Walter Elwood Zeni
Walter Elwood Zeni, age 86, went to meet his Lord and Savior on May 18th, 2018, at Serenity House, Santa Barbara, California.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elgie Larsen Zeni; his son, Alan Zeni, and daughter-in-law Kari Zeni, of Santa Barbara and his daughter, Kayla Bozoti of Kent, WA. He also had five grandchildren; Blaire Duffy.(Ethan) of Sacramento; Mattison and Alexa Bozoti of Kent, WA; and Alena and Harrison Zeni of Santa Barbara and one great-grandson, Declan Duffy.
Walter was born October 9th, 1931 in Scranton, PA, to parents Charles and Marianne Luther Zeni. He graduated from Scranton Central High School with high honors in 1949 and a full scholarship to the University of Scranton, which he declined in order to begin working to assist in supporting his family. In 1953, he hitchhiked to Los Angeles with his best friend (an adventure of 100 hours with $100). He began a position with Security First National Bank, solidifying his choice of career. His 45 year banking career grew from his initial role as a bank messenger in Scranton and ended when he retired from City Commerce Bank in Santa Barbara as a Senior Vice President.
Walter was a man of strong faith; a great family man and very loving father. An active man, involved in many volunteer positions for the majority of his life, where he contributed his management skills. He particularly enjoyed traveling and “making memories” for his family. His avocation and great love was also in his acting and commercial work, and he was thrilled when he received his SAG/AFTRA membership.
His family, friends and associates will always remember him as an unfailingly honest, quietly generous man.
His family would like to thank all those who have prayed for him over the past challenging years
A private graveside service was held at Goleta Cemetery on Thursday, May 24th. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Community Covenant Church, on Saturday June 9th, at 2pm with a reception to follow at the church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Walter’s life.