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ROBERT ZANNI Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Alfred Zanni, who passed away peacefully just a few days after celebrating his 99th birthday with his family. If you knew Bob, you loved him. He was the kindest, gentlest soul who genuinely loved life and was always happy. He will be missed by many.
Born in Jackfish, Ontario, to Frank and Filomena Zanni, Bob spent his childhood in Jackfish and Marathon, later moving to Thunder Bay to attend Port Arthur Technical School. While attending high school, he lived with the Bianconi family on Centre Street where he met the love of his life, Mary Covello. Bob and Mary shared 68 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2019.
Bob was an employee and eventually the owner of Frank's Texaco on Algoma Street, where he was often mistakenly called Frank. He was deeply involved in his community, serving as president of the Automotive Trades Association, a member of St. Anthony's Parish, the Holy Name Society, and the Italian Society of Port Arthur. He was a lifetime honorary member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Cava Charity Golf Committee for many years.
Bob valued family above all else. Many memories were made over the years at the Covello camp at Mackenzie, and the Zanni camp at Amethyst Heights. After his retirement, he enjoyed winters with Mary in Tucson, Arizona.
In recent years, Bob found great joy in his weekly coffee with Frank and Joe Agostino and the gang, outings with Ron Slongo, and Thursday lunches at Bar Italia with his sons and nephews. He also cherished regular visits from Kathy Gauley, Cindy Mustapic, and Greg and Shirley Hookham.
Bob is survived by son Frank (Mary), grandchildren Krista (Brian), Kathy (Tony), and Joey (Jamie), son Bobby (Connie) and their family, and his great-grandchildren Alessandra, Gavin, Connor, JJ and Adeline. He is also survived by brother-in-law Bill Covello Sr. (Lorna), and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Arundel Chartwell, Dr. Naqi, and Kathleen from Bayshore.
A service to celebrate Bob's life will be held at St. Anthony's Church on Thursday, March 27th, with visitation at 9:30 am and celebratory mass at 11:00 am. Interment in St. Andrew's R.C. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Canada. EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma, in care of arrangements.
For those unable to attend the service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqP3tR_wGfA and will be available after the service on the Everest website.
Please sign the Online Condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT ZANNI
Sponsored by Everest Of Thunder Bay.
12 Entries
Palmira Racco
April 7, 2025
Just seen, our condolences to all the family I used to talk to him when he would come in the store super nice man
MELANIE ERICKSON
April 4, 2025
So very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My dad Mel Devine always spoke so highly of Bob. He enjoyed their coffee time. Bob will be remembered fondly.
Melanie (Devine) Erickson
Lee koski
April 4, 2025
Zanni family
I am sorry to see the passing of your father and grandfather. I remember Bob from his garage days a popular station and also went to school with his son Bob (lakeview) like his dad soft funny and always a friend. A well lived and rewarded life.
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Armando Narvaez
March 28, 2025
Frank,
My deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved father. I have nothing but good memories of him.
Armando Narvaez
Ray
March 27, 2025
Bobby, Frank. No words can describe how sorry I am to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with the Zanni family during this difficult time.
Bob was an incredible man. His kindness and his willingness to help others will always be remembered. Bob will be missed dearly.
May God bless.
Ray Williamson
Andy and Dale Potec
March 27, 2025
To Frank and Bobby and family. Are heart felt Condolences to Father. Bob was a Mentor to me he got my career started as a Mechanic. He was the best boss ever. Treated me and taught me some great life skills. I will always remember you and your Wife Mary. Rest in peace my Friend. Sorry we can´t come to the funeral we are still in Florida Andy and Dale Potec.
Dwight
March 27, 2025
Robert Zanni was a kind successful businessman when I knew him back in ~1972 Bob gave me a chance as a gas station attendent, where I met employees from his family and customers, like Ron Shultz and others who would visit with their high performance automobiles. It was a good memory of life. Thank you Robert
Art Dupuis
March 26, 2025
My deepest sympathy to tha family of Mr Bob Zanni. He was always friendly & had a smile on his face. My aunt (Mrs Gwen Walker & I got our gas & cars repaired by Bob & his crew at Franks Texaco! We lived at 365 Ambrose Street. He was always very kind to Gwen after my uncle Henry died. When every I pass where the service station was on corner of Algoma & Ambrose I think fondly of Bob!
Sincerely , Art Dupuis
Ab Filipovic
March 26, 2025
Deepest condolences to the family of Bob ..so many great
Memories through the Covello family..our prayers and thoughts are with you all......Ab and Martha Filipovic
Sylvia Cava
March 26, 2025
Dear Frank, Bobby and families. My sincere sympathy to you in the loss of your Dad. He was a very special man and loved by many. Sincerely, Sylvia Cava
Dominic and Janice
March 26, 2025
Kathy, Tony and the Zanni family - We're so sorry for your loss. Memories held close to your heart will be with you forever.
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