August Zini

August Zini, Jr., 83, of Edinburg, passed away on April 25, 2018 at 3:25 a.m. at Life’s Journey in Taylorville.  He had succumbed to the many maladies associated with old age.

Junior, as he was lovingly known by his family and friends, was born on February 20, 1935 in Fosterburg, the son of Augusto and Carmella (Lancelotti) Zini.  August married his high school sweetheart Norma Jean Richards on May 12, 1955; she preceded him in death on October 28, 1980.  On August 3, 1984 he married Abelina “Evelyn” Leandra; she preceded him in death on September 1, 1996.

Junior moved with his parents, as a young child, to Edinburg.  This is where he lived his life and raised his family.  He graduated from Edinburg High School and worked at Pillsbury Mill in Springfield, and Chicago while attending DeVry Technical Institute where graduated 4th out of a class of 246 and became a TV repairman.  In 1966 Junior was hired as a roof bolter at Peabody Coal Miner, near Tovey.  The coal mine is where he took on the moniker “Gus”.  When he retired in 1994 Gus was the lead mechanic at the “North Hole”.  Gus was known as a guy who could troubleshoot any problem.  He could build anything from a fiberglass pontoon boat, that he built with his lifelong friend Jim Pope, to an in ground swimming pool that was enjoyed by friends and family for many years. Junior was best known for his love of music and playing his guitar, which he still played up until a few months ago.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Joe, John and Harry Zini; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Spillman Zini, Darlene Stewart Zini and Norma Magnalia Zini; granddaughter, Samantha Antoine; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Fronabarger Zini.

August is survived by his sons; Timothy (Lisa Mienhold) Zini and Thomas (Melissa Sparling) Zini all of Taylorville; daughter, Tammy (Mark) Wilson of Stonington; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 30, 2018 at Edinburg Cemetery.

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