Darlene Zaba-Fox 1931-2026

Born Jan. 15, 1931, in Youngstown, Darlene was a daughter of the late Clarence and Mary Ladzinski Helsel.

She was a 1948 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School.

Darlene worked for 21 years as a cashier in the Struthers City Schools cafeteria, where she retired after many years of dedicated service and friendly smiles.

In 1951, Darlene married the love of her life, Red Zaba. Together they shared 51 beautiful years of marriage until his passing in 2002. In 2007, Darlene found love again when she married Al Fox. They were married for seven years until his passing in 2014.

Darlene was truly the life of the party — a social butterfly whose home was always open and welcoming to friends and neighbors alike. She loved dancing, sewing and playing cards. An excellent cook and talented seamstress, she was especially famous for her wedding soup, which was enjoyed by many over the years.

She was a proud member of VFW Auxiliary Post 3538, the Polka Boosters Club, several 500 card clubs and a close-knit group of friends known as the “Crazy Eights,” whose friendships spanned more than 60 years.

A devoted member of Christ Our Savior Parish, Darlene was active in the parish festival and bingo, the Altar and Rosary Society, the Senior Citizens group and the Infant Jesus of Prague Guild. She was also active with the James Place group and enjoyed wintering in Estero, Florida, with her husband Al.

Darlene will be deeply missed by her beloved only child, Janet, and her husband, Sam Pitzulo, whom she loved like a son; her grandchildren, Dana and her husband, Cody Allen, and John and his wife, Logan Pitzulo; and her three cherished great-grandsons, Jack, Bennett and Will Allen. She is also survived by her brother, Roy Helsel of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; several nieces and nephews; her bonus son, Jim Fox; and dear friends, Marguerite and Paul Gillern.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Darlene was preceded in death by her sister, Louise Baugh, and her brother, Fred “Bobby” Helsel.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Inn at Old Saybrook for their care and compassion, especially nurses, Melissa, Kim and Stephanie; and aides, Madison, Solomon and Jen. Special thanks are also given to Ohio Patriot Hospice, particularly Francene, Vance and Jessica, whose compassionate and gentle care was deeply appreciated.

Calling hours will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, 11 Spring St., Struthers, OH 44471.

A committal service will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery.

(special notice)