Roger Zanarini Obituary

Date:  February 21^st, 2023
Date of Submission:  February 22^nd, 2023
Submitted by Linda Zanarini:  480.275-2668

Roger Zanarini, 81, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on February 21^st after a hard-fought health battle against Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.  He was born in Highwood, Illinois on February 4^th, 1942.  He attended college in Southern California, where he received his Associate degree in Broadcast Journalism while announcing baseball games for Pasadena City College.  Education was of paramount importance to Roger, who then graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Western Illinois University (with Honors) before completing all coursework for his Ph.D. in Geography at the University of Iowa.  

A 20-year career followed with Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, Nebraska, where he was a senior executive at UPland Industries, the real estate and land development arm of Union Pacific.  He later served as Director of Marketing and Sales for Dakota Dunes, a planned golf community in South Dakota that Roger helped develop from inception.  Roger retired in 2000 and moved permanently to Sunland Village East (Arizona) in 2012 after spending a dozen years as winter visitors to the community.  Throughout his career, Roger was also a member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) where he served in a various leadership capacities, including ULI Trustee and ULI Foundation Governor.

Roger was an avid list maker, journal keeper and phenomenal repository of all things trivia.  Personal accomplishments he was proud of were (i.) golfing in all 50 states, (ii.) attending games in the 32 Major League ballparks, and (iii.) visiting all 15 Presidential Libraries.  Roger loved his family, travel, golf, trivia, jam sessions, making new friends, and the sport of baseball (White Sox).  In the realm of baseball, Roger was proud of his “side hustle” as a string reporter for the Associated Press, where he covered the College World Series action from Omaha from 1971-1998. 

Roger is survived by his best friend and wife of 56 years, Linda; daughter Lori (granddaughter Sera); son Jeff (wife Abby, granddaughters Alison and Lauren); and sister Lorraine.  Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Oliver & Rena, and his brother, Raymond.

Roger will always be remembered for a quick smile his optimistic disposition.  Family and friends will celebrate a life well lived this summer, in Highwood (July 1^st & 2^nd).  Until then, we encourage you to make a list, seize the day, and appreciate your own personal triumphs, as he will be cheering you on from the Sky Box.