Joseph L. Zanini
April 3, 1920 ~ July 4, 2007
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Joseph L. 'Joe' Zanini, 87, passed away July 4, 2007. Survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Dorothy Zanini of the family home; children, Jeannie (Theodore) Morgan of Colorado Springs, Joe (Jennifer) Zanini of Colorado Springs and John (Vicki) Zanini of Pueblo; grandchildren, Amy (Todd) Redding, Ben (Katrina) Morgan, Peter Morgan, Ryan Zanini, Jamie Zanini and Brea (Shannon) Buchanan; great-grandchildren, Harley Buchanan, Layne Buchanan and Seth Buchanan; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by siblings, Dave Zanini, Sister Marie de Sales, Sister Ann Zanini, Mary Festi and Frank Zanini. Joe was born to Peter and Lizzie Zanini on April 3, 1920, in Primero, Colo. He played on a semi-pro baseball team in Trinidad and was asked by the Baltimore Orioles to play professionally but his family and country's needs came before his baseball career. Joe served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and retired from Mountain Bell Telephone Company after 30 years of service. Family was very important to Joe and he was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He nurtured their passion for the great outdoors, fishing, hunting, growing grapes and roses bushes. Joe enjoyed celebrating the holidays, especially Independence Day, which seems fitting that he passed away on the 4th of July. He was community minded and volunteered whenever possible. At one point, he was very involved with BPO Elks Lodge No. 90 and more recently with Eagles Aerie No. 145. Joe was an active member of the Shrine of St. Therese where he was an usher for over 40 years and was involved with the church's building and maintenance projects. He was also active with Father John Powers Memorial Basketball League. Everyone who knew Joe enjoyed his great sense of humor. As per his request, there will be no viewing. Funeral Mass, 10 a.m. Monday, July 9, 2007, at Shrine of St. Therese, 300 Goodnight Ave., with the Reverend Father Liam Courtney as celebrant. Military honors by Pueblo Veterans' Ritual Team and interment will follow at Imperial Memorial Gardens. The family thanks Sharmar Village Care Center, St. Mary Corwin's 4100, 4700, 5100 and the Second Floor, Sangre de Cristo Hospice House, Dr. Phillip Woods and Dr. Thomas Fitzgerald for the care they gave Joe. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shrine of St. Therese Building Fund or charity of donor's choice through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, Colo. 81003. Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com
Very sorry to hear about your loss.
We always considered Joe more than a friend…he and Dorothy always included us…It was always a joy to listen to him share about his life and particularly his passions for baseball and his family. His devotion to family and constant encouragement of them to go for their dreams was ever present no matter when you spoke to him. That encouragement will be missing now and his memory will not…we enjoyed the fireworks display last night at Clovis 100 years celebration as we dedicated it to the celebration of Joe’s life and what a show it was…a very fitting send off for him. We have been thinking and praying for all of you who love him deeply as we know you miss his smiling face and humorous remarks. Our love and prayers are with you all!