Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Bill Zimmerman was born and raised in Morristown, NJ but he always considered Brant Beach on Long Beach Island, NJ as home. With his parents and sisters, Joan and Jean, Bill began going to the beach every summer when he was two.  He loved the Island and the beach, but was really captivated by Barnegat Bay.  He learned to row, sail and powerboat on the bay—activities that he followed throughout his life. He and his friends spent days on the bay and in the bay—boating, swimming, clamming and enjoying what must have seemed to them an endless summer.

It was at Brant Beach in the summer of 1964 that Bill met Betsy Shoemaker, a Maryland resident.  They soon became a couple. After finishing high school, Bill selected Washington College in Chestertown MD so that he could be closer to Betsy. Bill loved the Eastern Shore life—and the ready access to the water activities he so enjoyed. Bill and Betsy were married June 14, 1969.

As the young couple established their life together there were moves to Annapolis, Morris Plains, NJ, Cherry Hill, NJ and Delran NJ.  During this time their first son, BJ was born. Lynn arrived in Delran and soon thereafter the family moved to Joppatowne MD. Happily there was water there! The boating continued. Kurt was born in 1976 and the family was complete.

Bill’s career was growing also.  He worked for Automatic Switch Company and Johnson and Towers as the family was being established.  During his time at Johnson and Towers Bill sold and oversaw the installation of the emergency generator system at Children’s Hospital in DC. Bill then branched out and started his own company, Generator Systems Inc. Some years later he became a partner and general manager of Superior Grouting. In 2006 Alzheimer’s disease forced his early retirement.

As devastating as a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is, Bill handled it with his customary grace and faith in the Lord. He enrolled in numerous studies through Johns Hopkins. He kept as busy as he could and tried in every way to make things easier for those around him. The love and devotion that Bill and Betsy shared never waned throughout the course of the disease. Bill always knew Betsy and would light up when she came into the room.

Bill enjoyed woodworking.  He made his first boat when he was 13. In addition to scratch builds, Bill lovingly restored several wooden boats—including the classic John Alden O-Boat. Bill put his woodworking talents to good use helping others. He participated in Habitat for Humanity, Christmas in April, Isabel relief, and “sweat equity” work for his church as well as helping family members with projects in their own homes. 

As an active church member of several congregations over the years, Bill always seem to find his niche as a trustee—and usually President of the Trustees. He was knowledgeable about maintaining physical plants and more than once steered a congregation through a major capital improvement project. He was always generous with his time and talents.

As Bill was unfailingly kind and helpful to others the family hopes that all of us will practice random acts of kindness, large or small, in his memory. Making the world a better place would be the best tribute that could be paid to Bill.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary United Methodist Church, 301 Rowe Blvd., Annapolils, MD on Sunday, February 12 at 2:00 p.m.

Condolences may be left be clicking on the link to the left of this page.

William - Zimmerman

William - Zimmerman

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