Gary Zantello

Zantello, Gary Otsego, MI Gary passed away peacefully Friday, September 1, 2017 at his home, under the care of his loving wife and family. He was born July 8, 1942 in Battle Creek, the 3rd child of Raymond and Ada (Stratton) Zantello. Waiting for Gary at home was brother Ramon who became his idol and his sweet sister Juanita. Eleven years later Gary became a big brother to little sister Nancy. When he was three years old, the family moved to Alamo, where his dad started Ray's Garage. Gary often said he had the best childhood ever. From soap box derby's to sliding down Alamo's south hill with his brother Ray and good friend Jack Kisinger. Gary attended a one room school house until he entered high school. His favorite sport was football, he played full back and was captain his senior year. He was the recipient of Otsego's Nubert award for best player. Gary grew up in a singing family; he had a wonderful, soft voice and had belonged to a quartet and choir in high school. He graduated from Otsego High School in 1960 and then attended LaMar Barber College in Detroit and barbered for 5 years. He also worked part time on the Otsego Police Department. Later, Gary worked as a machinist at Fuller Eaton until they closed. Gary then began working for the Perrigo Company where he worked for over 20 years, retiring as a supervisor. Gary met Sandra McLaughlin during his senior year at Otsego and they went on their 1st date in January of 1960. They were engaged in May of 1962 and married June 8, 1963. They were blessed with a daughter, Theresa in 1964, the apple of her father's eye. They were blessed again in 1967 with daughter Debra. When Gary was first married he played lots of baseball, he also enjoyed golfing for many years. He was a volunteer fireman with the Otsego Fire Department from 1972 to 1991. He enjoyed his time on the department and along with his wife made many friends. Due to his love of football he became an official and over 25 years officiated many high school and semi pro games. Anyone who knew Gary knew he was a lifelong U of M fan! He loved his neighbors and along with Mike and Dana began an annual neighborhood block party 6 years ago; the party has taken place every year since. More than anything he loved his family and he especially enjoyed driving his grandsons around town on his tractor. Survivors include his wife Sandra; daughters, Theresa (Brad Smith) Zantello and Debra Zantello; grandsons, Tyler Nowak, Matthew (Lyndsey) Nowak and Zachary Landrum; great-grandson, Bryce Nowak; siblings Ramon (Karla) Zantello and Nancy (David Smith) Zantello; mother-in-law, Betty McLaughlin; brother-in-law Mike Pearson and 2 nieces and 8 nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Juanita VanSparrentak; father-in-law Kenneth McLaughlin and sister-in-law Patricia Pearson. Friends may meet with Gary's family from 2-4 and from 6-8 P.M., Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, September 6, 2017 with Celebrant Bill Rose officiating. Burial will follow at Alamo Center Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Gary may be made to Hospice Care of S.W. MI. Messages of condolence may be posted at WinkelFuneralHome.com.