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Roger Zanarini Obituary
Date: February 21st, 2023
Date of Submission: February 22nd, 2023
Submitted by Linda Zanarini: 480.275-2668
Roger Zanarini, 81, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on February 21st after a hard-fought health battle against Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. He was born in Highwood, Illinois on February 4th, 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 1st & 2nd). 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.
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Karen Cheli (Sullivan)
I was just looking over our wonderful class members who are no longer with us. When I came to Roger Zanarini's obituary, I realized I had never commented on my wonderful childhood friend! Roger was one of the most gregarious people I have ever known. He knew everyone and knew something special about each of his friends. We grew up together in Highwood, right behind each other. As kids, we playted together and did lots of family things together (our parents were good friends as well). I remember especially one very special St. Patrick's Day in Atlanta. My husband was President of the Hibernian Society at the time so we were able to ride in one of the fancy sports cars at the beginning of the parade. As we progressed down Peachtree St., I heard my name being called from the sidelines over and over. As I looked into the standing crowd, there was Roger! What he was doing in Atlanta and how he knew I was in the parade, I will never know. If he ever had tickets for any event in Atlanta, he called me and offered them to me or my children. He was one of the most fun, most sincere, most generous and kindest best friend anyone could ever have. I still cannot believe he is not here with us now. Roger, you will always be a part of all of us from Highwood and everywhere else you have been and touched. You are one special guy!!
Karen Cheli Sullivan
Michael Addison
What a wonderful commentary, Karen, Well done.