Reno Zalunardo

In Loving Memory of Reno Benedetto Giovanni Zalunardo

April 7, 1930 – September 26, 2025

Reno Benedetto Giovanni Zalunardo passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, in Fair Oaks, California, at the age of 95. Born on April 7, 1930 in Weed, California, a close-knit Italian community. Reno spent his childhood exploring the natural beauty surrounding Mt Shasta. It was there that he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors – spending his youth hunting, fishing, hiking, and enjoying the freedom of the mountains.

A gifted athlete, Reno excelled in sports through high school, earning varsity letters in four sports – basketball, baseball, football and track. His dedication, discipline and strength of spirit carried with him throughout his life.

During the Korean War, Reno enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served faithfully for four years, with the last three years spent at the Air Force Inspector General’s Office at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino.

Reno attended San Bernardino Valley Community College, where he played football, and then completed his Political Science degree from Sacramento State University.

Reno thoroughly enjoyed his 33+ year career as a Contracts Manager at Aerojet General Corporation, where he was employed from June 17, 1959 until his retirement on November 20, 1992. He and his family made their home in Citrus Heights, California, where he lived for 66 years.

Reno’s hobbies included coin collection; Boy Scouting; softball, basketball and bowling leagues; target shooting and rooting for his favorite New York Yankees and USC Trojans.

Reno’s favorite pastime was spending time with his many friends and his family, especially enjoying activities with his grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity watch them participate in their events. Later in life, he took great pride and joy in his great-grandchildren.

Reno was preceded in death by his father, Rino Zalunardo; his mother, Elvira Travalini Zalunardo; and his beloved younger brother Robert Zalunardo.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Zalunardo; his son, Rod Zalunardo (Faith); his daughter, Carolyn Delgado; grandchildren Brittney (Matt), Sean (Katie), Gray, Tara (Dare) and Lindsey (Justin); and great-grandchildren Riley, Jack, Lincoln and Dean. Reno’s family will forever cherish his unwavering love, wisdom, and the legacy of strength and kindness he leaves behind.

Reno will be deeply missed by all who knew him, yet his spirit will live on in the memories shared, the stories told, and the generations who follow.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mount Vernon Memorial Park, located at 8201 Greenback Ln, Fair Oaks, CA, 95628, US, on November 8, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

The Burial will take place at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, located at 5810 Midway Rd, Dixon, CA, 95620, US, on November 10, 2025, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.