1942 - 2026
David graduated from Hopkinton High School and proudly served in the United States Army with the 590th Transportation Company in Germany. After leaving the Army, he started his own general contracting company and became a master carpenter.
David enjoyed spending time with his family and the outdoors. He loved deer hunting, gardening, raising chickens, working in his woodshop, and participating in historical reenactments that recreated the lifestyles and traditions of early Americans. He also enjoyed traveling, sharing his knowledge and skills with family and friends, gathering around large fires in the family room fireplace, and spending time with his cherished dog, Gigi.
Born in Boston, David was the son of the late Louis and Elena (Balboni) Zani, who raised their family in Hopkinton.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cecile Zani; his brother and best friend, Thomas Zani of Stuarts Draft, Virginia; his sisters, Joyce Hillaird of Holliston, Susan Dore of Martha’s Vineyard, and Eileen Cummings of Hopkinton; his six stepchildren, Cheryl Schiarizzi of Naples, Florida, Terri Monjar of Franklin, Kathryn Graves of McLean, Virginia, Amy Oullette of San Diego, Jerome Cox of Westborough, and Paul Cox of Tokyo, Japan; and his four daughters, Lisa Zani of Loxahatchee, Florida, Caroline Zani of Sutton, Nicole Zani of Natick, and Monica Zani of Boston. He also leaves 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Saturday, November 14th, from 8:30 to 10:30 AM at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, located at 57 Hayden Rowe Street. A Catholic funeral Mass will follow at 11 AM at Saint John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton. Burial will follow at Mount Auburn Cemetery at the end of Mayhew Street in Hopkinton.
In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory may be made by check to the Southborough Rod and Gun Club, 254 Fruit Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748.
