Obituary of Peter Zanella

September 17, 1921 to December 9, 2012, Peter J. Zanella passed away gently at the age of 91, after battling with Alzheimer's and cancer.Loving family remembering him include his wife of 63 years, Gina Zanella, son Mark and his wife Evelyn, and daughter Ann. Born in Italy, Peter immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 7 with his family. Raised in Santa Barbara and Carpinteria and graduated from Carpinteria High School. Staff Sargent Peter Zanella proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, fighting overseas in WWII and was awarded the Silver & Bronze Stars as well as a Purple Heart. Directly after the war, he lived and worked on the family's Monte Vista Dairy delivering milk in Carpinteria and Santa Barbara. He then joined the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy Sheriff, quickly rising to the rank of Inspector, and proudly completed 25 years of service before reaching mandatory retirement in 1981. A devoted family man, some of Peter's favorite times and memories were his overseas trips with Gina to England, France including their much loved Paris, a leisurely trip through Spain, guided tour of Italy and a visit to his birth place in Northern Italy and particularly one trip to Ireland with Gina and Ann in 2005. He saw its green shores from afar during WWII, and always wanted to return for a visit. His last joys were playing innumerable rounds of Dominos with Gina, Mark and Ann, and countless hands of cards with niece Elsie Surian. And winning! The family sends their gratitude and appreciation to Mission Villa, Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care, and Serenity House for their wonderful care and support in Peter's last months and days. Donations in his honor can be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care, Serenity House, and Friendship Center. Peter is very much loved and will be greatly missed by his family & friends. At his request no services will be held.