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William Zandri Obituary
Father William "Bill" Andrew Zandri, 79, Rapid City, S.D. passed away on August 18, 2025. He was born November 10, 1945 to Levio and Mary (Dowling) Zandri in Ridgefield, Conn. joining his older brother, John. His sister, Ann, joined the family three years later.
Fr. Bill attended Carmelite schools throughout his childhood. He attended these schools in Middletown, Conn., North Adams, Mass., and near the Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada. Following school, Fr. Bill joined the Army, enlisting in Coral Gables, Fla. He served as a medic through most of his time. He also worked at the Spandau Prison in Berlin, Germany as a medical helper. He was discharged in Fort Nix, N.J.
After being discharged, Fr. Bill moved to Florida where his parents retired. He began his studies in theology at the St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Fla. Here, he received his Master of Divinity. His family moved to South Dakota and he followed. He was a deacon upon arriving in South Dakota. Fr. Bill served as a priest in many positions throughout the Diocese of Rapid City, including St. Patrick's Church in Lead and Blessed Sacrament in Rapid City. He retired in 2016 from St. Therese the Little Flower Catholic Church and St. John's in New Underwood.
Outside of the Catholic Church, Fr. Bill was an avid sports fan. He loved supporting his two favorite teams; the Boston Celtics and the Miami Dolphins.
Vigil will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Rosary will begin at 4:30 p.m. Prayer service will begin at 5:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Friday, August 22, 2025 with Bishop Scott Bullock presiding. Luncheon will follow in St. Joseph Hall. Interment will be at 10 a.m., Monday, August 25, 2025 at Black Hills National Cemetery. Procession to the cemetery will line up at 9 a.m., Monday at the cathedral and will leave at 9:15. If you are planning on meeting at the cemetery, please line up outside of the gates at BHNC and follow the procession in.
Memorial donations may be made to the Rapid City Catholic School System.
Kirk Funeral Home
1051 E. Minnesota St. 1
Rapid City, SD 57701
6053434808
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Memories and Condolences
for William Zandri
Sponsored by Kirk Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Jim and Susan Hays
August 22, 2025
Fr Zandri married us at Blessed Sacrament in 1985. My fiancé was about 20 minutes late for the wedding Mass. I didn't know it, but she was waiting for the last of the attendees to enter the sanctuary. I was pacing back and forth in the room off the Altar, just generally nervous. Fr Zandri look at his watch and said "she's 20 minutes late. She may not make it at all." I immediately stopped pacing and looked at the Father. Then he smiled. I was pretty sure he was kidding, but I thought that that was one of the best pranks I'd ever heard. Father Zandri got me with a good one. My estimation of him skyrocketed after that comment and I have never forgotten it. I love that guy! My bride and I have been married for 40 years and have six children. I am very glad Fr. Zandri gave us his blessing and passed us through his marriage course (it was a short one for us as I was in the military and on orders to depart the area). RIP, Fr Zandri. I hope St Peter 'zinged' you a good one when you arrived at the Pearly Gates!
Priscilla Seaberg Sanchez
August 21, 2025
Rest in peace now Father Zandri, I don't think I said thank you enough for all that you did for our family, starting with our brother when he was ill, marrying my husband and I , helping with the burial of our daughter when we were deployed overseas, the countless prayer and teachings you shared, endlessly and unselfishly. You will never be forgotten, and you are forever loved by all of our family.
MARY HAMMOND
August 21, 2025
Father Bill, who is one of the priests in my life, that I could feel really comfortable with. He had a sense of humor, and also could be very serious about things like his service in Vietnam. RIP my friend.
He always introduced me as his boss. He said I was Bossy.Rest in Peace my friend.
mary boyer
August 21, 2025
I knew Fr. Bill from a time I taught at St. Martins and admired his interaction with teens. His honesty and forthrightness earned their trust. He was trusted by the most skeptical kids.
Dodie Brown
August 21, 2025
I have fond memories of Fr. Zandri´s spiritual help with many hospice patients. He was also devoted to Veterans and officiated at many funerals. We appreciated his wonderful support to our Hospice patients. Dodie
Marilyn Shelton
August 21, 2025
Father Zandri was one if my very favorite priests. He was so caring and took care of everyone. My mom who died 2 years ago thought he was the best priest ever.
Captain Assembly 1075 Bradly Colling
August 20, 2025
Fr Zandri was the Veteran's Pastor. He honored all veteran's with by a fallen soldier pewter to the family's. He will be missed by all Knights of Columbus members.
patricia
August 20, 2025
Father Zandri served his congregations with dignity, kindness, humility. Peace to Father, his family, his friends.
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