Donald J. Zahler, 92, a lifelong resident of Lambertville, N.J., died Sept. 20, 2022 and has received his eternal reward, with his “3 girls,” as he fondly referred to his wife and daughters, by his side.
Don was born Oct. 5, 1929 on York Street. He spent most of his life one block from that location. After graduating from Lambertville High School in 1947 he became a knitter at Lambert Hosiery. With the end of that industry, he began a career with the NJDOT where he worked as a senior inspector of highway construction until his retirement in 1991. In 1953 Donald married Camilla Parent at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church where he was a lifelong member.
Donald served as Sgt. First Class in the 250th Tank Battalion, NJ National Guard for 10 years. He enjoyed many hobbies, including fishing, hunting, and to those that knew him, he was a wonderful ballroom dancer. Don loved to tell a good story and to be the loudest in any room. For many years he was the announcer during the Flemington Fair where his voice was easily recognized. He was an honorary member of the Union Fire Company where his friends called him “Big Z.”
Don’s wife of 69 years, Camilla L. Parent Zahler, died Oct. 16, 2022. He is survived by two daughters, Eleza (Conrad) Miller of Eldridge, Iowa, and Heather (Jack) Venettone of West Amwell, N.J.; two granddaughters, Camilla and Tabitha Miller; three grandsons, Nicholas, Anthony and Jack III (Kristen Finney) Venettone, and his great-grandson, Jack IV; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wonderful parents, Alfred J. and Mary Gilbert Zahler, siblings Alfred J. Zahler (Lucille Walter), Margaret E. (Thomas Reigle), Charles G. (Mary Lelie) and Mary “Doll” (Harry Stymiest), and sisters-in-law Kathryn (Tiberio “Te”) Rocco and Barbara Ennis.
The joy his children and grandchildren gave him made his life worth living.
They were his sunshine and rainbows. He wished this could have gone on forever.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 44 Bridge St., Lambertville. Burial will follow in the Holcombe-Riverview Cemetery, Delaware Township. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. Saturday at the Garefino Funeral Home.
Donations may be made to the Lambertville Rescue Squad, PO Box 237, Lambertville, NJ 08530.
DONALD J. ZAHLER
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