Obituary of Henry G. Zimmer

Colonie - Henry G. Zimmer, Sr. "Uncle Henny", 96, of Gabriel Way died surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at the VA Medical Center in Albany. Born in Albany, Henry had lived on Elmhurst Ave. in Colonie for 40 years before moving to Gabriel Way in 2005. He was a graduate of Albany High School and worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps. While serving in The Civilian Conservation Corps, in the Great Adirondack Park, building the road and telephone infrastructure, from NY to Canada, he grew to love the Adirondacks and often mentioned that it was his favorite place to be. He also worked as a sheet metal worker for the NY Central Rail Road in Selkirk before enlisting in the United States Army in 1941. After World War II, he worked for 32 years for the United States Post Office, retiring in 1982. During the war, Henry served in the 42nd Rainbow Division. He was wounded twice and captured during the Battle of the Bulge. When he was liberated, it was by the United States troops serving with former New York State Governor Hugh Carey. Henry was the recipient of a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, European Service Medals and French Service Medals. He was a member of the Northeast Chapter of Former POW's and the Association of Letter Carriers. He also was an avid boater and fisherman and loved watching the New York Yankees. Henry was the husband of the late Alma Castle Zimmer; father of Henry G. Zimmer, Jr. (Gloria) of Colonie; grandfather of Lisa Zimmer Benson (Jeffry) of Albany and Jennifer Zimmer Kasparian (John) of Fairfax, VA; great-grandfather of Natalya Kasparian, Pierce Benson and Liana Kasparian; and brother of the late Effie Hunter, Alice Marsh, Alberta Myers and John Zimmer. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his loyal guardian, Snowey. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 18, 2013 at the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Colonie. Burial will be in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Colonie. Calling hours will be prior to the service Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Henry's family would like to express their deep gratitude to the nurses, doctors and aides on the 7th floor at the VA Hospital for the comforting and dignified care provided to him and also to his nephew Donald Marsh, Sr. and his wife, Betty and the Myers family for the many visits that Henry always enjoyed. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 would be appreciated.