zambo (Jared), Zachary Feerick (Alayna), and Helene "Laney" Zaffiro, and five great-grandchildren; Kaden Zambo, Adeline Garthwait, Celia Garthwait, Sebastian McLemore and Elliott McLemore. Additionally survived by her brother, Charles "Bud" Pikalek (Peggy); brother-in-law, Bill Zaffiro (Barb); sisters-in-law, Rosalie Anderson and Sally Price; numerous nieces, nephews and Godchildren; and dearest friend, Carol Ann Kanehl.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 12th, 2024 at 6:00 pm followed by a memorial mass at 7:00 pm at St. Sebastian Catholic Church (5400 W Washington Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53208).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Susan G. Komen [Breast Cancer Foundation], or, Everytown for Gun Safety.
