Louis Zotti, WWII veteran

Louis "Duke" Zotti, 90, a World War II paratrooper and retired maintenance worker, died of cancer Monday at his daughter's home in Norristown.

Mr. Zotti grew up in Norristown with eight siblings. After dropping out of school in the sixth grade, he had a series of jobs and hopped trains, traveling cross-country seeking work.

During World War II, he served in the Army with the 101st Airborne Division, and in June 1944 parachuted into Normandy. In September, he parachuted into Eindhoven in the Netherlands during Operation Market Garden and was wounded. Months later, he was wounded again in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. He received two Purple Hearts.

After his discharge, Mr. Zotti married Lucy "Lil" Romano.

He worked in maintenance and as a painter for local companies, and was employed by the Star Dental Manufacturing Co. in Audubon, Montgomery County, when he retired in 1982.

In 1954, the Dutch government honored him and other members of the 101st for their service to the country, and the people of Eindhoven invited the veterans to visit. Mr. Zotti stayed with the Beeckman family in Eindhoven, the first of 18 visits. On his last visit two years ago, he gave his daughter, Lorraine Manderachi, and her husband a tour of where he fought.

He often spoke to school groups and showed them memorabilia from the war, his daughter said.

Mr. Zotti was a member of the Philadelphia chapter of the 101st Airborne Division's veterans organization. At Catholic War Veterans Post 1182 in Norristown, he was sergeant of the drill team, which won state and national awards.

He enjoyed spending time at his vacation home in Cape May and was a talented woodworker, crafting toys, dollhouses and miniature windmills.

In addition to his daughter, Mr. Zotti is survived by a son, Louis A.; two brothers; and three grandchildren. His wife of 56 years died in 2001.

Friends may call from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. today at the Volpe Funeral Home, 406 E. Main St., Norristown. A Funeral Mass will be said at 9:30 a.m. today at Holy Savior Church, 407 E. Main St., Norristown, Pa. 19401. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Norristown.

Memorial donations may be made to the church.