|
It
is difficult to put into words the man that Hank Zizzi was. “Z” was many
things to many people and each of us hold memories of the man he was to
us. He was truly larger than life. His presence was unmistakable. You
knew “Z” was there whether he was on your side or across the fence. He
lived his life by his terms doing things the way HE wanted them done.
He fought furiously for the people and ideas he cared about – never
backing down to those who may have chosen to step between him and his
purpose, whatever it may have been. He had heart – a big one that was
filled with love for those who loved him most.
Hank
loved God. It was evident every year when he had father come and bless
the baseball team, or at the end of the season when he brought everyone
together to close the athletic banquet with the Lord’s Prayer. He
believed in the power of putting life in God’s hands.
He
loved his family. His undying love for Sandra shined through every time
he spoke of her. He still had a sparkle in his eye when she was by his
side. He loved his sons, Trey, Todd, and Stanton and was proud of their
accomplishments and their families. You could often hear him bragging
about his “boys.” His grandchildren were special to him and he loved
being a Papa. His love of kids was always evident.
Anyone here who ever was fortunate to have “Z” as their teacher or coach
knows that if you had a nickname that meant you were special. It’s true
he might not remember your real name, but he knew you by that silly
nickname that he had labeled you by and eventually even your friends
would find themselves calling you by that name. It was always a fitting
nickname that stuck easily and one that will fondly remind you of Coach
“Z” throughout your life. He taught not only history, but life lessons.
Sometimes he required quirky acts like singing a song or putting on a
performance just to get a drink of water at P.E. but it was always in a
fun-loving nature that left you laughing all the way to the water
fountain.
If
there was one word that will always be equated with the name Hank Zizzi
it would be baseball. He loved the game, he loved the field it was
played on, he loved the boys that played for him, and he loved the girls
that were his right hand in the dugout. “Z” understood that baseball
was more than a game, it was preparation for life. The lessons of
dedication, perseverance, respect and a passion for life were taught at
the foot of that chair that he notoriously sat backwards in. Just last
night Chuck Metcalf laughed about how “Z” called him Sunday while he
was hunting wanting to know about the grass on the baseball field and
how preparations were coming for getting the field into shape for this
season. He was always planning for the season whether it was having the
field look great or having the boys prepared – he didn’t want to leave
out a single detail that would make the difference in a winning season.
One
thing that we know “Z” would want us to do is to celebrate his life –
not mourn his passing. This could not have been more evident than when
he threw his own “wake” birthday party when he turned 60. There we were,
“pall-bearettes”, boutonnieres and all - celebrating “Z’s” life WITH
him. That’s the way he wanted it – he wanted to celebrate his life and
accomplishments with family and friends while he was still here to bask
in all its glory – that was just “Z”. He would have preferred to have 6
blonde Swedish models, but he settled for some of his ragged ole’
friends instead. He lived life to its fullest and he would want us to
celebrate his today.
“Z” was an Italian to the
fullest extent – he loved food, appreciated women, and loved to have a
good time. His love for all, especially his family was always evident.
When you mentioned family, his eyes lit up and his chest filled with
pride. Perhaps his greatest accomplishments were reserved for Sandra,
Trey, Todd, Stanton and the families they blessed him with. He was a
wonderful teacher and coach but he shined the most when he was a
husband, a dad, and a grandfather. His laughter and fun-loving spirit
will be missed by all…
|
