Gerald J. Zanolli
February 17, 1943 ~ September 2, 2024
Born in:
Kiskimere, PA
Resided in:
Johns Creek, GA
Gerald Joseph Zanolli, 81, of Johns Creek, GA passed away peacefully at home on September 2, 2024. He was born February 17, 1943, to Julia and Angelo Zanolli in Kiskimere, PA.
Jerry moved to Southern California at age 14 and graduated from Sante Fe High School before attending the US Coast Guard Academy. He was a running back on the football team, and always reminded his family that he played for the Hall of Famer Otto Graham and was on the undefeated team that went to the Tangerine Bowl.
Following graduation, Jerry was designated an aviator after attending flight school in Pensacola, FL and Corpus Christi, TX. He flew C-130s in Miami, FL, Kodiak, AK, Elizabeth City, NC, and Clearwater, FL. His flight assignments took him around the world from Sondrestrom, Greenland, 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle to Punta Arenas, Chile at the southern tip of South America. Following a decorated career, he retired from the Coast Guard in 1993 after serving as the Commanding Officer in Borinquen, Puerto Rico.
He was a life-long avid bridge player, including a nine-year running game with Coast Guard best friends, Bob and Maggi Cathey. His golf game was always a work in progress, but he enjoyed both the camaraderie and competition. His passion for the Pittsburgh Steelers never wavered.
Jerry’s true love was his family, especially his children and grandchildren. They appreciate the lessons of hard work and integrity he taught them. He was an enthusiastic participant in their sports teams and other events. He could always be heard from the sidelines with an “encouraging” word. Many memories were made on summer family vacations highlighted by trips back to his childhood home in Pennsylvania. He instilled a sense of humor and wit to everyone around him and never missed a chance to deliver a well-timed pun.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents (Angelo and Julia), wife (Mary Curnen Zanolli), sons (David and Jeffrey), and sister (Judith Villa).
He is survived by his loving partner of 23 years, Lynn Hoppe (granddaughter, Shila). Sons: Stephen (wife Jill, children, Nicole, Allison, Katelyn), and Greg (wife Cassie, children, Joseph (wife Ally), Claire). Daughters: Christine (children, MyKenzie, Emmerie), Elizabeth (wife Dana, child, Easton), and Laura (husband Brendan). Brother, Michael (wife Peggy). Sister, Shirley (husband Rick).
Services will be held September 16, 2024. Private viewing 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, followed by a 1:00 p.m. graveside service at Beaverdale Memorial Park in New Haven, CT. Luncheon to follow at Eli’s.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Fund at https://mycgma.org/donate/, 703-785-0404.
Services
Graveside Service: September 16, 2024 1:00 pm
Beaverdale Memorial Park
90 Pine Rock Avenue
New Haven, CT 06515
203-387-6601
My deepest sympathy to Jerry’s entire family. I only had the privilege of meeting Jerry a couple of times and I’d like to say what a sweet man he was and I know he will be sorely missed..RIP Jerry
To a very special cousin I didn’t get to spend much time with you but I remember when your whole family came and watch Warren play a ennis match when you were in St Pete RIP
Jerry and i were both attracted to USCG Academy by Otto Graham.
we met on the football field, and there were sparks, also lived in same Company 2 yrs – FOXTROT . Otto gave nicknames Viggy & Ziggy,
cause he said “no time to try pronounce or say both names.”
Then coaches and linemen helped get our names announced –
often we were 2 deep for kickoff and punt returns.
And on ’63 Undefeated team, plus Orlando Tangerine Bowl.
Besides names ending in a vowel, & Italian roots, we played
high school ball in California. We also sat next to each other in class rank
at graduation… demerits?
Never served together as officers, but settled only 1 or 2 states apart in
retirement. We both leaned the same way politically, plus had similar sense
of humor & logic.
Our biggest differences were:
his family worked in Pennsylvania coal mines;
mine on California railroad, & winery.
Guess i’m the last man standing here.
I’ll miss you deeply teammate ZIGGY,
Our Sparks are now a glowing ember,
but will never forget you & times we shared.
Wish we had prayed a little more together,
but believe GOD knows, we can still do that…
more than a teammate, Viggy
……..
my Nono Caesar’s toast — “Dju trink a lilly wine, y mak a dju feely fine…”
Immigrant Italian learning English:
“My father bought a bull, he thought it was a cow,
Tried to get some milk, but he don’t know how…”
On behalf of Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, I offer my condolences to the entire Hoppe / Zanolli family. Through his support of CGMA, Jerry helped other Coasties get through some tough financial times. Our community will miss his leadership and love.