A true gentleman, family man and friend

WAKEFIELD — John A. “Jack” Zani, age 71, of Wakefield passed away on Friday, October 11 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital of Boston. Born in Cambridge, he was the son of the late Caesar and Florence (DiMilla) Zani.

Jack was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother-in-law, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He never complained and always had a smile on his face. Jack was a loyal friend and every weekend he’d catch up with his usual contacts: Richie, Kevin and John. Jack worked many years for Star Market and his many work associates became lifelong friends. No matter where he went he would bump into someone he knew. Jack will be forever loved and missed. The world lost a true gentleman, a wonderful father and grandfather, a loving husband, cousin and loyal friend.

Jack was the beloved husband of Lorene (Sacoco) Zani; the devoted father of Lisa (Zani) Garrett and her husband Mike of N. Reading and Jack Zani, Jr. and his wife Joolie of Douglas. He was the loving grandfather of Matteo, Nico and Anabella Garrett of N. Reading; and step-grandfather of Jessica McCarthy of Florida. Jack was the dear brother of Linda (Zani) Gorgone; Angela Zani; and the late Paula Pellegrino; and the brother-in-law of Paul Pellegrino; Phil Sacoco; and the late Frank Gorgone. He was the cherished son-in-law of the late Josephine and Sal Sacoco and is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends and work associates.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford on Thursday, October 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Friday, October 18 at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Jack’s name to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Development/Jimmy Fund, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. Visit dellorusso.net.