David Paul Zani, 84, of Hopkinton, passed away at home on Sunday November 8, 2026 with his loving family by his side.
David graduated from Hopkinton High School and then proudly served in the United States Army in the 590th Transportation Company in Germany. After leaving the Army David started his own General Contracting company and became a master carpenter. When David was not working, he greatly enjoyed spending time with his family and in the great outdoors deer hunting and sitting in his tree stand, cultivating his large garden, raising chickens, working in his woodshop, reenacting historical gatherings which recreated the lifestyles and traditions practiced by Early Americans via Rendezvous up and down the East Coast. He also enjoyed traveling and sharing his talents, woodsman’s and historical knowledge with his family and friends, building big fires in the family room fireplace for all to gather around and cuddling with his cherished dog, Gigi.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Louis and Elena (Balboni) Zani who lived in and raised their family in Hopkinton. He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Cecile Zani, his brother and best friend Thomas Zani of Stuarts Draft, VA, his sisters, Joyce Hillaird of Holliston, MA, Susan Dore of Martha’s Vineyard, and Eileen Cummings of Hopkinton, MA. His 6 stepchildren Cheryl Schiarizzi of Naples, FL, Terri Monjar of Franklin, MA, Kathryn Graves of McLean, VA, Amy Oullette of San Diego, CA, Jerome Cox of Westboro, MA, and Paul Cox of Tokyo, Japan; and his 4 daughters, Lisa Zani of Loxahatchee, FL, Caroline Zani of Sutton MA, Nicole Zani of Natick, MA and Monica Zani of Boston, MA, 18 Grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 14th, 2026 from 08:30 to 10:30am at Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com A Catholic funeral Mass will follow at 11:00am at Saint John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton. The burial will follow at Mount Auburn Cemetery, at the end of Mayhew St in Hopkinton, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s name may be made by check to the Southborough Rod and Gun Club at 254 Fruit Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748.
