Obituary
ZIMMERMAN – Russell Raymond, “Russ”, age 79. Died Suddenly at the VA Hospital on Monday, April, 26, 2021. The Son of James and Evelyn Ruth (Harris) Zimmerman was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania on January 27, 1942. He attended public schools in Western Pennsylvania and graduated in 1961 from Hempfield Area High School in Westmoreland County, Pa.
Russell began his work career with the Sun Oil Company as a crewman on their Sun Ship Department transporting petroleum products from Texas to Marcus Hook, Pa.
This was interrupted when he was called to military service in February, 1964 for the Vietnam War. He served one tour of Duty in Vietnam at Cam Ranh Bay where he served on boats transporting materials from offshore supply ships to military base at Cam Ranh Bay. Russ was Honorably Discharged as a Private First Class in February, 1966.
He returned to Sun ship and continued working there until February, 1970.
In March, 1970 Russ was employed by RCA as a Marine Diesel Mechanic at the AUTEC facility on Andros, Bahamas. This was the beginning of Russ’ love for living in the Bahamas.
Prior to his retirement, Russ worked a number of jobs with the goal of returning to the Bahamas to live permanently. He made several trips to the Bahamas over the years including a single handed boat trip from Florida to the Bahamas.
Russ enjoyed gardening, planting and harvesting food which would lead to a healthy lifestyle. He also liked to tinker with unusual craft projects which he would share with his family and many friends. Russell is survived by his Daughter Evelyn Jeanne Johnson o f Titusville, his stepson Dr James Meredith and their Mother, Teresa Ann (Moehringer) Zimmerman of Titusville, two Brothers, David James of Michigan and Walter Gary of Virginia, and numerous Nieces and Nephews in Michigan and Virginia and Cousins in Pennsylvania, Florida and Massachusetts.
Russell was predeceased by his parents and his Grandparents, Evan and Carrie (Morgan) Harris and James Albert and Catherine (Krushinski) Zimmerman.
Russell Zimmerman is a direct descendent of the Zimmerman Family that came from Wurttemberg, Europe and settled in Western Pennsylvania in the late 18th century and the ancestors of those pioneers exist there to this day.
Funeral arrangements are being conducted by Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society of Titusville, Florida. Notes of Condolence can be made on their Tribute Wall at www.baldwincremation.com.
Interment will be in the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. Internment Services are pending at this time.
This is Gil, I would really like to talk with you, here is my work phone#321-456-3222 ask for Gil.
I will always remember the can-do attitude that Russ has shown in his work when he arrived at AUTEC in 1970. I was working in the Supply warehouses then. He was so kind and polite when he was requesting some spare parts to fix the engines in the Marine Engineering Department. It was a genuine pleasure to help him.
May he rest in peace.
Dear David,
I was saddened to hear of your brother's death. Thank you for letting me and my sisters know. I can see that Russell lived a good life and made a difference in the world.
It is always painful to lose a loved one. All the nice memories of good times do help. My husband Richard and my mom died the end of 2019. Mom was the last of her siblings.
The world seems to be so trying of late. I guess we just do the best we can each day. I hope you and your family are well. Take care of yourself and God bless you.
JoAnne Zimmerman Jenkins -- Russell and Joan's oldest daughter
David,
I did receive your email and will make sure that JoZ and Sandy have received it as well. I’m so sorry to hear of your lose.
I’m not sure if you were aware that JoZ’s husband Richard passed away on Nov 23, 2019 and our Mother passed away on Dec 3, 2019. I’m sure all of our loved ones will be greatly missed and we are thinking of you at this sad time.
Take care,
Susan
Hi, Dave,
I just want to express my condolences to you and your family. I read the obituary for Russ in the paper this morning. It was very nice, I assume written by you, as I saw your little ancestry touch!!
I always loved coming to your mom and dad’s house, and I remember you three boys so well. You were always so cool and seemed so grown up to a little girl like me.. I have a really nice picture of the three of you with your dad. You must have sent it to me, and I’m glad to have it.
I’m sorry to say that I didn’t know that much about Russ as an adult. I was glad to read his story.
Walt and I have been to Titusville and if we go again at any time, we will certainly visit the cemetery.
Again, so sorry for your loss. It’s hard to lose a brother. Please send my sympathy to Gary as well when you speak to him.
Mary Jane
Russ in his younger school days
Russ at Easter in Pennsylvania
Russ and his Cousins
Russ & Teresa in Nassau, 1983
Russ on Andros, Bahamas
JoAnne Zimmerman Jenkins - oldest daughter of the first Russell
Russell as a Baby.
Russell and his Father and Brothers