Peter Joseph Zanoni

MEXICO – Peter Joseph Zanoni, 90, of Mexico, passed away on Friday July 11, 2025 following complications from a stroke. He left this world peacefully while at Maine Medical Center in Portland, holding the loving hand of his youngest daughter, Elisa.

Peter was born in Rumford on July 11, 1935. He was the son of William Charest and Esther Zanoni. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla and. graduated summa cum laude from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. After marrying Rita Puiia on May 4, 1963 in Rumford, he embarked on a career in education that endured for more than 25 years.

“Mr. Z” deeply affected the lives of many students during his tenure as a 7th Grade science teacher in the Mexico school system. His unique teaching style and unrelenting sense of humor not only earned him much affection and laughter, but endeared him to many in the wider community. The family is often reminded that for many of his students, Peter was their favorite teacher.

Following his retirement from teaching, Peter held multiple positions for Walmart in Farmington where he was that store’s first employee. As a community relations specialist for Walmart, Peter raised funds for many charities and organizations. He ended his thirty year career with Walmart in Mexico where he continued to affectionately acknowledge everyone who visited his register.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rita (Puiia) Zanoni of Mexico; and all seven of the children they lovingly brought into the world, Paul Zanoni of Kingsport, Tenn., Maria (Zanoni) Valverde of Grafton, Mass., Philip Zanoni of Jacksonville, Fla., Peter Zanoni of Corpus Christi, Texas, Dante Zanoni of Lubec, Carlo Zanoni of Lewiston, and Elisa Zanoni of Rumford. He also leaves behind one brother, Russell Goff of Hampstead, N.C.; 18 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, Aug. 1, at 11 a.m. at St. Athanasius and St. John church, 126 Maine Ave., Rumford. The Mass will also be live streamed. Visit http://www.parishoftheholysavior.com for more information. Interment will be in St. John‘s Cemetery, 35 Isthmus Road in Rumford.

Family and friends are invited to attend a reception in the basement of St. Athanasius and St. John Church immediately following Peter’s burial. Family and friends are also invited to share memories with the family at http://www.meaderandson.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Peter’s honor to

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital

(www.stjude.org)

or to your own favorite charity or organization.