Ford City, PA – Lori Placha Zambotti of Ford City, Pennsylvania, has sadly passed away at the age of 64. Lori died on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Armstrong Memorial Hospital in Kittanning due to complications of severe pneumonia. She was a dedicated pharmacist at Klingensmith’s Drug Store, where she worked for 40 years.
Lori Placha Zambotti succumbed to severe pneumonia complications. Born on March 16, 1960, in Ford City, PA, Lori was the oldest of three daughters of Barb and Leo Placha. She attended Ford City High School and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. Lori’s love, kindness, and endless generosity touched countless lives, making her an exceptional wife, mother, and friend. She cherished traveling to unique destinations, celebrating life’s every season, and spending quality time with her beloved children, family, friends, and grand dog Lucy.
Lori’s journey began in Ford City, a small but tight-knit community where she spent her formative years. Growing up as the eldest daughter in the Placha family, she exhibited a sense of responsibility and leadership from a young age. Her parents, Barb and Leo, instilled in her the values of hard work, kindness, and compassion, which she carried throughout her life.
Lori attended Ford City High School, where she excelled academically and participated in various extracurricular activities. Her natural curiosity and dedication to learning made her a standout student. She was particularly interested in the sciences, which led her to pursue a career in pharmacy.
After graduating from high school, Lori enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. There, she honed her skills and knowledge, preparing for a career that would span four decades. Her time at university was marked by rigorous academic work, but she also found time to build lifelong friendships and engage in community service.
Lori’s professional journey began at Klingensmith’s Drug Store, a local pharmacy where she would spend the next 40 years of her career. Her dedication to her work and her patients quickly made her a beloved figure in the community. As a pharmacist, Lori was known for her meticulous attention to detail, her extensive knowledge of medications, and her compassionate approach to patient care.
Throughout her career, Lori saw the pharmacy industry evolve and adapt to new challenges. She embraced these changes with enthusiasm, always seeking to provide the best care possible for her patients. Her commitment to her profession was unwavering, and she took great pride in her work.
Outside of her professional life, Lori was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She married Les Zambotti, and together they built a loving home filled with warmth and laughter. Their daughters, Katie and Sarah, were the light of Lori’s life. She cherished every moment spent with them, whether it was helping with school projects, attending their extracurricular activities, or simply enjoying family dinners.
Lori’s love for her family extended to her broader circle of friends and relatives. She was known for her generosity and willingness to help others. Whether it was organizing community events, volunteering at local charities, or simply lending a listening ear, Lori’s presence was a constant source of support and encouragement for those around her.
One of Lori’s greatest joys was traveling. She had a passion for exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. From tropical beaches to historic cities, Lori and her family made countless memories on their adventures. These trips were not just vacations; they were opportunities for Lori to bond with her loved ones and create lasting memories.
Lori also had a deep appreciation for the changing seasons and the beauty they brought. She celebrated each season with enthusiasm, decorating her home to reflect the time of year and organizing seasonal gatherings with family and friends. Her home was always a welcoming place, filled with love, laughter, and the delicious aromas of her cooking.
Lori’s impact on the Ford City community cannot be overstated. As a pharmacist at Klingensmith’s Drug Store, she touched the lives of countless individuals. Patients trusted her not only for her professional expertise but also for her compassionate care. She took the time to listen to their concerns, answer their questions, and provide personalized advice.
Beyond her professional role, Lori was deeply involved in community service. She volunteered with local charities, participated in community events, and supported various causes. Her generosity and willingness to help others were evident in everything she did. She was a role model for many, demonstrating the importance of giving back to the community and making a positive impact.
Lori’s legacy is one of love, kindness, and unwavering dedication. Her life was a testament to the power of compassion and the importance of building strong, supportive relationships. She leaves behind a lasting impact on her family, friends, and community.
Her husband, Les, and their daughters, Katie and Sarah, will always remember her as a loving and caring mother and wife. Her parents, Barb and Leo, take comfort in the knowledge that Lori lived a life filled with love and purpose. Her sisters, Linda and Leeann, will cherish the memories of their childhood together and the close bond they shared throughout their lives.
Lori’s nieces and nephews, Mel, Elizabeth, Josh, Rachel, Scott, Brett, and Matt, along with their spouses and children, will continue to be inspired by her example of kindness and generosity. They will carry forward the lessons she taught them and strive to honor her memory in their own lives.
Per the family’s wishes, visitation will be private. A public Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 11 A.M. in Christ, Prince of Peace Catholic Church with the Very Reverend Eric Dinga as the celebrant. Burial will follow in Kittanning Cemetery.
The community is invited to attend the Mass and burial to pay their respects and celebrate Lori’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to local charities that Lori supported. This gesture will honor her legacy of generosity and commitment to helping others.
As news of Lori’s passing spread, tributes poured in from friends, colleagues, and community members. Many shared stories of how Lori had touched their lives, offering comfort, support, and kindness in times of need.
Dr. Michael Anderson, a colleague at Klingensmith’s Drug Store, reflected on Lori’s impact on the pharmacy and the community. “Lori was more than a colleague; she was a friend and a mentor. Her dedication to her work and her patients was unparalleled. She had a way of making everyone feel valued and cared for. Her absence will be deeply felt by all of us.”
Family friend Jane Thompson shared her memories of Lori’s generosity and warmth. “Lori had a heart of gold. She was always there to help, whether it was organizing a community event or just being a shoulder to cry on. She had a way of making everyone feel special and loved. Her legacy of kindness will live on in all of us who were fortunate enough to know her.”
Lori’s daughters, Katie and Sarah, spoke of their mother’s love and the lessons she imparted. “Mom taught us the importance of kindness, compassion, and giving back to the community. She showed us what it means to live a life of purpose and love. We will carry her spirit with us always and strive to honor her memory in everything we do.”
The Ford City community has come together to support the Zambotti family during this difficult time. Friends and neighbors have organized meal trains, offered childcare, and provided emotional support. Local businesses have also shown their support, with many donating to the charities Lori supported and dedicating space for memorials in her honor.
Community leader and close friend, Tom Miller, spoke of the collective grief and the outpouring of support. “Lori’s passing has left a hole in our community, but it has also brought us closer together. We are united in our grief and our determination to honor her memory by continuing her legacy of kindness and service.”
Lori’s passing due to severe pneumonia complications highlights the importance of pneumonia awareness and the need for early detection and treatment. Pneumonia is a serious illness that can affect individuals of all ages, but it is particularly dangerous for older adults and those with underlying health conditions.
Dr. Susan Roberts, a pulmonologist at Armstrong Memorial Hospital, emphasized the importance of understanding the symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly. “Pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially if not treated early. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, and persistent cough, and seek medical care immediately. Early intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes.”
Lori’s dedication to her profession and her patients serves as a reminder of the critical role healthcare professionals play in our communities. Her 40-year career at Klingensmith’s Drug Store was marked by her commitment to providing excellent care and her ability to connect with patients on a personal level.
Her colleagues remember her as a compassionate and knowledgeable pharmacist who always put her patients first. Her approach to patient care serves as an inspiration to current and future healthcare professionals, highlighting the importance of empathy, kindness, and dedication in the field of healthcare.
Lori Placha Zambotti’s life was filled with love, kindness, and service. Her impact on her family, friends, and community will be felt for generations to come. As her loved ones gather to celebrate her life and honor her memory, they do so with a commitment to carrying forward her legacy of generosity and compassion.
In the words of her daughter, Katie, “Mom’s love was a guiding light for all of us. She taught us to be kind, to help others, and to live life to the fullest. We will miss her every day, but we know that her spirit lives on in the lives she touched and the lessons she taught us.”
As the community mourns the loss of a remarkable woman, they also celebrate the life she lived and the indelible mark she left on the world. Lori’s legacy is one of love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and community. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide all those who were fortunate enough to know her.
