Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

Condolences

• August 06, 2024

  Nick Adams

  RIP DONNY, just saw this.. hadn't been to Zarrras in 20 years..but came to BANANA every weekend from 97-99.. You were a Class Act...Nick

• December 06, 2023

  Michael Stehle

  It is sad to hear of his passing. He treated people kindly. My Sincere Condolences to Johnny and Judy and the rest of the Zarra family - Michael D Stehle

• November 06, 2023

  Chris Rose

  I am shocked and saddened by the passing of my good friend Donny. Words cannot begin to describe my sorrow for a life cut short, and for the loving family he leaves behind. My deepest condolences to all of you, and everyone that Donny had touched in life. Donny, brother and friend, you will forever be missed. Til we meet again bro.

• November 06, 2023

  Gabriela Maria Rodriguez

  I just learned of this last night, and had I known earlier would have attended the service. Over 20 years' time in my life (ages 23-42 now) I have gone to Zarra's Restaurant, one of the best in this beautiful city of Pittsburgh of which I always speak highly of. The family atmosphere, the history - the food! And over the years, Donny was there most times, with his cheerful grin. A few years ago, two of us where there and got to know his kids a little who were with him and even shared with them our Baked Alaska that Donny fired up for us - a treat I'd always wanted to order - we had too much of it and they graciously accepted our offer to share it with them! Last December, as it's always lovely at Christmas at Zarra's I again brought a group, with a couple of friends visiting from out of town also, none of who had been to Zarra's before. I have a photo of the group of us there, with Donny of course in our photo too, with his big smile, and I gifted it to many who were there that night - this photo is on their fridge with Donny in the photo. I told them that he is no longer with us in this life. That night, Donny entertained our guests with stories of the Electric Banana and of his Italian heritage, he even sat with us awhile! He insisted I go up to the kitchen and visit his mom and dad before leaving, and my fiancé and I did! He noted that they may not be around, as you never know... I always had a sense of the inherent goodness in him - you could sense his big heart, full of generosity and tenderness, despite his tough exterior. Over these 20 years, through my 3 relationships, he has always been welcoming to me, and he would share with me personally or with others I would bring with me stories of his youth, of hunting with his dogs, getting into shinanegans, about his kids, his wife he spoke always lovingly toward, and about the Electric Banana and his pride towards his parents business, his Italian heritage - his mother's cooking! He seemed to live life with gusto and force that would be difficult to sustain. I am deeply saddened and shocked by the news of his passing. I can't imagine the feeling parents have when losing a child. Mr. and Mrs. Zarra (John and Judy) and to Donny's wife and children, you are in our hearts as we remember the quintessentially Pittsburgh-Italian experience that you have given us all, a gift that has been shared with so many others and that had touched our lives. Many surely are wondering how Zarra's will continue, and we hope it will, in some way.

• November 03, 2023

  Matt Nannini

  My heart is broken. I'm so terribly sad for the Zarra family and anyone who knew Donny. We drifted apart years ago but throughout high school and college he was one of my closest friends. His heart was huge and he'd do anything for you. He was intensely friendly and extremely energetic and that is how I will remember him. Goodbye Brother. You are already missed. (Fun fact: Donny bagged all the pheasants in the picture of us. I was such a horrible shot and he let me hold some for the picture so I didn't look pathetic.)

• November 03, 2023

  April Snyder

  Jamie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. ❤️

• November 02, 2023

  Jack vroble

  So sorry to hear this, John!!!! Jack Vroble

• November 02, 2023

  Melissa Nairn

  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Zarra family. There are never any words, when you lose a child. May you find peace in the beautiful memories. -Shawn, Melissa & Regis Nairn

• November 02, 2023

  Mike Maiolo

  Sincere condolences to Judy, Johnny, Jr, Donny's wife and kids. You will be missed wild man.

• November 02, 2023

  The Capozzoli Family

  Donny was always a sweet, loving and caring person. Our family will remember him for these qualities and miss his smile and his kindness. The Capozzoli family.

• November 01, 2023

  Michael Thompson

  I don't need an entrance but usually one hell of an exit. He would like that.... Donny was my brother. He is missed by his kids and he has a solid place in my heart. I'll do my best to always do right by people as he would want that and "rock on with this life". Don't rest easy brother. You hunt and fish and do what Donny wants to do...Until, I see you again and do it better 😇. I love you. MT

• November 01, 2023

  Donna Brletic

  I remember our crew from the cutting crib coming to your restaurant and Donnie putting on my fur coat and modeling it

• November 01, 2023

  James Nieser

  I remember Donny tending the Electic Banana bar at a few shows back in the late 1980's I did not know him I can only express my deepest condolences for this sudden and tragic loss of I know what that feels like It has heappened to my family many times if you need anything at all to help you thru this please do not hesitate to give me a call 412-537-9388 James Nieser

• November 01, 2023

  Mike Schlapa

  My condolences to the family during this difficult time. We met several times over the years through the dogs. RIP Donny. Mike Schlapa vom Mountain Creek

• November 01, 2023

  Melanie Cook Firestone

  My deepest condolences to the family. Godspeed, my friend !

• November 01, 2023

  Deb Catanzaro

  My sincerest condolences, Judy, Johnny and to the entire Zarra family. My thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. With love, Deb Catanzaro

• November 01, 2023

  Alice Dzimiera

  Johnny Judy & family I just heard about this . . No words. Hugs & love to all of you❤️🙏🏻

• October 31, 2023

  William McDonough

  I will always remember the times at the church parking lot riding bikes and doing skateboard tricks. l'm so sorry for all of you.

• October 31, 2023

  Jenn Bowman

  My deepest condolences to the Zarra Family. I hope your many fond memories of Donny will provide you solace and peace.

• October 31, 2023

  maria viskochil edwards

  Heartfelt condolences to the entire Zarra Family on your monumental loss. Have great memories from our times at the Electric Banana.

• October 30, 2023

  Kirk Leidemann

  My condolences to Donny's extended family and friends for this tragic loss.

• October 30, 2023

  Ben Kopriva

  Donny was a incredible man and friend. I miss his laughter and stories already. He always had my back. My heart aches for the whole Zarra family.

• October 30, 2023

  Chrissy Zirngibl

  My sincere condolences. Donny was a wonderful person and my heart breaks for his family.

• October 30, 2023

  Yolanda Walkling

  I first met Donny online where he saw something special I had for sale and wanted to buy it for Jamie and he came all the way to Oakland Md just to pick it up. Since then I became friends with Jamie and Donny. My heart breaks for you Jamie and for your kids and his parents and anyone who knows him. May God give the peace you need now more than ever. Yolanda

• October 30, 2023

  George White

  There are no words to express your loss. Completely stunned by this news. Thoughts and prayers from the White family.

• October 30, 2023

  Rich Sippos

  Thinking of you Mr. and Mrs. Zarra, John, Jamie, and kids. My heart aches for all of you. Donny and I shared a lot of fun times in high school and especially college. Wishing you all healing. Rich, Jill, Natalie, and Sophia Sippos

• October 30, 2023

  Dale Sadowski

  So sorry for your loss ..So many found memories . R.I.P brother

• October 30, 2023

  Jamie Mckowski

  Memory Eternal 💙 🦋 donny you were always dependable for any of type of help or protection!! Also could always count on you for a good laugh like speed bumps using city supplies RIP 🙏

• October 30, 2023

  Ron Carroll

  My condolences to the family. RIP Sir.

• October 30, 2023

  Kellie Fleming

  RWG Buddy. I'll always coming swimming at your house as kid and how your family as made me feel so welcome. Fly High Donny !

• October 30, 2023

  Paul Kramer

  My heart is with his family in dealing with their tremendous loss. He was a fine person.

• October 30, 2023

  Cynthia Desch

  I am heartbroken to learn this - I loved Donny as a brother and have so many memories of our families together with all our dogs.