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Pete Zamperini Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Pete Zamperini
Sterling Trice
January 25, 2025
I remember Pete from when I was a sophomore at Banning H.S. 1958-59.He had his brother Louis come and talk to us. Wonderful memories.
El Caballo
June 7, 2024
Pete was also a gifted teacher developing a course called "Practical Science" in the Los Angeles School System this coupled with the infamous tennis shoe sole at the speed of light. Kept some of us on the right path. S55
Larry Thatcher
May 19, 2024
We relaxed the day before a track meet. Coach Zamperini would tell us how we should place against the opponent. He was most generally correct. David Antol was champ in the Marine League as a 10th and 11th grader in the 440. There was a fellow who had posted a faster time than David. Coach said my money is on the champ until he is beat. David won and that win spurred us all on.
Andy Levinson
August 15, 2023
Rest in Peace Coach Zamperini,
I´m sure you are, always the gentleman and fine example
for the younger folks.
Andy Levinson w´66
Larry Thatcher
May 19, 2021
I will never forget you, coach. You taught me how it feels to be a champion.
jim gipson
August 23, 2019
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Larry Thatcher
May 19, 2019
Coach Zamperini was very important to me. He was a father figure to me. My own father had walked away when I was six years old. As a member of Coach Zamperini's cross country and track team at Banning High School I grew to love him. I will never forget in my first 1320 race at Westchester High after leading the first two of three laps I was passed. Over all the people from the home team cheering their runner I heard Coach's voice say "get him at the next turn". That gave me the strength to dig down deep and win the race. I can still hear that voice.
CURTIS FAIRLEY
February 25, 2019
ZAMP WAS THE GREATEST TRACK COACH OF ALLL TIMES WHEN I CAME TO BANNING I WAS THE SLOWEST GUY ON THE TRACK TEAM ZAMP SAID TO ME FAIRLEY IF YOU DO EVERYTHING I TELL YOU AND WORK HARD IN TRAINING THE FIRST TRACK MEET YOU WILL COME IN THIRD PLACE BUT I TOOK FIRST PLACE AND BECAME A GREAT HURDLER AND SPRINTER ZAMP WAS A GREAT MAN I ALWAYS THINK ABOUT ZAMP HE A MAN YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER GOD BE WITH THE ZAMPERINI FAMILY!!!
Larry Nelson
September 9, 2017
What a tremendous and wonderful man -- coach 'Zamp'!
'Zamp' coached my brother (Rocky) in track and field from '56-58'. 'Zamp' was my track coach in '59'. I used to have to 'hitch-hike' to school each day. When 'Zamp' learned of this, he would wait for me each morning to arrive at the corner of PCH and Figueroa (PCH was his route to school)--and then give me a ride the rest of the way to school. We had wonderful conversations together. He gave me much encouragement and told me many stories on our way to school. He was proud of his brother, Louis, and personally told me how Zamperini Field came to be named after him.
I have been reading through all these wonderful and tremendous tributes to coach 'Zamp'. None miss the mark. All are true. But, I am not sure any can sufficiently communicate the true love and respect and honor that is this man's true due: What a tremendous and loving and wonderful man -- coach 'Zamp'. Thank you, coach 'Zamp', for your love and the blessings you have bestowed upon me and so many others. You will live on in our hearts. Looking forward to seeing you and renewing our acquaintance in the presence of the LORD.
Larry Nelson (Class of '59)
Anonymous Doe
July 6, 2017
I never really knew him. But he was an inspiration and he was amazing with people and encouraging others.
Jim Strickler
March 20, 2009
Pete Zamperini was not just a track coach. He coached every athlete & every person he ever came into contact with in life. He was a role model to everyone. When I pass from this life, I would not be surprised to see him coaching St. Peter on the finer details of evaluating who gets to join God's team. Zamp will never rest in peace! He always had too much energy & so much to contribute.
R H
March 13, 2009
He was a leader and a friend to all people. I don't know anyone that did not like him. Now he can look down on the rest of us and cheer us on. I remember pulling that metal grate behind me as I trained for cross country. It smoothed the track after it rained and dried. And all these years I always thought he was the POW in WWII.
Frank and Rita Lapple
June 13, 2008
We would like to express our sympathy and condolences to Pete's family. We were fortunate to know Pete for the past couple of years as he was an avid Bridge player. He loved the game. Although Pete was a loyal Trojan, he was able to complement the Bruins whenever they were successful. We appreciated his many, proud stories of his brother's 1936 Olympic accomplishments. Pete was a gentleman, a "Prince among Men" and credit to his Italian heritage.
Chris Mennes
June 9, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the Zamperini family. I have many fond memories growing up in the neighborhood with the Zamperini family. Pete took me to my first USC - UCLA football game in 1967 and was a Trojan for life. He was a good man and will be missed!
Betty Jo Young (Armstrong)
June 9, 2008
My thoughts are with your family at this time as I recall with fondness our good times as neighbors for 9 years in Torrance when our children were so young. I also was honored to see and visit with Pete at the Banning High reunion several years ago (1945 thru 1950) and he was his usual humerous self. He is one of the unforgetable ones and will always be missed.
June 8, 2008
The entire Banning family mourns the passing of Pete Zamperini. He has touched the lives of many and we are all so lucky to have known him. He will always be remembered as one the great coaches. He was strong and steadfast in his ways always full of good advice. He once told me his idea for a great football play. Just before halftime when the quarterback attempts to kill the clock and go to his knee, fake as if you're going down, while catching the defense off guard, stand up and throw a long pass to a wide receiver streaking down the sideline. Pete, you are so right and always full of wise things. I will miss you and your spirit and inspiration will live with all of us forever. May God bless you and the entire Zamperini family. We were blessed to have known you and now God is blessed to have you calling the plays for him.
Go PILOTS
Vince Ferragamo Banning '69-'72
Terri Bernez (Armstrong)
June 8, 2008
Dear Zamperinis
My sincere condolences. Thank you for the wonderful everlasting childhood memories as neighbors in Torrance. I can see Pete now "shooting the breeze" with my Dad in heven.
Dennis Lord
June 7, 2008
The tributes here are the measure of this man. His brother's book rests near me on the table but Pete's legacy speaks volumes more to the impact he had on lives, including mine. I took him and "Vic" to a Laker game some years ago and still treasure that evening. Vivid memories of men who made a difference. Zamp is running with the best now, and John Mendez is calling the plays! Go Pilots! W' 64.
Bob Hicks
June 6, 2008
We have TRULY lost a great one. Of particular interest to me is: his influence has reached all across this Great Nation!
Very Sincerely,
Bob Hicks,
Banning S'48
Robert Piddington
June 6, 2008
It was 1965 when I was introduced to a man that would change my life in a great way, that man was Pete Zamperini. He made me stronger and gave me a will to win. He gave me a sense of self worth.
He was a perfectionist with me, but with a spirit of concern and tempered with love. He once told me, " Bob, you can do anything if you put your mind to it" I'll never forget the man for his Spirit and his care and concern for others.
To all those in his family I say, God be with you all,
Bob Piddington
Violet Farrell - Presley
June 6, 2008
May you have comfort and peace knowing he is a lasting memory in the hearts and minds of all who knew him especially those of us from Banning High School. The "Coach" was a credit to his family, his community and to his world. May he rest in peace.
Sue Boldt
June 2, 2008
Doris,
Michael and I were sad to learn of Pete's passing and hope you can find comfort in all the great memories you have of your life together.
Respectfully,
Michael and Sue Boldt
Raymond and Pauline Padoris
June 1, 2008
To Doris,Tim,Leslie,Pete,
I had to take a minute to contact the family after learning of Pete's passing to express our condolences. The Zamperini's are part of my and all of the Padoris' lives and will continue to be until were no longer here. We hope all the rest of you are healthy and happy in your lives. We are doing well with minimal complaints. I would also like to convey my mother's condolences for her for she does not own a computer.You know Adele!
Aloha, Ray and Pauline Padoris
Deanna Rhodes
May 31, 2008
Doris,Leslie, Peter and Tim
My sincerest sympathy for your loss.For myself I consider myself blessed to have known Pete.A loving grandfather who set the bar high by example. He just could not get enough of his grandchildren. His love and kindness for my daughter deeply felt. You are all in my prayers, God Bless. Deanna
Linda Sauers
May 31, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Doris and the family. I loved Pete like he was a member of my family and miss him very much. Pete was a good man. They don't come any better - strong character, honorable, honest and a no-nonsense straight talker. The world is a much sadder place without him. My love and condolences to the family.
Steve Gregg
May 31, 2008
Best wishes to the family. I can't remember how many times Zamp and Jordan Viculin, the Basketball coach, went 2 on 2 with us on the basketball team and I learned a lot from him and Life in general.Thanks, Zamp. Steve Gregg W'63
Donald Elkins
May 30, 2008
All I can say is,
THANKS COACH
Kelli Bond
May 30, 2008
Celebrations at the Cinnamon home in San Clemente sure won't be the same without Pete, Gayle and Gary's next-door neighbor. He was the life of their parties every time, regaling us with stories of his life in the South Bay. (I spent the first 4½ years of my life between San Pedro, where I was born, and Lomita. In the latter, we lived literally across the street from the Torrance Airport—Zamperini Field—as well as easy strolling distrance to what would become Zamperini Way. Although Pete told me otherwise and numerous Web accounts have since confirmed the same, I still like to think both landmarks were named after Pete because he played such a powerful role in his little brother's success!)
Pete's expansive spirit envelops us on earth and all the athletic fields in Heaven several times over. Taking comfort in that is my prayer for Doris, Leslie, Tim, Peter, and the rest of Pete's family.
Warm regards,
Kyle Van Buskirk
May 29, 2008
Pete Zamperini was a good man, devoted to his wife, family, problem solving, and telling it like it is.
Meeting him late in his life, when I was in my twenties, I always felt lucky to know him, to hear his advice, learn from his experience, and get a glimpse of his point of view.
In every task he undertook, he was passionate and driven. Even at 91, he didn't fear of climbing high up into the avocado tree to harvest the fruit.
When there was something he couldn't figure out consciously, he might just dream of the solution.
For all these reasons, he will continue to be an inspiration to me.
Ivan Burris
May 29, 2008
Even though I haven't seen Zamp in 38 years I never forgot him. I think of him often. He left a lasting impression.
Sarah Ramirez-MacCallum
May 29, 2008
Coach Zamperini probably never knew me, never had me as one of his students, or athletes but I knew him. He was recognized by all of the athletes and I always felt lucky he coached Banning's Best. I'm glad he was a "Coach". My condolences.
Catherine Vega(Pacheco,1971)
May 29, 2008
To the Zamperini family, my deepest sympathy. Coach Zamperini was a very strong figure to all who knew him at Banning. We truly have been honored. My father who is 80 remembers Mr. Zamperini and always spoke highly of him while my brother, Joe, Sister Henrietta, and I were in school. Mr. Zamperini never allowed any kid to lag behind and was a true inspiration. Rest in Peace Mr. Zamperini, will be seeing you coaching in heaven one day. God Bless you.
Carl Summerville
May 29, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.thank you for being the best coach for me at banning ...you got me out of the rocking chair
Joanie (Flor) Quizon
May 28, 2008
To The Zamperini Family, I was so very sorry to hear about Coach Zamperini, My brother Sonny Flor who has also passed, was one of the coaches Tract and Basketball players back in the 50's at Banning High and I know he would have wanted me to let you know how much the Coach was loved, and I will pray for him.
Gabriel Mares
May 28, 2008
Only my father had more influence on me than Pete Zamperini. I played on the first B football team he coached at Banning and shot putted on the track team he coached as well. Zamp, always patient, always humorous, and always seeking to know more about any subject that interested him. His student athletes always were of interest to him. That is why Zamp will never be forgotten in this life by those who had the good fortune to have known him. Just mention the name Zamp any time around Pilot alumni and you will hear countless wonderful things said about this man.From now on his name will bring a lump to my throat. We will all miss him. He was unique. Bless you Zamp.
Mike Roldan
May 27, 2008
Coach Zamperini was a truly great coach and an even greater man. Just imagine…he directly influenced and made better the lives of hundreds of youths, including myself, during his years at Banning. As I read the previous guestbook entries, memories returned. I remember how he would sometimes run around the track with the distance runners as we trained. He was nearly 50 at the time and yet he was able to keep up with us. You might think that was not all that unusual – except he was running backwards. Being on Zamp’s track and cross-country teams were the best of times. Now he runs with the angels – and now they too are the lucky ones. Thanks Coach.
David Schwab
May 27, 2008
He was a great man. He coached my dad Bill, both of my brothers, Mike and Frank as well as me. His brother was an Olympic hero in LA in '32 and a survivor of the Bataan Death march. Two great guys, albeit two heros, together again.
Gail Morgan
May 27, 2008
To the Zamperini Family,
On behalf of the Torrance High School Alumni Association and all Tartars, we send our deepest sympathies and love to all of the family. Pete was an awesome gentleman and one of the funniest men I knew. At his brother Louis's 90th birthday party held at THS, we spoke of his time at THS as a student (Class of 1932) and as a basketball and track coach and how that effected his whole life. He told funny stories and life lesson stories. I am so glad that I had that time with him and the telephone talks afterwards. Pete was one of the founders of both the THS Alumni Association and the Torrance Historical Society. In fact, he held in both groups the very first Life Membership cards, he was very proud of that! I know that Pete is at peace and with our Lord and most likely instructing all the new angels on how to fly high, go fast and do their very best. TARTAR THANKS PETE FOR BEING YOU ! One heck of a Tartar and always a gentleman.
With Respect and Love
Gail Morgan, President THSAA
Don & Linda [Bates] Ezell
May 27, 2008
To the Pete Zamperini Family: I want you to know that Coach Zamperini was truly a wonderful example to me. His words of encouragement and correction have stayed with me throughout my adult life. He was truly one of a kind. I count it a privilege to have been part of PBHS track team 56-57.
Ray Marquez (Class of '66)
May 27, 2008
For all of us who knew him, you cannot think of Banning High School without picturing Coach Zamperini. I will never forget his lecture on how the sport of Cross Country started…...(supposedly) some San Pedro guys snuck into Wilmington to flirt with the Wilmington girls at which point, the Banning guys chased them back all the way to San Pedro. Thus Cross Country was born and the rest is history. I’m sure Zamp might have fabricated some of that but if he said that’s what happened then it has to be true! As others have already said, there will never be another one like him.
Ray Saffell
May 26, 2008
Zamp, he was one of the coaches you really looked up to. This is a great loss to the Banning family. Our
prayers and thoughts go out to the
family. A real class act.
Steve Navarro
May 26, 2008
To Zamp's Family,
He was the greatest coach/mentor I ever had. It seems like only yesterday in TK or XC when we would hear him yelling "get the lead out."
His coaching helped me get a 4-year scholarship. Later I became a coach myself and I still use some of his quotes and theories today. (1974)
Tom Martinez
May 26, 2008
Pete was my mentor in high school which helped me become the person I am. I will surely miss him.
God Bless his family.
George Calderon
May 26, 2008
Zamp, was the best ever Coach, I had in Track,He was really special, and made me a better person. He was a True Champion, my prayers to the Family. George Chino Calderon Class of 64.
Larry Thatcher
May 26, 2008
Coach Zamperini changed my life. Under his leadership we were league champs my 10th grade year (1956) in cross country and I liked being a champion. He taught me that with hard work you can do anything.
George Martinez
May 26, 2008
To The Zamperini Family,
My deepest and sincere condolence.
He was a great coach and person.
There will be no other coach like him.
Gene & Loma Dupree W&S 1953
May 26, 2008
Dear Doris and Family, We loved Pete. He was a great person and friend. He was a positive influence for many of us.
Bob Ortega
May 26, 2008
Our deepest sympathy. We will never forget that twinkle in his eyes. Bob and Thelma Ortega
Alonzo Duran
May 26, 2008
Zamp......our coach at Banning High I will never, never forget. He was funny, fun and knew how to give a person a break when they needed it. I had no idea he lived so close to me. I would have loved to have had a beer with him and let him know what lasting memories he left with all Banning Gym class alumni. Lord, receive him into his eternal home and bless all who remember him!
Nola Ezell
May 26, 2008
Doris and family....we cannot express the loss that we feel. Pete was a special source of support at times we needed it the most, he had that instinct to know what was needed. His family was the foundation. He will be missed by so many. Nola Mattox Ezell (S53) and Bob Ezell (W49)
Gayle Cinnamon
May 26, 2008
The phrase "they don't make 'em like they used to" more than applies to Pete Zamperini.
Ever since he and Doris moved into San Clemente next door to us, our lives have not been the same. For example, there was that bird trapped in their garage singing all the time (turned out to be one of those motion detector song birds), or the time we got a phone call from a neighbor complaining about something we had done (turned out to be another of Pete's jokes), or his one-liners at the back fence (did you hear about the ....?) that always got me.
We called him the trickster, prankster, and Bridge card shark. He walked with a timer and worked out almost every day, was always getting up too high in his Avacado tree (then had to get back down in one piece before Doris found out).
Pete always had a smile and a kind word, and he helped my nephew Kyle learn all kinds of things about taking care of a house and yard.
Pete - your physical presence will be sadly missed forevermore. Thank God for your eternal spirit and the wonderful memories you left us with.
Love you more....
/gayle
Frank Aragon
May 26, 2008
Zamp, you were the best. I remember in high school i would alway's ask you for a tardy excuse, it would cost me (2) SWATS but it was worth it, you are a great man that will be missed but not forgotten.
Jimmy Grissom
May 25, 2008
To The Zamperini Family,
While I went to Banning I never had him as a coach, he was my spa man - him and Leslie - they were great friends and great partners...
God Bless and God Speed....
Richard Hardy
May 25, 2008
I liked Coach Zamp. He was and is a good man. I believe in life after we die. Like when Christ died his body went into the tomb but His spirit back to His Father. A week before my mother died she saw my dad who had died about two years before. She told us before she died. I look forward to seeing him again.
I remember reading that in WWII he was a POW held by the Japanese. I also heard he had been an Olympic particapant before the war. Are these correct.
For now I'll grieve with so many and pray for His family as they mourn his lost.
Sincerely, Richard Hardy 1971 graduate of Phineas Banning High School
Carol Jarrett--Bunting
May 25, 2008
To the Family and Friends of Coach Zamperini, it's so sad to hear of his passing.... he also leaves behind a few generations of saddened Banning Alumni.
Carol Jarrett Bunting S61
Mike Hardy (Class of 69)
May 25, 2008
After talking with him a couple of months ago, I thought he'd live forever. He sounded so sharp and alive. He was a great mentor, at a time when so many of us needed one. Coach Zamp "is" one of the rare ones, and I'm grateful our paths crossed. My heartfelt thoughts to Doris and family.
Sherry Spencer Sykes
May 25, 2008
Several members of my family have been at Banning since the 1930s, and many remember Coach Zamperini as a role model and mentor. He may be gone, but his memory will always linger on... Sincere condolences to the Zamperini family.
RON HALL
May 25, 2008
COACH ZAMP WAS AN INSPERATION TO ALL HE COACHED. THE TRACK TEAM OF 1960 WILL TRULY MISS HIM. MY BEST WISH'S TO ALL HIS FAMILY.
Vernon Onick
May 25, 2008
Coach Zamperini's legacy will live forever in the hearts of all that encountered him. My deepest condolences are extended to his family. The Banning family will remember him fondly.
Dale Alcorn
May 25, 2008
Zamperini Family,
Coach Zamp was a great man.He will be missed by all who knew him.
My thoughts go out to his family.
Kandy Kane
May 25, 2008
Zamperini Family
Coach will be missed. I was blessed to have seen him at the Banning 1962 reunion last September. He even danced a mean swing with my sister in law.
He was a very special man.
He was my son's father's coach.
Us Banning girls loved him also.
Blessings from,
Kandy Kane & Kendell Kim Jr. (Boz's son).
John E. Infante
May 25, 2008
Coach Zamperini was an inspiration and a blessing to many of us at Banning High. I always remember the Coach as the man who wore the grey shirt & had a whistle around his neck. I was never involved in the athletic program at Banning but he was sensitive and kind to all those around him. Nowadays we need the Zamperini coaches in our schools more than ever. He is, in my eyes, Banning High School. Condolences to all the family, you are all blessed! Student: class of S'61.
Fred & Barbara (Rivera) van Renesse
May 25, 2008
We both fondly remember Coach Zamperini from our days at Banning High School, including broken (brand new) pole vault poles to the famous / infamous swats. We hope you find comfort in knowing you were a loving part of a well-lived life.
Andy Levinson
May 25, 2008
Zamp, we will always remember you,
and always miss you....
Anthony Garcia
May 25, 2008
To The Zamperini Family,
May your thoughts of your beloved Zamp be a blessing to all of you. He was a special Man who cared about so many of us who attended Banning H.S. To this day every time I go the the Gym and use a universal weight machine I think of Zamp. I was glad to have him for my Gym teacher in between football seasons.
May all of you be proud to have known such a great Man.
Bill and Barbara Critchfield
May 25, 2008
Pete
I was proud to be able to run for you and proud to be your friend.
God bless you and keep you.
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