Owner of Zeno Mattress dies

By Lucy Chabot Reed

Joseph R. Zeno, the second-generation owner of Zeno Furniture and Mattress MFG. Co., died July 25 due to COVID-19. He was 78.

When Mr. Zeno was 11, his parents moved the family from Amsterdam, New York, to South Florida to begin a custom-made mattress business. The company also sold furniture to hotels and motels around Fort Lauderdale during the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. 

In the 1970s, Mr. Zeno and his brother took over the company. Their foray into the boating business came about when a client of Chris-Craft boats, which had a dealership down the street from Mr. Zeno’s factory and showroom, requested an innerspring mattress instead of foam on his boat. They soon began making custom mattresses and would eventually work with Sea Ray, Broward Marine, Roscioli, and Trinity Yachts, according to Judi Ebbole, Mr. Zeno’s daughter and third-generation owner of the company. 

“There was a time when people could come watch their bed being made,” she said. “My dad was a real innovator.”

Ebbole took over day-to-day operations of the company in the late 1990s and worked with her dad until recently. 

“Dad was still working with me every day,” she said. “I’d tell him he was doing something wrong, and he’d say ‘You can’t yell at me; I’m your father.’ My dad was quite the character.”

The company will continue under her direction and includes the fourth-generation Zeno in her son, Ryan.

Mr. Zeno, who also served in the U.S. Marine Corps, is survived by his daughters Ebbole (Robert) and JoAnn M. Zeno; grandchildren Meghan, Katelyn, Ryan and Kylie; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife, Isabella Nolan. 

A memorial service is being planned and will be announced at a later date, Ebbole said.

“Especially under these circumstances,” she said, referring to COVID. “He was doing great, and he went out to see some of his buddies. We’re not sure where he got it or when exactly. It’s such a sad time, to die from this stupid disease.”

Condolences can be sent to Zeno Mattress at info@zenomattress.com or via phone at 954-764-1212.

Lucy Chabot Reed is editor/publisher of The Triton.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

With much sorrow we announce Zeno, Joseph A., 89, founder of Zeno Mattress Mfg. Co., Inc. died June 25, 2004. He is predeceased by his wife, Alice and grandson Mark. He is survived by his sons, Louis and Joseph R. and their wives; three grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. AAA Baird Case Funeral Home at 954-486-3896.

Also posted Sun-Sentinel and Legacy.com.

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Dear Judi and Jim,

On behalf of the St. Anthony’s Church Petition Ministry, I want to thank you for the donation of 3 beds.  The beds will be used by a family with 3 children who have recently moved to Fort Lauderdale and receiving support from Catholic Charities and Hope South Florida.  We hope this gift reminds them of all the wonderful people we have in our Fort Lauderdale community. Richard Campillo 

About the 44th Annual Stuart Boat Show

The largest boat show on Florida’s Treasure Coast featuring over 200 local, national and international exhibitors displaying hundreds of boats in-water and on land. Many boat brands are represented at the show, including the latest models of motor yachts, cruisers, center consoles, speedboats, sport fishing boats, and pontoons ranging in size from 12 feet to over 80 feet in length. Additional exhibits include the latest in personal watercraft, marine electronics, outboard and inboard engines, safety equipment, accessories, boat lifts, fishing gear, nautical clothing and jewelry, as well as financing and insurance companies.  Plenty of seminars, music, delicious food and drinks add to the festivities.

Visit us at the Stuart Boat Show January 12-14, 2018. More than 200 exhibitors, boats 12′ to 90′, electronics, apparel, fishing gear and more.
Call Zeno Mattress Now!
(954) 764-1212

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2017 November 1-5, 2017

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the “Yachting Capital of the World” hosted the 58th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on Nov 1-Nov 5, 2017. Show exhibits range from yacht builders and designers to exotic cars and brokerage yachts. A wide variety of boats will be on display including runabouts, sportfishers, high performance boats, center consoles, cabin cruisers, flats boats, skiffs, express cruisers, sailing yachts, motor yachts, bowriders, catamarans, ski boats, jet boats, trawlers, inflatables, canoes, and extraordinary superyachts. This is exactly where you want to be.

Thank You For Visiting the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show November 1-5, 2017 More than 1000 boats, 900 exhibitors, 7 locations, electronics, apparel, fishing gear and more.
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(954) 764-1212

Come Vist Us!

Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.
November 3 – 7, 2016
Booth 488-489
Call Zeno Mattress Now!
(954) 764-1212