Condolence: Dear Joyce: My sincere condolences on the loss of Jack. I'm not sure Jackie or Joanie will remember me, but I also offer condolences to them too. When I received the beautiful obituary from you, I was literally stunned. It never seemed to me that Jack would ever die. I'll never forget those phone calls at odd hours of the day or night that began "Hello, this is the game warden...." in that deep, baritone voice of his, and then the chuckle. We had that rare friendship where our conversations over the years seemed continuous. When you and Jack left Lincoln in 1973 I was crestfallen. Jack was the truest friend I ever had and remained so until his death. I missed him so much, especially at the start of each duck or bird season. He was a bonny companion at all times. I miss him greatly. :-(

Condolence: Dear Joyce, Jackie, and Joni, I am so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He was an exceptional man, and I loved him as a teacher and director. He leaves a great void. My husband and I always made it a point to meet Joyce and Jack somewhere in Connecticut when we visited NYC, and I have fond memories of Terry Baughan and I going to Hartford for the weekend for a visit. Jack always built a fire for us in the basement room where we slept, and Joyce always cooked a wonderful dinner, capped off with special dessert. I miss those occasions greatly.

Condolence: Dear Joyce, Jack III, Joni and families, Jack was dearly loved at UNL. He taught many of us to love and perform operas for the University. His booming voice and great stride down the halls will be remembered. His legacy for us is remembering how his coaching always encouraging us to stretch a little further than we thought we could. It was a joy each year to receive his Christmas card and to share a little story or two with him. He will be remembered with great fondness. Jeff and Mary Sayre

Condolence: When I joined the faculty at The Hartt School in 1991, Jack was a friendly and wise colleague. My thoughts are with him and his family.

Condolence: Our thoughts and prayers go to Jack's family at this difficult time. I have missed his presence in the halls of the Hartt School , that's exactly what it was - Jack had an undeniable presence and carried himself with immense self possession and dignity - a real gentlemen. You always knew when he entered the theatre as his wonderful voice would precede him. He was a great Director to work with , he really understood all aspects of a production especially the technical needs of the show as well as the technical limitations of the theatre . I enjoyed trading stories of our times in the service, while we did not serve together, we spoke the same Army language and used to joke together in German. It would have been great to go out after birds with him , or meet at the Metacon range but something always seemed to get in the way . Thank You Jack , you're quite a guy .

Condolence: Our deepest sympathies, Jack&Lori, on the passing of your father/father-in-law. Memory Eternal! Hugs, Mark&Monica❤️

Condolence: Dear Zei Family, My deepest condolence on the loss of Jack. My memories of him are many from the time we shared on the UofH Faculty Senate, the Professional Standards Committee, the Emeriti Association Executive Committee, and the Emeriti Scholarship Committee. Jack will indeed be missed. Leo Smith

Condolence: Dear Zei family, please accept my condolences and warmest regards. Jack is one of my dearest memories from my time as a student at Hartt. We were blessed to have such a man guiding us into the world of opera and performance. He is missed. Sweet dreams.

Condolence: To Joyce, Jack, Joanie: it will take some time for me to process this - my heart hurts. The reminder of both the time we've had together & that my own time will come...is a startlingly biting one...but also a joyous one. You've all been a deep part of my life process & progress. This morning, I thought about how hard he worked - and I realize how much more work I have before a candle is lit for me. Thank you, all, for your part in my life; I especially thank Jack.

Condolence: Jack- I'm very sorry to hear about your dad.... my condolences to you and your family. Gary Reynolds

Condolence: His booming laughter (but not always laughter) rings to this day through the halls of Hartt, and now for all time.

Condolence: Our deepest condolences to the family of Jack Zei. Nancy and George Osborne