Levio E. "Lee" Zeni

1923 - 2014

Levio E. "Lee" Zeni obituary, 1923-2014, Storrs, CT

FUNERAL HOME

John M. Taylor Funeral Home

147 DUKE OF GLOUCESTER ST

Annapolis, Maryland

Levio Zeni Obituary



Levio "Lee" E. Zeni (age 91), Captain, USN (Ret); beloved spouse of Toula Zeni, died May 13, 2014. A strong, gentle man who loved life, family, golf. USNA graduate, 24 yr. career mainly at sea commanding ships, 34 yr. civilian career with MD Dept. of Natural Resources; Executive Director, Interstate Commission Potomac River Basin; MD Environment Service. Among his accomplishments, helped restore region's natural resources, striped bass population, and Poplar Island footprint through dredging of Balto Harbor. Visitation May 19 3-6 pm, Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester, Annapolis. Service May 29, 1pm USNA Chapel.

Published by Baltimore Sun on May 17, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Levio Zeni

Sponsored by The Baltimore Sun.

Not sure what to say?





Friends in Alabama send their love and sympathy to all the family at this time. He was remarkable person and one for all of you to be thankful for. God bless you. Bonnie and Bobby Windle Alabama

June 16, 2014

Toula,

Uncle Lee meant so much to all of us. It is difficult to capture the emotion and sentiments that come while remembering him. I can say that having family close is a wonderful thing. Nancy, Steven, Chelsea, Frankie, Sara and I will never forget him. We are always here for you.

I have included the thoughts from the service here.

Thoughts about my Uncle Lee
I am Frank Zeni, Lee's nephew. I want to share some of the stories from Uncle Lee and my father Frank about what it was like growing up in Storrs, CT; Lee was three years older than my Dad and they spent their formative years during the ‘30s in and around Storrs and Willimantic. The family, Joseph, Sylvia, Lee, Dell, Frank, and Ann, moved from Fort Lee, New Jersey to a small farm on Wormwood Hill Rd in Mansfield, CT. It was a rough life requiring a lot of hard work. In the late 30s, their home on Wormwood hill burned down, forcing the family to move. The only place available was an old chicken coop, which needless to say, was very humbling. However, they persevered, and didn't live in the coop very long. Pop, my Grandfather, had bought three acres in Storrs on a dirt road and they brought the whole family up from Jersey to build a small stone Cape Cod. To collect the stone, Pop turned their Buick into a pick-up truck and Uncle Lee and Dad drove around the town asking if folks wanted their old stone walls. Those stones became the foundation and first floor of the house I grew up in. In fact they collected so many that they buried the extra stones under the driveway six feet deep and about 75 feet long

Uncle Lee and my Dad always shared fond memories about growing up in Storrs, hunting, fishing, and swimming at the Pink Ravine. My father and Uncle Lee were very close and I found out one reason why while walking with my Dad at the Ravine. One day they were swimming and somehow Uncle Lee managed to get caught at the intake of a small dam, and my Dad was able to get him out, strengthening their bond.

The military has been part of my family for a long time and my Uncle shared why he decided to join the Navy. In the mid 1930's, Uncle Lee went to the Capitol Theater in Willimantic and caught the afternoon feature “Shipmates Forever”. That day Uncle Lee knew that he wanted to go to the Academy and be part of the brotherhood of the Navy. Uncle Lee started at the Academy in the spring of '42 and was the last class of three-year graduates.
My Uncle meant a great deal to my family and I. He mentored me and offered guidance to me after my Father's passing. I didn't listen much then but it stayed with me and helped me in decisions as I grew up In 1996, Nancy, Steven, Chelsea and I moved back to the Annapolis area and we reconnected with Uncle Lee and Toula. Over time, Steven and Chelsea grew up, Frankie and Sara were born, and we were able to share all of that with Uncle Lee and Toula, holidays, birthdays and many other family activities.
On September 10, 2001, I was honored to have Uncle Lee officiate at my final enlistment. He was with me again to celebrate my retirement from the Air Force in 2005. Uncle Lee wrote a long letter congratulating me on my retirement and offering guidance on my future career choices and what to expect. Even today that guidance is with me and shaping my choices. Uncle Lee, the son of immigrants, set goals for himself early on in life to be successful. Through hard work, education, strong moral character and a commitment to the Navy he met those goals. He inspired my brothers and me to start our lives in the military: Joseph Zeni, class of ‘74 USNA, David Zeni, class of ‘78 Penn State Naval ROTC, and me, Frank Zeni, MSGT, USAF (RET)—all this as a result of my uncle's decision to see a movie that afternoon.
We will never forget him. Frank Zeni, MSgt, USAF (RET)

Now I would like to share my brother Joe's thoughts.
Thoughts about the passing of Lee Zeni
I would like to say a few words about my uncle Lee. I visited him while he was receiving hospice services and found that despite his failing health he summoned the same strength that allowed him to meet challenges throughout his life to meet and talk with me. I appreciated his efforts and found them comforting. I've always respected my uncle. He was a good man who believed in fairness. He always seemed to find time for me, and would patiently help me to put things in perspective. He would suggest that I work hard and play hard which we have all probably heard before. But, he also told me that life happens while you're planning for the future. What that meant to me was to be sure to plan for the future but be focused and deal with whatever life brings you each day. It was good advice. Without my uncle's support and counsel I do not believe I would have made it through the Naval Academy.
Also, I am humbled by the extent of the care given to my uncle by his loving wife, Toula, as his health slowly declined. I am grateful for the support she gave him which was above and beyond the call of duty.
Finally, in May of 2012, Uncle Lee and Toula visited my wife Diane and me in Milwaukee, WI. It was an enjoyable visit for all of us. On that visit my uncle met Chloe-- our loveable, feisty, and naughty beagle. Chloe couldn't help but jump all over my uncle, kissing him, and showing him how much she appreciated meeting him. Uncle Lee was smiling, beaming with joy, so much so that it lit up the room. He commented on how full of life Chloe was. I will never forget my uncle's smile and joy that day. That's how I will remember him, because, he too loved life. I will miss him. May he rest in peace. Joe Zeni

..and I would also like to share my brother David's thoughts.
Thoughts on Uncle Lee
As my Uncle Lee sets sail on his final voyage, I will remember his thoughtfulness. He told me I did a good job setting up my Dad's funeral arrangements some 35 years ago. I really appreciated that. He always asked about my Mom which was comforting as Mom could be a handful at times. And, I will always be thankful that Uncle Lee was a NAVY Officer. Without his influence and assistance I probably would have ended up in some lesser career. I remember swapping some NAVY stories. One of his was when he met President John F. Kennedy aboard the NORTHAMPTON. They shook hands. He said meeting a President is memorable in anyone's life but more so when the President is a NAVY man. Later, Kennedy addressed the Naval Academy and made a statement that is worth sharing upon Uncle Lee's passing....."Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think, can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: I served in the United States Navy."
David Zeni

Frank Zeni

June 7, 2014

Toula and family:

I was honored to get to know Lee. I will always remember him.

Curtis Dalpra

May 29, 2014

I send my deepest and sincere condolences for the loss of your husband with whom you had wonderful life.We,who had not the possibility to know him,missed the opportunity to cultivate our humanistic values as well as to expandet our spiritual values.

ENDY JOANNA

May 23, 2014

Dear Toula...both Norm and I have such fond memories of our trip to England with you and Lee for the " Runner Cup".... May all your wonderful memories sustain you at this difficult time. Linda and Norm Bednarek

May 21, 2014

Toula We are so sorry for your great loss. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Barbara and Frank Robertson (Whitehall)
Ellicott City, Maryland

May 20, 2014

Toula, I was so sorry to hear about your husband's passing so soon after Nick's. I will fondly remember our trips to England. He was a fine man. Maybe they are starting another round of golf in heaven! You have my deepest sympathies.

Janice Cantwell

May 19, 2014

I had the wonderful opportunity to know and work with Lee during the time when he was with the State of Maryland and the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin and I was with the Baltimore District, Army Corps of Engineers. Lee's accomplishments were extraordinary, as he approached water resource problems with the can-do attitude necessary to solve them -- and he did solve them! I have missed working with Lee, and I shall miss his friendship even more.

Jim Johnson

May 19, 2014

Connie: I was very sad to hear about the passing of your Dad. He had a very successful and eventful life and for that we should all be very glad. Sherry's and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

John Carey

May 19, 2014

As my Uncle Lee sets sail on his final voyage, I will remember his
thoughtfulness. He told me I did a good job setting up my Dad's
funeral arrangements some 35 years ago. I really appreciated that.
He always asked about my Mom which was comforting as Mom could
be a handful at times. And, I will always be thankful that Uncle Lee was
a NAVY Officer. Without his influence and assistance I probably would
have ended up in some lesser career. I remember swapping some NAVY
stories. One of his was when he met President John F. Kennedy aboard
the USS NORTHAMPTON. They shook hands. He said meeting a President is
memorable in anyone's life but more so when the President is a NAVY man.
Later, Kennedy addressed the Naval Academy and made a statement that is
worth sharing upon Uncle Lee's passing....."Any man who may be asked in
this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think, can respond with
a good deal of pride and satisfaction: I served in the United States Navy."

David Zeni

May 18, 2014

I would like to say a few words about my Uncle Lee Zeni. I visited him while he was receiving hospice services and found that despite his failing health he summoned the same strength that allowed him to meet challenges throughout his life to meet and talk with me. I appreciated his efforts and found them comforting. I've always respected my uncle. He was a good man who believed in fairness. He always seemed to find time for me, and would patiently help me to put things in perspective. He would suggest that I work hard and play hard which we have all probably heard before. But, he also told me that life happens while you're planning for the future. What that meant to me was to be sure to plan for the future but be focused and deal with whatever life brings you each day. It was good advice. Without my uncle's support and counsel I do not believe I would have made it through the Naval Academy.
Also, I am humbled by the extent of the care given to my uncle by his loving wife, Toula, as his health slowly declined. I am grateful for the support she gave him which was above and beyond the call of duty.
Finally, in 2012, Uncle Lee and Toula visited my wife Diane and me in Milwaukee, WI. It was an enjoyable visit for all of us. On that visit my uncle met Chloe-- our loveable, feisty, and yes, naughty beagle. Chloe couldn't help but jump all over my uncle, kissing him, and showing him how much she appreciated meeting him. Uncle Lee was smiling, beaming with joy, so much so that it lit up the room. He commented on how full of life Chloe was. I will never forget my uncle's smile and joy that day. That's how I will remember him, because, he too loved life. I will miss him. May he rest in peace.
Joe Zeni (Milwaukee, WI.)

May 18, 2014

I would like to say a few words about my Uncle Lee Zeni. I visited him while he was receiving hospice services and found that despite his failing health he summoned the same strength that allowed him to meet challenges throughout his life to meet and talk with me. I appreciated his efforts and found them comforting. I've always respected my uncle. He was a good man who believed in fairness. He always seemed to find time for me, and would patiently help me to put things in perspective. He would suggest that I work hard and play hard which we have all probably heard before. But, he also told me that life happens while you're planning for the future. What that meant to me was to be sure to plan for the future but be focused and deal with whatever life brings you each day. It was good advice. Without my uncle's support and counsel I do not believe I would have made it through the Naval Academy.
Also, I am humbled by the extent of the care given to my uncle by his loving wife, Toula, as his health slowly declined. I am grateful for the support she gave him which was above and beyond the call of duty.
Finally, in 2012, Uncle Lee and Toula visited my wife Diane and me in Milwaukee, WI. It was an enjoyable visit for all of us. On that visit my uncle met Chloe-- our loveable, feisty, and yes, naughty beagle. Chloe couldn't help but jump all over my uncle, kissing him, and showing him how much she appreciated meeting him. Uncle Lee was smiling, beaming with joy, so much so that it lit up the room. He commented on how full of life Chloe was. I will never forget my uncle's smile and joy that day. That's how I will remember him, because, he too loved life. I will miss him. May he rest in peace.
Joe Zeni (Milwaukee, WI)

May 18, 2014

"A gentle lion, a very special man" truly describes Lee. I'll miss you partner.

Dick Rooney

May 16, 2014

Connie:

Our condolences on the passing of your father. Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Mark & Sherry Hajas

May 16, 2014

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

Make a Donation
in Levio Zeni's name

Memorial Events
for Levio Zeni

May

19

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

John M. Taylor Funeral Home

147 DUKE OF GLOUCESTER ST, Annapolis, MD 21401

May

29

Funeral

1:00 p.m.

USNA Chapel

MD 21401

Funeral services provided by:

John M. Taylor Funeral Home

147 DUKE OF GLOUCESTER ST, Annapolis, MD 21401

How to support Levio's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Levio Zeni's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more