On Wednesday, February 3, 2021, Richard Zeni, loving father of daughter Michele Dramko and foster son Peter Jovene, who were by his side when he passed away peacefully at the age of 96 in San Marcos, Texas of cancer.
Richard was born on August 12, 1924 in Staten Island, New York to Demetrio and Augusta (Mottes) Zeni. He was raised in Canarsie, a section of Brooklyn, New York, where he called home for many years. At the age of 17, he joined the Navy and was stationed in many locations. He was in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and part of the Cold War. He served from 1943 until his retirement in 1984. He retired with the rank of AXC (Chief Aviation Anti-Submarine Warfare Technician). While stationed at Naval Station Rodd Field in Corpus Christi, Texas he met his wife Mattie Lou Boone, and they wed on December 8, 1945. They were married for 54 years, until her death in 2001. They raised two foster sons, Michael S. Rogers and Peter Jovene. They were also blessed to have raised their daughter Michele.
At the age of 65, Richard received his Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Education. Three years later, he received his Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at what is now known as Texas State University. He was Grand Marshall in 2019 for the Veteran’s Day Parade. He was so proud of this honor. He has lived through many changes in his lifetime. He was living history.
