John Pasquale Zanella, 86, passed peacefully from this life on Friday, March 31, 2017, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia. 

He was born on October 17, 1930, in Framingham, Massachusetts to Anthony and Mary Zanella.  Family history states that he was born at home on the kitchen table.  

After graduating from high school 1948, he enlisted in the US Navy.  Three years and five months of his four-year enlistment were spent at sea.  He received an honorable discharge in October of 1952.  

In May of 1957 he graduated from Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, with a degree in theology.   In 1959 he earned a master's degree in education from New York University.  In 1964 he earned a Certificate of Advance Study from the University of Hartford.   

In November of 1957 he married Eleanor Vlass, and together they raised a son, Mark, and a daughter, Gail.  They moved to Vernon, Connecticut, to help plant a church, which is still ministering to people today.  John worked as a teacher in the Vernon Public School System for 33 years. 

After retiring he pursued his life-long dream of earning his pilot's license and spent many happy hours in the cockpit.  

In 1998 John and Eleanor moved to North Port, Florida, and spent ten years enjoying the warm weather.  In 2008, they moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia, to be closer to family.  He is survived by his two children, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild due to be born later this month.

I am so sorry for the loss of 'Mr. Z' as so many called him at the Hughes Home.  His room was only two doors down from my mom's and he spent many Sunday afternoons with us while we having our 'lobby parties'. Such a gentleman, he always called me maam,  Our visit to HH was not same today without John there.  What a shock to discovered he'd moved from HH to his heavenly home.  Sending prayers to John's family.   
Frances Vaughn

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OBITUARY

John Pasquale Zanella

October 17, 1930 – March 31, 2017

Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service

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