Joseph Edward Zimmerman, self-taught engineer
Joseph Edward Zimmerman, formerly of Havertown, Pa., entered into eternal rest surrounded by loved ones in his home in Rehoboth Beach, Sunday, April 15, 2018. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 19, 1929, son of the late Joseph and Emma (Cairns) Zimmerman.
Joe spent the best years of his life living on Greenview Lane in Havertown with the love of his life, Kay. Together there, they raised six children. He was happiest when in the company of their West Philadelphia childhood friends at home or at the Jersey shore on weekends. In their retirement, Joe and Kay travelled and enjoyed the company of their family. Joe attended West Catholic High School and LaSalle College in Pennsylvania. He was a self-taught engineer and worked in a variety of sales positions. His passion was scouting student athletes in football and basketball for opportunities to attend prestigious private schools in the area. Joe was a talented singer, and especially loved Broadway, New Orleans jazz and silly tunes that he loved to sing for the enjoyment of his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his son, Joseph M. Zimmerman; and his brother, Edward Zimmerman. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Katherine "Kay" (Brennan) Zimmerman; his sons: John Zimmerman and his wife Nancy of Lewes, Robert Zimmerman of Glen Mills, Pa., and Richard Zimmerman and his partner Robb Kimbles of Rehoboth Beach; his daughters: Kathryn Zimmerman and her wife Janet Kerns of Rehoboth Beach, and Marie Bedard and her husband Stephen of Daniel Island, S.C.; his daughter-in-law, Catherine Zimmerman of Havertown; his grandchildren: Allison Dudley, Andrew Zimmerman, Kristen Flynn, Catie Zimmerman, Maura Zimmerman, Joseph Zimmerman, Kevin Zimmerman, Ann Zimmerman, Colleen Zimmerman, Erik Zimmerman, Mark Shulman, Jackie Shulman, Alexandria Weathers, Stephanie Bedard, David Bedard, Julia Zimmerman and Eliza Zimmerman; and his great-grandchildren: Sam, Savannah, Kerry, Daniel, Ren, Anna, Mark, Edward and Bradley. He is also survived by the many loving spouses of his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, devoted friends and extended family.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 21, at 11 a.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel: 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial and interment will take place in Pennsylvania at a later date.
The family would like to thank the many wonderful caregivers from LifeForce and Delaware Hospice who took loving care of Joe during his last months.
Please visit Joe's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
