Chester E. “Chet” Zimolzak, 83, passed away Thursday, March 25, 2021, at his residence. He was the husband of Czeslawa J. “Chesha” Zimolzak (deceased).
Born in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania on July 14, 1937, Chet was the son of Chester E. Zimolzak Sr. and Stephanie Zimolzak (Dombrowski) of Glen Lyon, PA.
Chet was a graduate of Penn State University in Geography, class of 1959, and held two Masters Degrees in Geography from Penn State (1961) and the University of Wisconsin (1964). He was a Professor of Geography at the University of West Virginia from 1969 through 1974, Glassboro State College (New Jersey) from 1974 through 1992, and Rowan University from 1992 until his retirement.
Chet was a proud member and served as an officer of AFT Local 2373, including serving as president for four years. He was a long-time resident and active member of the community in Pitman, New Jersey for more than 30 years, and in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, for more than 10 years in retirement. He enjoyed traveling, cooking, Christmas decorating, Polish culture, telling stories of the coal mining community he grew up in and active participation in politics. Most of all, Chet enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Chet is survived by three children, Matt, husband of Laura, Joanne, wife of Eric, and Tom, husband of Mandy, five grandchildren, Paul, Emma, Julia, Norah, and Edie. He was the last of his immediate family.
Memorial services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chet’s name can be made to the American Kidney Fund, donation link accessible at https://secure2.convio.net/akf/site/SPageNavigator/df_id/onetime75.html?s_src_pledge&pagename=%2Fdf_id%2Fonetime75
Thompson Funeral Home Inc. is trusted with the arrangements. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.
