Anthony Zingale

Anthony "Tony" Zingale

Anthony "Tony" Zingale, 93, formerly of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away quietly in his sleep on June 18, 2014, with complications from kidney failure.

Tony was a first generation Italian American. His parents, James and Mary Zingalis, immigrated around 1910 from Sicily to the Italian district in Cleveland, Ohio. They were married in their teens and for most of their lives they spoke no English.

Tony thrived in the American culture. He was a gifted athlete lettering in baseball and basketball. In 1937, he set the city scoring record in basketball. For his efforts and talents he received a 4-year basketball scholarship to Ohio University where he met the love of his life Jeanne Wendel. They were married for almost 70 wonderful years.

Like many of the Greatest Generation, Tony served his country in the Navy during World War II and then returned home to Cleveland to raise and support his family. Tony was a grocer, a butcher, and a taxi cab driver before he turned his passions to construction. In Solon, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, he developed seven subdivisions and built the Solon Park Apartments. He retired at 52 to fulfill his wife's dream to travel the world.

Tony and Jeanne were on the road for over 26 years, leaving the country 14 times. One trip lasted 12 months and another trip lasted 15 months, only traveling by bus, boat and train. They stayed in bed and breakfasts (not five-star hotels), ate at the markets, and loved the people they met.



Tony would often refer to his family as peasants - "My parents were peasants. I was raised a peasant." For Tony, a peasant was someone who worked hard, sacrificed for others, and expected nothing for himself. He was quite a man.

He is survived by his sons Jim Zingale (Linda) and Tom Zingale of Tallahassee; and his daughter Susan Zingale-Baird (Jeff Baird) of Philadelphia. His surviving grandchildren include: Alisa Johnson (Doug) of Vero Beach; Michael Zingale of Tallahassee; Angela Zingale of Brooklyn, NY; and Justine and Jessica Baird of Philadelphia. Great-grandchildren include Tessa and Avi Johnson from Vero Beach.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date at the Fountain National Cemetery in Fostoria, Ohio, where Tony and Jeanne will rest together with her beloved family. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Boulevard, 32308, would be appreciated.