Richard Warren Zito, Jr.
August 3, 1961 - August 7, 2025
Richard passed away peacefully while volunteering in Millcreek Canyon on Desolation Trail on August 7th, 2025, in Millcreek, Utah, at the age of 64. This was the same hiking trail where he proposed to his wife, the mother of his children. It was a significant and special place throughout his life.
Our beloved Rich was born on August 3rd, 1961, in Salt Lake City, UT, to his parents Richard Warren Zito Sr. and Mary Verlaine Showell. He graduated from the University of Utah, where he had joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Everlasting friendships of over 40 years resulted from this choice. He later received his Master of Business Administration Degree from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. During the course of his life, he also spent many years as a river guide, sleeping under the stars, which he described as some of the most cherished years of his life. He went on to become an outstanding Financial Advisor, built a network of clients, and cared for them with deep pride.
In 1998, he married the love of his life, Tristen Andree Zito. Within a few years, they brought their children, Dylan and Michael, into their home in Cottonwood Heights, where they provided an adventurous and joyful childhood for them. His children will remember him as a gentle, patient, goofy, fun-loving man who encouraged them to be unapologetically themselves. Rich was infinitely proud of them and would do anything for them. He was an unconditional, fiercely loyal husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend to many.
Rich was a family man, musician, athlete, skier, hiker, explorer, rock climber, river guide, concert-goer, community-builder, philosopher, and even an author. Throughout his world travels, he summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, ran rivers in South America and Russia, and skied in the French Alps.
He was an authentic, generous, witty, and kind individual who loved life and was passionate about making this world a better place – which he did. He was an active and dedicated member of his community and a spirited volunteer with many different organizations.
Rich is survived by his mother, Mary Verlaine Showell; his wife, Tristen Zito; his daughter, Dylan Zito; his son, Michael Zito; his brothers, Tony (Vanessa) Zito and Collin (Mindy) Zito; his stepmother, Terrie Zito; many nieces and nephews, and his loving extended family. He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Warren Zito Sr.
A Celebration of Life will be held for our wonderful Richard at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East on Saturday, August 23rd, from 5-8pm. Please join us for refreshments and music and to honor Rich’s awe-inspiring life. With an Open House format, speakers will begin approximately at 6pm.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to any of the following charity organizations, which were dear to his heart: Waste Less Solutions, Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, Planned Parenthood, American Red Cross, Save Our Canyons, Heifer Intl, or any donation that protects our natural environment and/or advances social justice.
The family would like to thank the volunteers and crew members who fought to save him that morning. Thank you for this incredible display of humanity and solidarity, and for fighting for our beloved Richard.
He will be deeply and eternally missed.
In Loving Memory
Sincerest condolences 💐
Rich will always hold a special place in our hearts as my kids and I lived next door to Rich and Tristan when my kids were growing up. He was always so kind to me and the kids! I have fond memories of Rich playing with the kids in the circle and helping Abby learn to ride her bike! Best wishes to Tristan, Dylan, and Michael! We love you all!
I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Zito and after reading his obituary, I certainly wish I had. I do have the honor of knowing his loving daughter Dylan through her friend Jack Gordon who is my great nephew. Dylan is one of the most kind, loving and wonderful people I've ever met and our family loves her to pieces. After reading about her father I now know where she got her exuberant outlook on life. She is a joy and I can imagine how easily he loved her and I want to thank him and her mother for doing such an incredible job in raising a thoughtful and fun-loving woman. My heart goes out to all who knew and loved Mr. Zito as I can only imagine how much he will be missed. Keep all those wonderful memories alive and close to your hearts in this extremely sad times. My prayers to you all.
Rich has been my trusted financial advisor and friend for nearly 15 years. I have been so shocked and disappointed to learn of his loss. But his was such a full and delightful life. I wish to express my condolences to all his friends and family, especially his mother, Verlaine.
I'm shocked to read this news today. Rich was one of my pledge brothers at Sigma Chi. Fond memories of the times we spent together there. Warmest condolences to the family.
Rich has been our financial advisor for over 25 years. We trusted him, relied on him, and came to regard him and Tristan, Dylan and Michael as friends. We were shocked and saddened to learn of his untimely death. Our deepest condolences go out to Tristen and his children. We will always cherish the honesty, trust and capability he provided to us; and we will always hold in our hearts his friendship. Pat and Dale
Our deepest condolences for your great loss. May the memories bring your heart peace. 🕊️
Tristen & family, My heart goes out to you during this most challenging time. As I looked through the beautiful family photos your love for one another is truly reflected through every single one. Please know I am thinking and praying for you and sending my love. There is no doubt you and Rich invested into a cultivating a wonderful life together and Trinity has only praised how incredible your children are. They must be a true reflection of the both of you. ❤️ Xoxo - Anita
My deepest condolences to family and friends. Though I haven’t seen Rich and family in a while, I have many memories of a wonderful man. Rich, you will be missed by many. The world has definitely lost one of the good ones. My heart is with you, Tristan.
In Loving Memory
