Ronald Zitani

1934 - 2025

Ronald Zitani
May 17, 1934 – October 16, 2025 Ronald J. Zitani, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away peacefully at home on October 16th, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on May 17th, 1934, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Ron was the son of the late Dr. Alfred Zitani and Julia Giovanetti Zitani. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Alfred Zitani, and his sister, Norma Burleson. He is survived by his sister, Laurel Pell, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Ron is also survived by his devoted wife, Marion, with whom he shared nearly 46 wonderful years of marriage. The two were wed on December 1st, 1979, and built a life full of love, laughter, and shared adventures. Ron was raised in Hoboken, New Jersey, where he spent the first twenty years of his life. He attended Xavier High School in New York City and earned his undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University. He went on to complete a Master's degree in Experimental Psychology at Fordham University. Following his studies, Ron was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served for two years in a specialized scientific role. As part of a research team studying human psychological and physical reactions to simulated space travel-shortly after the launch of Sputnik-Ron contributed to pioneering government research in the early days of the space race. After his military service, Ron shifted from space research to consumer market research, working for major New York City firms including Pfizer, Coty Cosmetics, and leading advertising agencies Kenyon & Eckhardt and The William Esty Company. In the agency world, he rose to the position of Vice President and became well known for his insight, professionalism, and skillful client collaborations. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to founding his own marketing research firm, Final Analysis, Inc., in New York City. Under his leadership, the company served numerous major corporations and advertising agencies. In later years, he worked as a marketing consultant and developed proprietary research techniques that were acquired by a large Midwestern marketing firm, where he continued to serve as a valued consultant. After his retirement, he devoted himself to volunteer work as a companion for residents of The Waveny Care Center in New Canaan, bringing joy and comfort through music and conversation. Ron often described this period as "a beautiful facet" of his life's contributions. Ron and Marion made their home in New Canaan for more than thirty years. A devoted father and grandfather, Ron was deeply involved in his children's lives and school communities. He was also an active member of the Exchange Club of New Canaan for fifteen years, cherishing the camaraderie and friendships he built there. Ron often said his greatest source of pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his five children: Christian Zitani (Virginia) of Tinton Falls, NJ; Brett Zitani (Renee) of San Francisco, CA; Kara Zitani of The Sea Ranch, CA; Jennifer Malone (Brendan) of Darien, CT; and Michael Zitani of Rowayton, CT. He will be forever remembered by his seven adoring grandchildren: Julian, Molly, Caroline, Katherine, Connor, Samantha, and Charlotte. Ron often spoke of how magical his grandchildren were, and he truly adored the time he spent with them. Ron will be remembered for his warm heart, gentle spirit, love of family and tradition, passion for Italian food, sense of humor, and steadfast devotion to the New York Giants and Yankees. His legacy lives on in the love and laughter of all those who were fortunate enough to know him. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan, Connecticut, on November 21st at 11:00 a.m., for loved ones to come together and honor the tremendous life Ron lived. To sign Ron's online register book, please visit www.Hoytfuneralhome.com