James Zambito

James “Tony” Zambito, 91, of Swoyersville passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. Raised in Swoyersville, James was the son of the late Anthony Zambito and Carmella “Nellie” Prula Zambito.

From a young age he worked alongside his parents at the family business, Tony and Son’s Diner, a beloved local landmark that would become synonymous with the Zambito name for generations.James proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during his military service. Upon returning home to Swoyersville, he resumed working at the family restaurant, eventually operating Tony’s Diner alongside his brother, Chuck, and sister, Angie. His wife, Julie, son Anthony and many other family members worked for the family business

.For 64 years Tony’s Diner proudly served the Wyoming Valley becoming a gathering place for friends, families, and neighbors. Known to many as “Jimmy” and affectionately called “Tony” by countless restaurant patrons, he was famous for his skills as a short-order cook and for serving what he often called “dynamite“ food. Customers came not only for the meals but also for Jimmy’s unforgettable presence and political banter. His booming voice, sense of humor, infectious laugh, and larger-than-life charisma filled the diner and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was simply impossible not to love and had a remarkable gift for making everyone in his company leave smiling.

While his personality could light up an entire restaurant, those closest to him knew a different Jimmy - a laid back, loving, kind, and patient man who beamed with love and pride for his family. Nothing brought a brighter smile to his face than the sight of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Julie Popko Zambito. The two met at The Friendship Club, where James asked for Julie’s hand in a jitterbug dance and they danced many nights away after that. Their love story began on the dance floor and the rest was history.

He is survived by his daughter, Denise Scalzo and her husband, Santo, of Lancaster; his son, Anthony Zambito of Swoyersville; his grandson, Matthew Scalzo and his wife Daniella; his granddaughter Alicia Scalzo Georgallis and her husband, Yianni, and their children, Mary, Serafina, Thomas, and James; his granddaughter Amanda Scalzo and her husband, Brian Lutz, and their children, Jet and Sonny; as well as many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate care givers and staff at Allied Services, PAM facility, and Serenity Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness and dignity they provided to a man who meant the world to us.James leaves behind a legacy of hard work, service, patriotism, laughter and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched, the stories shared around the family tables, and the enduring spirit of Tony’s Diner.

The funeral will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Betz-Jastremski Funeral Home, Ltd., 568 Bennett Street, Luzerne, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 in Holy Family Parish. Interment with military honors will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, West Wyoming. Friends may call Tuesday from 5 - 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Allied Services or Serenity Hospice.