Resident of Santa Cruz

Rino Gino Zueck passed away peacefully on December 20, 2024 in Santa Cruz. He was 89. Rino was born to Giovanni Battista Zuech and Fiorella Menghini in Brez, in the Trentino Province of Northeastern Italy. Brez is in the Val di Non, a picturesque mountainous area renowned for its apples. Rino grew up speaking Nones, a melodic Italian dialect spoken by an ever-dwindling number of people. As a child he experienced the devastation and brutality of WWII.

Many in Brez, including his father and older brother Mario, immigrated to the US to work in the mines. In 1950, 14-year-old Rino, sister Elena and mother Fiorella followed suit. They settled in the small mining town of Silverton, Colorado, and then moved to Durango. Rino quickly mastered English and received a high school diploma.

Rino trained as an electrician in the U.S. Air Force. He served four years, primarily in Alaska. In 1960, Rino moved to Santa Cruz, where his sister Elena and family had settled. Rino and Elena had the support of their Prevedelli relatives, who had established an apple farm in the area years earlier.

Rino quickly found his calling at San Lorenzo Lumber and Home Center. He worked there for over 40 years, becoming a fixture in the local construction community.

Contractors near and far knew Rino. They sought him out when entering San Lorenzo, relying on his expertise and problem-solving skills. His ability to repair, fix and resolve even the most complicated issues — whether electrical, plumbing or carpentry — was a true gift. He applied the same mindset to every challenge in life. You could always count on Rino when in need of advice. If he did not have an immediate response, he would ponder the issue; through patience and determination, he would invariably come up with a solution.

In 1963 Rino married the love of his life, Gemma Angeli. They met when Gemma was visiting from Italy. Her sister Anna was married to Rino’s older brother Mario.

The sisters were from the neighboring village of Cloz, Italy. Rino and Gemma felt an immediate passion and admiration for each other. Soon afterwards wedding bells rang at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz. In 2023 they celebrated their 60th anniversary.

Rino and Gemma proudly raised two children, John and Rose Anne. Rino was preceded in death by his cherished daughter Rose Anne, sister Elena and brother Mario. He is survived by his beloved wife Gemma, son John (Amy) and grandchildren Elizabeth (Travis Hagan), Joshua and Christopher, as well as numerous family members both in the U.S. and in Italy. They will all miss him dearly. Rino led a life full of love, kindness and hard work. He was an adored husband, father, grandfather and family member, whose generosity, strength, and spirit will forever be remembered.

Bells were rung in Rino’s honor at San Floriano Church in Brez, where his family was baptized, married and buried over the centuries.

Friends and family may pay their respects at a viewing on Friday, December 27th from 3 pm till 6 pm at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St., Santa Cruz. A vigil service and recitation of the rosary will begin at 6pm followed by personal eulogies.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, December 28th at 10am at Holy Cross Church, 210 High St., Santa Cruz, followed by an interment open to all at Holy Cross Cemetery, 2271 7th Ave., Santa Cruz. A reception will follow at 12:30pm at the Marriott Fairfield Inn, 1255 41st Ave., Capitola, with ample underground parking.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Cross Church in Rino’s memory. Alternatively, donations can be sent to Circolo Trentino di San Francisco, c/o Treasurer John Zanoni, 8850 Winter Peace Ct., Reno, NV 89523, in support of the club’s scholarship fund. Rino and Gemma have been longtime members of this club, which represents those of Trentino origin in Northern California and Nevada.