Stanford Zimmerman
Stanford Blair “Zip” Zimmerman, a lifelong resident of Waynesburg, passed away at 12:08 a.m. Saturday, November 25, 2017, in Waynesburg Health Care and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born March 20, 1930, in Waynesburg, a son of the late Charles “Charlie” Edward Zimmerman and Helen Catherine Berkheimer.
Mr. Zimmerman became a member of Washington Street United Methodist Church in 1941 and later served as a trustee and member of its administrative council. He was a 1949 Waynesburg High school graduate and continued to be a very active member of the reunion committee. He also attended job-related courses at West Virginia University.
After 37 years of employment, Mr. Zimmerman retired from Columbia Gas Transmission Corp. as a natural gas leakage and corrosion mechanic. He was a proud member of Columbia Gas Quarter Century Club, honored for 25 years of service in 1979. He also served in the Pennsylvania Army Reserve National Guard for 33 years – 2 years army and 31 years guard – holding the rank of first sergeant, retired.
He was preceded in death January 10, 2004, by his loving wife of 50 years, Isabel Joan McDonald, whom he married March 10, 1952; beloved sons, Danny and Gary; and half sister, Velma Brock Simmons.
He is survived by his daughter, Joyce (Mac) Smith of Roanoke, Va.; sons Blair and Chuck (Sharon), both of Waynesburg and Scott of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and sister Dorothy Knight. He also leaves behind a cherished companion, Peg Wilson; stepdaughter Nancy McNeely Ketchem; and daughter-in-law Mary Hartley Zimmerman. He was also the very proud Pap Pap and Great Pap to several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Zimmerman knew no strangers in his life, only friends he never met. He never liked to be idle for any period of time and was a jack-of-all-trades, dabbling in woodworking projects or often helping family out with their home remodeling jobs. He also had a great love for the outdoors, enjoying long country drives, hunting and gardening.
Playing harmonica was also something he always did, not as a professional, but he was very proficient and could play almost anything requested. Family and friends were so tickled at hearing him play, except for maybe Isabel who constantly had to remind him others were trying to talk.
It was also a lively home in the ’60s, as he enjoyed being in the middle of the playing and wrestling when his sons were young. He later enjoyed watching their meets in high school and joining all the family events as years passed.
To anyone that called the house, the family all inherited his nickname of Zip, and it often came as a surprise there was a “girl” Zip among his brood.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Daryl L. Throckmorton, owner/director, 197 North Maiden Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370, where services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 29, with the Rev. William Parker officiating. Burial will be in Greene County Memorial Park, Morgan Township. Graveside military rites will be accorded by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4793, James Farrell American Legion Post 330 and representatives of the U.S. Army.
Information is available at www.milliken-throckmortonfh.com.