Edward J. Zieralski

Edward J. Zieralski, 94, of Westmont, died peacefully and surrounded by family on August 25, 2019 at Conemaugh Hospital. He was born Nov. 1, 1924. He is preceded in death by parents Martin and Mary (Senk) Zieralski, brothers and sisters Joseph, John, Bruno, Casmir, Alice (Salyards), Catherine (Lis), Hedy (Lis), Helen, Josephine and Mary, his former wives Nora Mae (Croke), Mary (Weaver), Regina (Watson), Patricia (Mayer-Swarney) and Frances (Venet-Caputo).

He is survived by his children Edward D. (wife Erika), Donna with husband Ken Richter, and Susan with husband Dale Olmsted , and Connie with husband Joe Haber, stepson David Caputo; grandchildren Brenda Knierim and Dennis Bambino, Kevin and Kelly Richter Alex Hempton, and Brian and Michelle Haber;  great grandchildren Maya, Grady and Carley Mae Knierim and Hunter and Sawyer Bambino, and very special niece Dorothy Suckovich.

Edward or “Zeke” was an avid fisherman until he found the game of golf at age 65. He won three gold medals in the senior division of the Keystone Games and was co-founder and vice-president of the Super Seniors Golf League. He competed with “The Herd” at Berkley Hills and at Oakbrook Golf Course on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He had four holes in one. Edward proudly served in the U.S. Army in World War II and the Korean War. He was a gunner in the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battery C 778th AAA AW Battalion and 3rd Army, attached to the 417th Infantry Regiment, 76th Division. He was in the Battles of Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe and was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, four Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and Victory Metal. During the Occupation of Germany he excelled in football, baseball and basketball and scored a touchdown in the Vittles Bowl in Frankfurt, Germany to help lead his side to victory.

There will be a viewing Wednesday 5-7 PM at the Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd. with a Military Ritual at 6:45 PM by VFW Post 155 and a Celebration of His Life to follow at 7 PM. Very Rev. Mark S. Begly officiating. A Celebration to honor a man who loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, enjoyed betting on and watching football with them, had a passion for golf and whose zest for life radiated in everything he did.

Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Trenton, NJ.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Mary Grace Hospice Foundation at 322 Warren St., Suite 250, Johnstown, PA 15905.

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