Nick Zaninovich dies at age 87
Nick Zaninovich dies at age 87
Nick Zaninovich, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died Nov. 7 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
Born Oct. 24, 1920, in Cutler, CA, he was the youngest son of Antone and Domina Zaninovich, who emigrated from Croatia in the early 1900s. Mr. Zaninovich attended grammar school in Sultana, CA, and Dinuba High School. His college education was interrupted by the death of his father and the need for him to return home to help run the family farm.
He enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and upon completion of his service, he returned to California to Delano, where he began a long and successful partnership with his brother Andrew. A&N Zaninovich was a grower of fine California table grapes and oranges for over 50 years.
Mr. Zaninovich married Anna Caric in 1947 and began a true love story that lasted over 60 years. Their union produced three daughters, whom he adored. They enjoyed traveling to all corners of the globe, making life-long friends along the way. His happiest memories were those times he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandsons.
Mr. Zaninovich was an avid golfer and proud participant in the Hawaiian Open Pro-Am for 10 years. He proudly displayed his tournament mementos for all to see. He was a longtime member of the Bakersfield Country Club until the ravages of Parkinson's cheated him of his beloved sport.
Mr. Zaninovich was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Delano Elks Lodge, and a founding member of the American Slavonic Social Club of Delano.
Mr. Zaninovich was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers John and Andrew, and his sister Mary. He is survived by his wife Anna; daughters Maryann and her husband D. Billings of Bakersfield; Nicolette Zaninovich of Rimrock, AZ; Donna and husband Peter Hochschild of Camarillo, CA; grandchildren Matt Billings and wife, Eva, of Bakersfield; Lauren and husband, John, Giumarra of Bakersfield; Chance and Keenan Hochschild of Camarillo; great grandsons Jack and Nick Billings; Johnny, Christian and Matthew Giumarra.
The family has extended a very special thanks to their dear friend Susana Mendoza for her many years of unselfish and loving devotion in caring for their husband and father.
Born Oct. 24, 1920, in Cutler, CA, he was the youngest son of Antone and Domina Zaninovich, who emigrated from Croatia in the early 1900s. Mr. Zaninovich attended grammar school in Sultana, CA, and Dinuba High School. His college education was interrupted by the death of his father and the need for him to return home to help run the family farm.
He enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and upon completion of his service, he returned to California to Delano, where he began a long and successful partnership with his brother Andrew. A&N Zaninovich was a grower of fine California table grapes and oranges for over 50 years.
Mr. Zaninovich married Anna Caric in 1947 and began a true love story that lasted over 60 years. Their union produced three daughters, whom he adored. They enjoyed traveling to all corners of the globe, making life-long friends along the way. His happiest memories were those times he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandsons.
Mr. Zaninovich was an avid golfer and proud participant in the Hawaiian Open Pro-Am for 10 years. He proudly displayed his tournament mementos for all to see. He was a longtime member of the Bakersfield Country Club until the ravages of Parkinson's cheated him of his beloved sport.
Mr. Zaninovich was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Delano Elks Lodge, and a founding member of the American Slavonic Social Club of Delano.
Mr. Zaninovich was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers John and Andrew, and his sister Mary. He is survived by his wife Anna; daughters Maryann and her husband D. Billings of Bakersfield; Nicolette Zaninovich of Rimrock, AZ; Donna and husband Peter Hochschild of Camarillo, CA; grandchildren Matt Billings and wife, Eva, of Bakersfield; Lauren and husband, John, Giumarra of Bakersfield; Chance and Keenan Hochschild of Camarillo; great grandsons Jack and Nick Billings; Johnny, Christian and Matthew Giumarra.
The family has extended a very special thanks to their dear friend Susana Mendoza for her many years of unselfish and loving devotion in caring for their husband and father.
