Paulo R. Zanini

Paulo Roberto Pinto Zanini was the son of Arlindo and Apparecida (Pinto) Zanini, born February 21, 1940 in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Paulo served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Brazilian Cavalry Reserves. He earned his Bachelor in Laws in the state of Minas Gerais. He competed for the Fullbright Scholorship and was one of only two selected out of 1400 applicants. He earned his Masters in International Law from SMU in Texas. While living in Texas, he was named an Honorary Texas Citizen. Paulo returned to Brazil and practiced law and was also able to represent American citizens in Brazil, having passed the US Government requirements to do so. He then was as a judge for many years. He was a member of the Amagis (Association of Judges), and the OAB (Brazilian Bar Association). Paulo came to Port Charlotte, Florida in 1996 and was a member of Grace Church. He enjoyed traveling, reading, and sharing his knowledge of history with family and friends. Paulo owned a beautiful ranch in Brazil, and enjoyed spending time there also. Paulo went to be with the Lord on February 2, 2011 in Port Charlotte, Florida at the age of 70 and will be greatly missed by his wife of 14 years, Ruth; children, Marcelo, Leonardo, Rafael, and Ana Paula; step-children, Priscilla and Samuel; and a granddaughter, Rafaela, who was born 5 days before his death. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his first wife of 26 years, Ava Xavier Zanini. Memorial donations may be made to Grace Church, 1680 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33948. The family will receive friends Noon to 1:00 pm, Friday, February 11, 2011 at First Baptist Church in Port Charlotte with a service in celebration of Paulo's life to follow at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Garden. To express condolences to the family, please sign the online guest book.