Mike Zampino passed away on April 9th, 2026 at the age of 78. He was a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Born April 25th, 1947 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, he was the son of Louis and Laureen Young Zampino.

Mr. Zampino worked as a manufacturer's rep in the automotive and hardware business. Mike had a work ethic that was second to none. He was a meticulous planner and always organized. Whether it was helping the family pack up for a trip and maximizing space in the vehicle, meticulously organizing multiple semis worth of product to be swapped out in factories for his clients at work, or acting as a general contractor remodeling the basement bathroom, he had a knack for organization and doing things right the first time.

His desire to take the lead and get things done is a trait that we will all fondly remember him for. He always pushed us to be the best versions of ourselves.

The man was a people person. This was evident anywhere he went, and in every space he filled. From work to the golf course, from chatting with the neighbors in the backyard to conversations with his family, he was always there to add something to the conversation.

He was a rock in our family. A source of strength and confidence. Resilience and dedication, love and tradition. Family values meant everything to him. He meant everything to us and his absence on this planet will be felt tremendously in the days, months and years to come.

He left this earth with grace and strength, with his family at his side. His final days couldn’t have been more appropriate. We got to share one final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament with him on Thursday afternoon. I’m sure that he couldn’t have written a more perfect ending if he tried.

Preceded in death by his parents Louis and Laureen (Young) Zampino and Jim and Venice (Berg) Gigstead, his wife Ellen’s parents.

Survived by his wife (married 55 years) Ellen Zampino of Minneapolis, Minnesota, his children Michael Louis Zampino of Portland, Oregon, and Aliandara Vanessa Zampino of Minneapolis Minnesota, and 14-year-old Lucy, the family Beagle.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel. 1 Tower Avenue in Historic Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111.

Visitation is 11-12 am and the service12-1

A private family interment will follow the service at Fort Snelling National Cemetary promptly at 1:45 pm … with full military honors being rendered.  

Memorials preferred to the Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation.