Pius “Pio” Alexander Zanon (96), of Tuscarawas, died peacefully at the Community Hospice House of New Philadelphia, on March 29, 2017 surrounded by family members. Pio was born in Cles, Italy on November 13, 1920 to the late John and Pia (Visintainer) Zanon. Pio’s parents moved their family to Ohio early in Pio’s life and he graduated from Uhrichsville High School in 1939. On December 22, 1942, Pio entered into active duty with the Army of the United States, with the 302^nd Engineers Combat Battalion and 77^th Division. He was involved and valiantly fought in the South Philippines and Okinawa (Liberation), Western Pacific, and Ryukyus during World War II. He was awarded two Bronze Stars during his service. On December 19, 1945, Sergeant Zanon was honorably discharged from the Army and then began his lifetime membership with the Tusky VFW Post 7943.

            Pio was a long-time clay worker for Evans Clay and Superior Clay. He was a member of the Sharon Moravian Church, enjoyed raising his beagles, hunting, fishing (taking annual summer fishing trips to Canada as he was a skilled fisherman), gardening, golfing, playing the guitar, making wine, and taking fall trips to Myrtle Beach with his wife Isabel.

An avid and excellent baseball player, Pio was inducted into the Tuscarawas County Cy Young Old Timers Association Hall of Fame in 1997.

            On October 15, 1949, Pio married Isabel Fotheringham. They were blessed with three children and 60 years of marriage before Isabel died on March 8, 2010. He was a great man and a true gentleman full of kindness and was extremely proud of his family. He served his country with honor and dignity and lived a very productive and full life.

            Their three surviving children are twins Jayne (Roger) Huebner of Gnaden and Janet (Thomas E.) Roth of New Albany, and son Scott (Susan) Zanon of Upper Arlington. Also surviving are grandchildren Stacy Morris, Kelly (Jamie) Burcher, Matthew (Ashley) Baker, and Katie (Mike) Binkley, great-grandchildren Brogan, Jaxon, Evan, Michael, and Zoe, sister Irene Cercone, and sister-in-law Margie Zanon.

            Pio was also preceded in death by sisters Inez Armbrest, Esther Myers, and brother Henry Zanon.

            Calling hours and a funeral service for Pio will be held Saturday, April 1, 2017 at the Sharon Moravian Church, Moravian Church Rd., Tuscarawas, Ohio 44682, from 10 AM to 1 PM with service starting at 1 PM. Military honors by the Tuscarawas VFW Honor Guard will be held following the service outside of the church. Family and friends are then asked to share in a time of remembrance in the church following services. Pio will be cremated and buried with his wife Isabel at a later date.

            Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Moravian Church, PO Box 385, Tuscarawas, Ohio 44682, to Community Hospice Inc., 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, or to Tuscarawas VFW Post 7943, PO Box 321, Tuscarawas, Ohio 44682.

            Pio’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Park Village Southside and the Truman Hospice House for the excellent care given to their loved one.