October 10, 1942 – July 12, 2025
Robert Savino Zalunardo, age 82, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, in Yreka, California. A lifelong resident of Siskiyou County, Bob was born in Weed, California on October 10, 1942, where he grew up in the close-knit Italian community on Stringtown Avenue.
A standout athlete from an early age, Bob was a three-sport star at Weed High School, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. He went on to play basketball and baseball at College of the Siskiyous and later attended Chico State University.
Bob’s professional life was as diverse as it was dedicated. He worked for many years as a milk pasteurizer at Medo-Bel Creamery and as a wood treater at J.H. Baxter before returning to education. Bob completed his bachelor’s degree at Chico State and eventually earned his teaching credential. He found his calling as a teacher and taught at Jefferson High School in Mt. Shasta and as a substitute teacher in the Weed school system, where he impacted countless students’ lives.
He proudly served for 25 years in the California National Guard, was a devoted Roman Catholic and a diehard New York Yankees fan. His love of sports never faded – he spent decades coaching basketball across various levels, and college baseball. He was deeply committed to the athletic programs at Weed High School and College of the Siskiyous and was honored to be inducted into the Weed High School Athletic Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach.
Above all, Bob will be remembered for his passion for his community, his mentorship to young athletes and students, and the enduring relationships he built over a lifetime of service. His presence on the sidelines and in the stands will be deeply missed.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Guerino and Elvira (Travalini) Zalunardo, and his beloved wife Sally (Ryan) Zalunardo, with whom he shared nearly 50 years of marriage. He is survived by his brother Reno Zalunardo and sister-in-law Marilyn, as well as his two cherished children: Mark Zalunardo (Vilaiporn) and Amy Belcastro (Brian). His grandchildren – Vivian, Emma, and Myrna – brought Bob an abundance of happiness and pride.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Weed Community Center, 161 E. Lincoln Avenue, Weed, CA 96094. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Weed High School Athletic Hall of Fame to support local student-athletes, a cause close to Bob’s heart.
Donations can be mailed to Weed High School Athletic Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 515, Weed, CA 96094.
Please include ‘Coach Z Memorial Scholarship Fund’ on the memo line.
sourced Girdner Funeral Chapel
