John Zobel

John Zobel, 90, died Saturday February 6, 2010 at the NYS Veterans Home in Batavia, NY.

John was born in Watertown June 1, 1919 the son of Martin and Katherine (Toper) Zobel. His parents left for Europe when John was six months old. John was raised and educated in Romania. At the age of 18 John returned to Watertown and assisted in sponsoring members of his family to immigrate to the United State. He married Marie Schneider on April 11, 1942 in Concordia Lutheran Church with Pastor Frederick Vogt officiating. Mrs. Zobel died March 14, 1979.

John was inducted into the US Army and served in WW2 from January 1943 to November 1945 in the ETO (European Theater of Operation). He received five Battle Stars, the Good Conduct Metal and the Victory Metal in Europe. He held the rank of Master Sergeant. John worked for the New York Air Brake Co. for 42 ? years retiring in 1982. John was active in Boy Scouts. He was an amateur radio operator with the call of WA2BZB, He was a member of the Navy-Marine Corps Military Affiliate Radio System, a charter member of the Jefferson County Radio Amateur Club, and a member of both the American Legion Post 61 and VFW Post 1400.

Surviving are a son J. David, and his wife Annette, two grandchildren, Amanda, and John all of Hilton, NY, two brothers, Michael, and George, two sisters, Rose Maurer, and Marie Emrich. He was predeceased by his wife Marie on March 14, 1979, a brother Martin, and two sisters, Katherine Fleisher and Christine Horeth.

A memorial service will be held on his birthday June 1, 2010 at Concordia Lutheran Church with internment in North Watertown Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions can be made to Concordia Lutheran Church, Watertown or to the NYS Veterans Home Batavia, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020.

Online condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com.