Con celebrates over 70 years being a dad
ACROSS the span of 97 years Con Zappala has worked for Australian Defence intelligence, cut cane, brought the state’s favourite beer to the Far North and says he’s done it all for his family.
The great-grandfather said he often spent time reflecting on his life and had written an unpublished book about his 97 years for his children and grandchildren to remember his story.
Mr Zappala said his favourite story was the unusual circumstances surrounding his wife Sarina’s pregnancy with their youngest son John.
“Sarina wasn’t in the best of health at that particular time. We had two girls and a boy and she wanted another boy. When Sarina had something in her mind, she wouldn’t let up. She fell pregnant,” he said.
The baby was set to come along on his birthday in July.
“July came, the 24th of July, and nothing happened, next month came in, August, and I’d given the doctor my date, I’d said Sarina wouldn’t have the child before the middle of September,” he said.
“Eventually, I was at work in September. The doctor rang me up and said, ‘Con, I’ve got to operate on Sarina, I can’t leave it any longer.’ So I went up there and John was born on the 15th of September as I’d told the doctor.
“John was all unwashed and I looked down at him and his eyes were wide open and he looked up and gave me a silly grin. I’ll never forget that.
“He’s been my right-hand, more than my right-hand, ever since. I don’t know what I would’ve done without him.”
John Zappala said he considered himself the closest to his father and late mother.
“The quality of parenthood that he and Mum gave us was just phenomenal. I’m probably a little more blessed, I was a lot closer to them than anyone else and I always have been,” he said.
He said the Zappalas were planning a family celebration for Con tomorrow.
“One of Dad’s highlights in his current life is visiting Mum at the cemetery.
“Lunch is a little more special this year, because he refused to come out for his birthday, so we’re having a birthday cake at the Father’s Day lunch as well, because he thinks he’s gotten away with it.”
Mr Zappala will celebrate surrounded by family.