Veto P. Zavagli

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Veto P. Zavagli, with his beloved wife, Violet, by his side as he went to be with the Lord on March 4, 2022 at the age of 96.  Veto was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed by many.

Veto was born to Beni and Anna Zavagli on November 17, 1925 in Rockford, IL.  He spent his childhood growing up in a quaint neighborhood on the southeast side of Rockford with his loving parents and his older brother, Joe.  Veto was very active as a young boy and he was no stranger to mischief.  Before graduating from Rockford East High School in 1946, Veto enlisted in the United States Navy during the height of World War II.  He proudly served his country as a Navy corpsman from 1944 to 1946.  Upon retiring from the Navy, Veto returned to Rockford where he met his wife, Violet, and they married on January 28, 1950 and together had three children, Tom, John and Jay.

Veto spent his 40-year career working as a production coordinator for Barber-Colman.  In his free time, Veto also enjoyed being active in his community and volunteering for various organizations.  He was an active member of the Model T Ford Club, the VFW, and served on the supervisory board at Rock Valley Credit Union for 52 years.  But most importantly, he was a devoted member of St. Bridget Catholic Church for 62 years.

Veto was a passionate man, spending his life enjoying the simple pleasures of life.  Among his many passions, Veto loved to cook, building and collecting classic diecast cars and traveling around the country.  Veto was an avid collector, and according to his wife, Vi, he kept anything and everything which drove her mad at times.  Veto thoroughly enjoyed being in the kitchen with his beloved wife creating his famous Swedish Mickey pancakes, homemade pasta, chocolate logs and puff balls for his family.  And you could almost bet money, he never passed up a trip to the casino where he enjoyed playing slots alongside his wife.  But among his greatest joys and accomplishments, was his family.  Veto was happiest when spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Veto had an infectious zest for life, making sure to enjoy every living moment.  He never knew a stranger and would always make you feel welcome with his big hello.  He would do anything for a laugh and always enjoyed a good joke.  Anyone that truly knew him knew he had such a big, giving heart.

We lost a special one with Veto.  He saw the magic in all things.  His warm demeanor and his infectious smile will be greatly missed.  He loved deeply and fiercely and we take comfort in knowing that Veto is finally home and reunited with his late son, Jay P. Zavagli.  What a glorious day it was for him and Jay.

We know Heaven is a great place because they now have you.

Veto is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Violet Zavagli; two children, Tom and John Zavagli; four grandchildren, Megan Caveny, Amber Rodas, Heather Morse and Josh Zavagli; nine great-grandchildren, Ellie and Maizy Caveny, Jacob and Ashley Turner, Anthony and Alejandro Rodas, Jaden, Amaiyla, and Jeremiah Zavagli; and one great-great-grandson, Azariah.

Veto is preceded in death by his son, Jay P. Zavagli; mother, Anna Zavagli; father, Beni Zavagli; brother, Joe Zavagli.

No services are planned at this time.

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