Obituary of Henry C. Zimerowski

Henry Charles Zimerowski, 91, of Peabody, died peacefully at St. David’s Hospital in Austin, Texas on Friday, October 3, 2008 following a brief illness. He had been enjoying life in Texas with his grandson, his great granddaughter (who lit up his life) and their family for the past year. Henry was the husband of the late Virginia “Ginny” Zimerowski, who passed away on November 22, 2007. The two had been the best of friends as well as a married couple for 62 amazing years. He was always proud to tell everyone after her passing, “She was a good kid.” Without a doubt they are happily together again. Henry was born on March 28, 1917, and was raised in Lynn. He was the son of immigrant parents, the late Francis and Ann (Jadago) Zimerowski. He attended Lynn Classical High School and later joined the U.S. Navy where he was a Radioman First Class. Henry was also one of the few remaining Pearl Harbor Survivors and frequently recounted the morning when we were attacked by the Japanese. Even though he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2005, he could still clearly recall the life-changing morning of December 7, 1941. Following the war, Henry was stationed in Kansas. When he returned home to Massachusetts on his leave, he met his future “love of his life,” Virginia. Because Henry only had a few days left of leave, they had to stand before a judge to obtain special permission to get married. When the judge asked where he was stationed in the Navy, Henry answered, “in Kansas!” Comically, the judge replied, “What in the world is the Navy doing in Kansas?” He then allowed the two lovebirds to tie the knot. It was this type of heartwarming story that Henry would passionately share with his family throughout the ages. Those stories will never be forgotten. After his discharge from the Navy, Henry worked as a lobsterman for a short while, but soon moved on. For the next 12 years, he was employed by the General Electric Company at the River Works plant, followed by 12 years at Cannon Electric, and then 18 years by Hansen Engineering as a tool crib attendant until his retirement in 1983. He was a “jack of all trades” at work and at home. He could build or fix pretty much anything and enjoyed each project he worked on. Henry’s biggest enjoyment was his family. He was always showered with love by his wife, his daughters, his son (prior to his passing) and his five grand kids. He was especially fond of his grandchildren. He was convinced that Paul Michael would be the next CEO of IBM. He always talked about what a wonderful and beautiful girl Jessica was. He always asked Scott if he owned any shoes or long pants because he always wore shorts and no shoes. He always enjoyed his Sunday drives to Gloucester to visit with Christian and Michael. All in all, he left this world knowing that he loved the best he could and that love was always returned tenfold. He should be an example to us all. Henry is survived by his two daughters and son-in-law, Susan Hamel and her husband Paul of Peabody, and Nancy Godinho of Gloucester, four grandsons, Scott Goyette and his wife Kimberly of Austin, Texas, Paul Hamel of Dallas, Texas, and Christian and Michael Godinho of Gloucester, a granddaughter, Jessica Hamel of Peabody, and by a great granddaughter, Kayla Goyette of Austin, Texas. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends. Besides his wife, he was predeceased by his parents, his son, Henry Zimerowski, a brother, Sigmund Zimerowski and a sister, Hetty Dolinski. Henry (Grampie) will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was always there to help his family and friends however possible. Henry was the definition of the phrase “family man” and we will never forget his compassion and generosity towards us all. Henry’s Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Lynn. Donations can be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472.