David Zani

David Paul Zani, 84, of Hopkinton passed away at home on Nov. 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 wood shop and re-enacting historical gatherings that 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 and woodsman 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, 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, Virginia, and his sisters, Joyce Hillaird of Holliston, Susan Dore of Martha’s Vineyard and Eileen Cummings of Hopkinton. He also leaves his six stepchildren, Cheryl Schiarizzi of Naples, Florida, Terri Monjar of Franklin, Kathryn Graves of McLean, Virginia, Amy Oullette of San Diego, Jerome Cox of Westborough and Paul Cox of Tokyo; and his four daughters, Lisa Zani of Loxahatchee, Florida, Caroline Zani of Sutton, Nicole Zani of Natick and Monica Zani of Boston, as well as 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. A Catholic funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton. The burial will follow at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Hopkinton. 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.

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