We are deeply saddened to announce the death of David E. Zannini, 79, of Lowell, MA. David passed on June 20, 2023, surrounded by family.
David was born November 18, 1943, in Lowell, Massachusetts, to Louis N. Zannini and R. Dorothy McCabe (Zannini) Tingle. He graduated from Dracut High School in 1961. David married his wife Carolyn in 1977, and they were inseparable ever since. They went on countless adventures together. If they weren’t thrifting a new item, they were canoeing, traveling the open road in their RV, or having a laugh at a new restaurant they found along the way. They were also long-time members of All Saints Parish.
David owned and operated Niagara Auto Service in Tyngsboro, MA, and then in Lowell, MA, until he retired. His love and knowledge of automobiles were always evident and a topic of conversation.
David was a man of many talents and interests. He was a handyman, guitar player, and, secretly, a bit of an artist, winning an award for his rendering of the USS Cutty Sark. David loved history and possessed a wealth of knowledge on both past world events and his own family heritage. He was also a proud Mason and member of the Tahattawan Lodge in Littleton, Massachusetts.
David was a gifted storyteller; he had a way of weaving a story that was always engaging and often humorous. David also loved a good meal and, in recent years, enjoyed Sunday dinners with family at his daughter Tami’s house.
David enjoyed spending time at his property in northern New Hampshire. He always had a new project, the most ambitious of which was a cabin he and his wife Carolyn constructed. The cabin was a labor of love and a deep source of pride. While there was always work to do and a new project to conquer, he also found a peaceful enjoyment there. “Up North” was his refuge. He found the most joy relaxing on the deck with his cats Honey and Pumpkin, sitting by the fire, or taking in the view of Mount Moosilauke after the leaves had fallen in autumn.
David was predeceased by his father, Louis Zannini, his stepmother, Betty Zannini, and by his mother, Dorothy, and his stepfather, Tom Tingle, as well as his brother, Lou Donnelly.
David is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carolyn Zannini, and their combined children and spouses: David E. Zannini Jr., Tami Rivard and her husband Jeffrey, Tony (Zannini) Johnson, James Pearson and his wife Kimberly, Carolyn “Cissy” Pearson, and Michael Pearson. He is also survived by ten grandchildren-Jared Rivard, Lauren Krainchich, Joshua Rivard, Timothy Rivard, Megan Rivard, Nicholas Zannini, Jim Pearson, Keely DeChristopher, Hannah Lowney, and Alyse Pearson- and eight great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a stepbrother, Lee Crocker, and his family.
On Monday, June 26, 2023 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 8-10 a.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell. His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. at All Saints’ Church, 10 Billerica Road, Chelmsford, followed by burial at Westlawn I Cemetery in Lowell.