Lester Zanotti
June 25, 1936 – May 11, 2024
Lester “Les” or “Leck” Zanotti, the son of Adriano “Andrew” and Leva (Lolli) Zanotti was born June 25,1936 in Rippey, Iowa.
When Les was 11, his father died in a tragic coal mining accident. Les’ beloved older brother, Art, and the citizens of Rippey stepped right in to support Les and his mother. He developed a great love for his hometown and baseball, a favorite pastime of the community. Les attended the University of Iowa on a baseball scholarship and was honored just two years ago to throw out the first pitch at the “Old Timers” game celebrating Rippey’s sesquicentennial.
After graduating from college, Les served in the military and then worked in sales. His first job landed him in Kansas City, Missouri where he met and married his beautiful wife of 61 years, Cecelia Ann “Ce Ann” (Kelly) Zanotti. After having their daughter and living briefly in other cities, the family moved to Omaha, Nebraska, in 1968.
There Les started an executive search firm, Management Recruiters, which he owned and operated with great success until 2002. During that time Les, along with other partners, owned thoroughbred racehorses. The whole family enjoyed many thrilling moments watching these beautiful animals win, place, show, or, sometimes, just show up.
Les and Ce Ann cherished time spent with friends travelling, tailgating at Husker games, or simply enjoying good food and wine (always wine!) together.
Les also loved spending time with family. Les and Art shared decades of fishing and hunting trips together – the fodder for a lot of laughter and many great stories, legends and myths. Throughout the years their happy traveling crew included cousins, wives, children and grandchildren.
Once they had grandchildren, Les and Ce Ann beat a path to Kansas City. They attended every game or performance they could. They were true “superfans.”
Les is survived by his wife, Ce Ann; daughter, Cara (Henry) Newell of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren: Audrey, Paul (fiancee, Kate Thompson), and Hank Newell; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Zanotti of Charles City, Iowa; niece, Gina (John) Daley of San Diego, California; and nephews, Mark (Sherri) Zanotti of Cedar Falls, Iowa and Vincent (Joanne) Zanotti of Des Moines, Iowa. Les was preceded in death by his parents; son, Chad Andrew Zanotti; and brother, Art Zanotti.
Memorial Service: Friday, June 21st, 11:00AM at Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne, 68124.
The family would like to thank The Key in Omaha and Senior Helpers in Overland Park, Kansas, for the sensitive and loving care they provided to us.
Les and his ready sense of humor knew no strangers; and friends and family knew they were loved. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests getting together with your favorite people, raising a glass of your favorite libation and making a toast in Les’ honor.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
4 Comments
Dear Cara and Family,
This remembrance speaks to a life well lived and a beautiful family. I am sorry for your loss, and glad for your many memories.
Love,
Eileen
I’ve had the privilege of working for Les for almost 25 years. I was so saddened to hear the news. He was one of the most caring, kind, and honest individuals that I have ever met. I consider myself so very fortunate to have had the privilege to have known him. May he rest in peace.
Love to the Zanotti family from Arlene and Jerry Lehman
Saddened by the loss of one of my.heroes growing up at the ballpark in Rippey. Guys like Lester, Dan Peter’s and Larry Gilroy inspired many of us “next-generation” guys, not only for their athletic skills but, more importantly, their qualities of character. We owe a debt of gratitude to those heros for teaching us through their acts how to do it the “right way”.
I’m so sorry to hear of Les’s passing. I have many fond memories of childhood sleepovers at your lovely home.
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