Born at the family ranch in Chianti (Geyserville) August 30, 1921 and passed peacefully on March 17, 2017 after a short illness. He was 95 years old. Being the youngest member of a large Italian family, he was nicknamed “Babe”, which he was known by his entire life. He was predeceased by his wife June and his daughter, Sandra Blackmon, as well as his parents Antonio and Mary (Francesconi), a brother Roger, sister Evelyn. Babe was raised on the family ranch in Geyserville. His grandparents and father emigrated from Italy and settled in St. Helena and then Chianti. Many will remember the location of this ranch as “Zanzi Corner.” Babe attended grammar school in the one-roomed Washington School in Asti and graduated from Cloverdale High School in 1940. He drove truck until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August, 1942 and served for the duration of World War II. He served as a Machinist Mate 1st class on the Destroyer USS Franks and the cargo ship LST 1052 throughout the Pacific Theater and participated in many of the island based battles. Babe married June Freaner in 1951 and had three children, residing in Cloverdale to raise their family. He worked for Italian Swiss Colony winery for 35 years until his retirement as a machinist. After retirement he worked occasionally at Seghesio Winery in Healdsburg helping operate the bottling line. Babe was a member of St. Peter’s church, Wm. Russell Ledford American Legion Post #293, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Babe was fortunate to maintain close friendships with his childhood buddies throughout his entire life. With his friends, he enjoyed hunting at the property on Geysers Rd. for over 50 years, fishing the Russian River and picking abalone in Elk. Babe is survived by his loving children, Susan Zanzi and John (Julie) Zanzi. He had six grandchildren; Garrett (Jessica) Zanzi, Gianna and Keegan Zanzi, Lauren Ford, Justin and Jason (Casey) Blackmon. Five great-grandchildren survive him. Also survived by nephews, Roger and Kedric (Denise) Zanzi and their families. Services will be private, with a public reception at Noon on Saturday, March 25th at the Geyserville Grill, 21714 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville. Donations suggested to Cloverdale Fire Department.
