Goodbye PAPA

Adriano Zenari, PhD, age 79, of Edmonton, Alberta, born in Calvene, Italy, passed away on August 5, 2022 at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Center. Adriano earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Physics from the University of Alberta in 1983 where he taught undergraduate Physics and conducted research at the Cross Cancer Institute. But he was more widely known as the gregarious, bon vivant proprietor of Zenari’s in Manulife Place: always giving of his time and always generous of spirit. When questioned about his evolution from academic cancer researcher to successful small business owner, Adriano would quip, “Physics taught me how to bake the perfect muffin.” Adriano was a man of wide interests and expertise, and he was equally at home with the Arts and Sciences. He hated Miles Davis but loved Chet Baker and Cuban jazz; enjoyed the prose of Italo Calvino (well, all things Italian); and successfully pioneered the European style wine bar and lunch counter business model. Under Adriano’s stewardship, Zenari’s became a beloved institution for many in Edmonton over 35 years. He will be fondly missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind his children Marcel (Jane), Elisa (Ranald), Matteo, Daniela (Lukas) and Giancarlo; grandchildren Arielle, Francesca, Amadeo and Giancarlo; siblings Francesca and Ferdinando; and former spouse Glenda Dennis. Special thanks to the staff at the Edmonton General for their compassion and care.