Passings: Robert J. Zavagno Sr.

Robert J. Zavagno Sr., 86, passed away on March 6.  Zavagno was president of the Cleveland Marble Mosaic Co. in Cleveland and a long-time supporter of the stone industry.

ZavagnoHe served as president of the Marble Institute of America, presiding over its 1991 convention in Quebec City, Quebec.. He also served as president of the National Terrazzo Mosaic Association and the Building Stone Institute.

A graduate of James Ford Rhodes High School in Cleveland, Zavagno attended the University of Connecticut and The Citadel. During World War II, his service as a communications specialist for the U.S. Army Air Corps took him to the China-India-Burma theater.

Zavagno’s memberships included the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the Papal Foundation and the Exchange Club. He also was a licensed private pilot and avid world traveler.

He also supported other community efforts. A recent annual report from the Cleveland Clinic’s listed Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Zavagno Sr. as members of the William E. Lower MD society, noting cumulative lifetime giving of between $250,000-$499,999.

Zavago is survived by his wife, Lorraine M.; a son, Robert J. Jr., four daughters, Pamela (Beach-Reber), Deborah (Zola), Denise (Zavagno-Skibinski) and Nancy (Vitrano); a brother, Walter Savage; 18 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of the Cleveland Clinic, 6801 Brecksville Rd., Suite # 10, Independence, OH 44131.