ARLINGTON -- The Rangers' community and organization is mourning the loss of super fan John “Zonk” Lanzillo, Jr., who died on Thursday afternoon in North Richland Hills, Texas, at the age of 88.

The team will observe a moment of silence in honor of Lanzillo before Sunday’s season finale against Cleveland at Globe Life Field. Members of his family will be in attendance.

Lanzillo was a loyal Rangers fan and frequented both Arlington Stadium and The Ballpark at Arlington, though he was not able to attend any games at Globe Life Field since its opening during the 2020 pandemic-shortened season.

Health issues and a battle with Alzheimer’s limited Lanzillo’s ability to attend many games in recent seasons. His last Rangers game was the final Opening Day at Globe Life Park in 2019, as he continued to follow the club. Lanzillo would have been the first fan in Globe Life Field for the grand opening in 2020 if the pandemic did not prevent fans from attending games all last season.

Lanzillo is most known for his large drum with the Rangers’ logo on it and a jersey with his nickname “Zonk” on the back. One of his drums, which is signed by all of the 1998 Rangers, sits outside of public address announcer Chuck Morgan’s booth at Globe Life Field. Morgan said Lanzillo's sister gave it to him. She said Lanzillo always wanted Morgan to have one.

“I would say he is one of the most, if not the most prominent Rangers fans ever. He lived for Rangers Baseball,” Morgan said. “If there was a Fans Hall of Fame, he would be one of my first picks. He was a great fan, but also a great friend.”

The Rangers issued the following statement on Lanzillo’s passing:

“Today is a very sad day for the Texas Rangers organization as we have lost one of our most loyal and longtime fans. ... He became known for creating excitement with his trademark drum, which he would bang to ignite Rangers rallies night after night. Zonk was a big part of the Rangers’ first three [American League West] division championships in the late 1990s and no one was happier when the club earned its first trip to the postseason in 1996.

“Zonk’s impact on the Texas Rangers will last forever. The organization sends our thoughts and prayers to Zonk’s family at this difficult time.”