Obituary of Ralph M. Zimmer

          Webster: October 3, 2024, age 98. Predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Joan W. Zimmer; parents, Oliver and Ruth Zimmer; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Larry and Mildred Williams; siblings, Calvin Zimmer and Anne Kimball; sisters-in-law, Jane Poray, Martha Cuomo, and Judy Lonobile. He leaves his children, Glenn (Kathleen), Susan (Rev. Bryan) Church, Diane Z. (Greg) Fauth, Bob (Meg), Ellen (Darin) Lewis & Carol (Timothy) Lamica; grandchildren, Kristen, Jeffrey (Alexandra) Zimmer, Sarah (Chris) Pomerleau, Joshua Church, Rev. Daniel (Katie) Church, Abigail (Benjamin) Hodgson, Tia & Trevor Church, Matthew (Christine), Ryan (Shannon), & Andrew (fiancée, Julia) Zimmer, Grace & Ben Lewis, Emily (Patrick), Allison (fiancé, DJ), & Joseph T. Lamica; 15 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary and Gene Smith.

            Ralph graduated from Irondequoit High School in 1942. In December of 1943, he enlisted in the US Navy, earning the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theatre and Victory medals. Ralph then started his 40 year career at Kodak as a lens grinder, and retired as Department Head Tactical Systems, Government Systems Division. While raising his family and working, Ralph completed his BS from the U of R in 1967. He had a lifelong love of playing the trumpet. He was a charter member of the Webster Village Band, played in the West Webster Fire Department Marching band and spent his later years playing in the New Horizons Dance Band. Ralph was an avid sports fan as he played basketball, football and baseball in high school. He continued to play baseball for Kodak, and softball for various Webster recreational teams and numerous church teams. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren in sports and musical activities. He loved the New York Yankees, the Cleveland Browns, the Buffalo Bills, Penn State football and the Syracuse Orange.

          "Ralph married the love of his life, Joanne Williams, on August 8, 1948. Together they raised 6 kids during their 69 year marriage."

          Please join his family for a Celebration of Life, Saturday, October 12th @ 1PM at Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave. Rochester. Donations in Ralph’s memory may be directed to Asbury First United Methodist Church, Music Ministries or to the Webster Village Band, c/o Village of Webster, 28 West Main St., Webster, NY 14580.