Victor William Zanotti, 85, of Morgantown, passed away in his home surrounded by family Wednesday, May 13, 2026. He was born in Morgantown August 22, 1940, the son of Dominick Victor and June Coburn Zanotti.
Vic graduated from Morgantown High School in 1958, and he always proclaimed it was the best graduating class ever. He continued to keep in contact with many of his classmates until his death. He met with a group of high school friends, fondly referred to as “The Old Farts Club”, on the third Wednesday of each month.
After high school, he continued his education at West Virginia University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics.
He worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service from 1968 until his retirement in 1994. He started his career as an economist and later served as a construction contracting officer, personnel officer and finally the state administrative officer.
He served on the Board of Directors for PACE for several years and was greatly responsible for obtaining funding for the design and construction of the first phase of the facility now located at Mylan Park.
Vic spent several years (1971-1979) coaching the Marilla Mustangs, a youth football team for boys ages 7-12. He loved working with the kids and enjoyed teaching them the fundamentals of the game.
He enjoyed remodeling homes, woodworking and outdoor chores. He had a home woodworking shop, where he created cabinetry and various outdoor projects. Two projects he was especially proud of were the playhouse for his grandchildren, complete with a porch, a doorbell and a crank window, as well as a beautiful sewing cabinet for Cecelia. If you named it, Vic could probably make it.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Cecelia Barrett Zanotti; his daughters, Kimberly A. Matuga of Morgantown and Kelli Zanotti Page (John) of Philadelphia, Pa. Additionally, he is survived by grandson, Dylan James Matuga; granddaughters, Jordan Paige Matuga Smith (Chris) and Sydney Rose Zanotti (and her mother Heather Zanotti); great- grandsons, Conor Allen Smith and Evan Louis Smith. He is also survived by his brother, William C. Zanotti; sister-in-law, Sharon Mansell Barrett; and nieces and nephews, Colleen, Patrick, Amy, Ross, Brook, Jeff, Jennifer and Dominick.
He was preceded in death by his son, Victor Joseph Zanotti; and his grandson, Adam James Matuga. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Dominick Victor Zanotti and June Coburn Zanotti; his sister, Mary K. Zanotti Riordan; and brother-in- law, Patrick Donald Riordan; as well as his brother-in-law, Thomas Roston Barrett, III.
Victor generously donated his body to the WVU Human Gift Registry, and he will eventually be cremated. As per his wishes, there will be a private, family celebration.
Donations, in his memory, may be made to PACE, INC., located at 889 Mylan Park Lane, Morgantown, WV 26501; or to Pet Helpers, the organization from which he adopted all his beloved dogs, located at 726 East Park Avenue, PMB 311, Fairmont, WV 26554.
Smith Funeral & Cremation Care of Westover, 304-292-9494, is assisting the family.
Condolences may be offered at www.smithfcc.com
