Lt. Col. Zane P. Laurini

September 6, 1916 – October 14, 2006

Zane passed away Saturday, October 14, 2006. He was born the son of Laurino and Orsalina  Laurini September 6, 1916 in Rochester, NY and is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years Della Jo Ressel Laurini, daughter Sandra Ann (Laurini) Burdine and husband Larry, son Dr. Patrick J. Laurini, grandson Zachary A. Burdine and wife Kimberly, siblings Patricia Berardi, Agnes Ciminelli and husband Frank, deceased Guy Laurini and wife Dora and a host of nieces and nephews. Zane graduated high school then NY State Ranger School in 1941, stationed in Trinidad with U.S. Engineering Dept. May of 1942 volunteered for US Army Air Corp. Zane became a navigator with a B-24 flight crew 15^th Air Force 450^th Bomb Group, flew 50 missions over enemy targets in Europe. He returned home to marry his sweetheart Jo in August 3, 1946 who he met in Houston, TX and graduated from University of Houston BS Civil Engineering 1949. Zane moved the family to Dallas in 1952 where he worked for Texas Industries, Associated Spring where he was awarded 6 patents by US Patent office. Zane opened his own companies next GSL Engineering, and ZPL Construction performing structural inspections and Consulting. Zane’s love for his children made him instrumental in opening the Lake Highlands Recreation Center started the first soccer club at Lake Highlands HS and he was a Boy Scout Master for 10 years. Zane & Jo moved to Rowlett in 1971, he soon became Municipal Judge, columnist for the Rowlett Times and later owned and published the Times. Zane and Jo were owner operators of the Stardust Ballroom in Ft. Worth for 20 years enjoying the friendship of the people and the dancing. Lt. Colonel Laurini continued the Air Force Res. for 30 years and retired in 1976.His military career involved training foreign pilots in navigation, Fallout Shelter Analysis, he spoke Italian, French, Spanish, and Russian. Military honors Air Combat Balkans, Air Offensive Europe, African Middle Eastern Medal, Air Medal w/4 oak leaves, WWII Victory Medal, and Distinguished Unit Badge. The two defining moments of his life are the marriage to his wife Jo and his experiences in WWII. Zane was active in HS and college Air Force ROTC and was interviewed for an education program “FREE TO BE” presently shown to high school students across the state. The Colonel, a decorated WWII veteran left a legacy of love of God, Country, and family, adored his family and was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.