Robert Benedict Zena

Dr. Robert "Bob" Benedict Zena, Jr., passed away on May 29, 2025, He stayed strong, brave, and courageous until the end. Bob was born in Louisville, KY on November 26, 1948, to the late Robert B. and Mary Jean Zena.
After graduating from Trinity High School, Bob enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. During his service he was awarded numerous honors, such as the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Expert Rifleman Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Expert Pistol Shot Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross) Ribbon Bar. Robert was very proud of the time he served in the USCG and stayed in touch with his fellow USCG Veterans.
After his service, Bob went on to attend Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, KY for his undergraduate degree. Robert then continued his education and received his dental degree at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, then on to complete his Prosthodontic residency at the University of Louisville.
Bob had a very rewarding career in private practice as a Prosthodontist. He loved his patients and worked up until his final days. Robert also taught part-time in the postgraduate programs at U of L. Bob was chief editor of Dental labor journal. He was the developer of Light Dynamic concepts for dental ceramics. Robert was the former president of the American Association of Dental Boards. He was also President of the Kentucky Board of Dentistry. Robert was recently voted one of the top 100 doctors in the world, class of 2022.
He will be significantly missed by his family, patients, friends, and the city of Louisville.
Left to cherish Bob's memory are his Fiancé Lucinda Mills; his step-son Steven Slone; his granddaughters Kendra Slone, Emilee Lacy (Kevin), Taylor Slone, Jamie Slone, and Norah Slone; his great granddaughter Lainey Nystuen; his brothers Randall Zena, Samuel Zena, Anthony Zena (Margo), and Christopher Zena; his sister Karen Thurman (Doug); his nephews Andrew Zena, and Shepard Thurman; his niece Meggan Renee Monk (Zack) and their daughter Zoey.
Robert was preceded in death by his sister Barbara Z Dozier.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, June 23, 2025, at St. Agnes Catholic Church. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, From 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home, St. Matthews.