Denis Zunon

GUILDERLAND – Denis Zunon, 81, of Guilderland, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023 after a long illness.  Denis was born in Niouboua, Côte d’Ivoire, Africa.  He came to the United States in 1972 to study at the State University of New York at Albany, earning his doctorate in 1978.  He returned to Côte d’Ivoire after graduation, where he was a professor at the National University of Côte d’Ivoire at Abidjan, teaching Management courses in the School of Economics. Subsequently, he was recruited by the African Development Bank, based in Abidjan. This position sent him to numerous countries across the African continent, where he monitored projects that were financed by the Bank. Upon retirement from the Bank, he returned to the US in 2001, becoming a U.S. citizen in 2010. During the early 2000s he also worked as a consultant for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, commuting between Albany, NY and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He was a great fan of soccer, and at one time played semi-professional soccer in Côte d’Ivoire and later as a graduate student at SUNY he played with the “Internationals” Soccer Team.  He also practiced judo.

Denis is survived by his beloved wife and companion of 50 years, Ellen Wetterau Zunon; his daughter Elizabeth Zunon O’Brien (Kevin) of Albany; his son Denis André Zunon of Alpharetta, GA; his sister Georgette Zunon of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; his grandson Marcus André O’Brien; and by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews in France and Côte d’Ivoire.  He was predeceased by his sister Sagouie Zunon and his brother Paul Zunon.

Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.  Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home on Tuesday prior to the service beginning at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be in Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands following the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.  To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.