Louis R. Zanderigo, 87, of Torrington, CT passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of his late wife Janet (Kelson) Zanderigo for 62 years. Lou was born August 23, 1931 in Torrington, CT, the son of the late Frank and Anna Zanderigo.
He was an accomplished Torrington High School athlete, earning a varsity letter in three sports. He was the captain of the basketball team, named All-State in football when the team went 8-0, and was a stellar track runner. Lou’s accomplishments would later be recognized by being a recipient of the ‘29 Club Award in 1949, elected to the Torrington High School All Century Team, and was inducted into the Torrington High School Hall of Fame in 1999.
He would then go on to play both football and basketball while attending the New York Military Academy. Lou served his country in the Korean War for the U.S. Army in Okinawa, Japan where he was the personal driver for a Colonel. He was honorably discharged in 1957 when he received the National Defense Service Medal.
His position in the U.S. Army led to a love of cars and Lou worked for Chevrolet for many years as the Manager of auto body and mechanical repairs and was also a licensed auto insurance adjuster. Lou’s later job was working as a transportation manager for Ed Advance, formally known as Education Connection. Lou was also a coach for the Connecticut Special Olympics, an active member of the Elks Lodge #372, and was a founding member of the Varsity Alumni Club where he served as the Vice President for many years.
Lou was passionate about sports; he loved to cheer on his New York Giants, the Yankees, and Knicks, and enjoyed staying active with daily trips to the YMCA. His greatest passion was his family, and that was evidenced by his love and care for his children and grandchildren. He spent time with his family at home and on vacations, including boating on Highland Lake and relaxing in Pompano Beach, Florida.
He is survived by his two daughters Donna Landucci and husband Mark of Torrington, Gale Pellegren and husband Robert of Winchester Center; one sister, Rose DeMure of Torrington; four grandchildren, Haley and husband Brian, Christopher and fiancé’ Nicole, Cory and wife Jane, and Kate and partner Gabriel; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one grandson, Garrett Landucci, one sister Enis Cetra, and one brother, Primo Zanderigo. The family would like to acknowledge the compassionate caregivers at Keystone Place for the excellent care of Lou over the past year.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 with the cortege leaving at 10:30 a.m. from Cook Funeral Home, to St. Peter Church, (St. John Paul the Great Parish) 99 Main St., Torrington for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery with full military honors accorded. Should friends desire, the family recommends memorial contributions be made to the Torrington Varsity Alumni Club in memory of Lou.
Checks can be made out to “Torrington Varsity Alumni Club” and be mailed to P.O. Box 281 Torrington, CT 06790. Condolences may be sent to the Zanderigo family by visiting www. cookfuneralhomect.com.
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