Vincent J. Zanella
June 2, 1922 - February 19, 2018
Obituary
Vincent J. Zanella
June 2, 1922 – February 19, 2018
Vince passed away at the home he shared with his beloved wife, Ruth, who preceded him in death on December 26, 2017.
He was born in Ironwood, Michigan to Catherine and Angelo Zanella. During World War II, Vince served in the Army Air Corps in Europe. Following the war, he earned an Electrical Engineering degree from Michigan Technological University. He and Ruth married in August 1947. They moved to the Seattle area when Vince was hired by The Boeing Company in 1949. He was a manager of an antenna design group for 37 years.
Following his retirement, Vince expanded his love for gardening to include a vast vegetable and fruit garden, and enjoyed making fresh tomato sauce and juice, as well as fruit preserves. He was an active member of the Boeing wine club and won numerous awards for his wine. When not working in the garden or making wine, he designed and built beautiful oak furniture.
Vince and Ruth were founding members of Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Federal Way.
Vince is survived by three sons: Raymond (Rose), James (Kathy) and Lawrence (Pam) Zanella. He and Ruth leave behind six grandchildren: Felicia Radaker (Matt), Angela Zanella, Jessica Villanueva (Adrian), Vincent Zanella (Alison), Gina Miller (John), and Mariana Stepp (Marty). They are also survived by eight great grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank Wiser Care Services for the loving kindness, skill and compassion of the caregivers who supported Vince and Ruth during these sad times.
To Raymond, James and Lawrence (Ray, Jim and Larry as I remember you from my childhood) — I am so sad to hear (only now) of the passing of your parents. They were important and cherished friends of our family (Warren and Margarett Peterson, my brother David and myself) during the many years when we lived across the road from you in Marine View Estates. I remember sharing family dinners at your home in the 1960s, your dad’s wine, and your mom taking care of me in 1965 when my mother was in hospital giving birth to my brother. I last saw your mother in 2009 when she very kindly came to my mother’s funeral…it was lovely to see her and we had a very good conversation. I hope you and your families are all well, and send my prayers and best wishes for all of you in the future. Take care — Karen