Obituary of Joseph George Zaverson

Joseph George Zaverson, 88, of Peabody and formerly of Wakefield, passed away May 3, 2011 at the Beverly Hospital following a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of Barbara (Corson) Zaverson for over 68 years. Born in East Boston, Joe was the son of the late Joseph and Edna (Dunbar) Zaverson. He was raised and educated in Quincy and was a graduate of Quincy High School, class of 1940. He later lived in Wilmington, then in Wakefield for 26 years, and has spent the last two years living in Peabody. After high school, Joe entered the United States Army and served in World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and was the recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Service Star, and the American Theatre Campaign Ribbon. After the war, Joe went to work for Boston Edison as a mechanic, where he was employed for over 43 years before retiring in 1984. He loved dancing, including square dancing, round dancing, line dancing and ballroom dancing. He took pleasure in woodworking and built many beautiful furniture items. At Brooksby Village, Peabody, he enjoyed listening to music, especially piano music. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by three sons: Paul Zaverson of Toronto, Canada; Kurt Zaverson of Snoqualmie, WA; and Charles Zaverson of Hudson, NH; and by four daughters: Claudia Murphy of Boxborough, MA; Martha Celestres of Kent, WA; Elaine Zaverson of Wakefield, MA; and Bonnie Marsan of Haverhill, MA. In addition, four grandchildren, a great grandchild, and his sister, Dorothy Anderson of Braintree, survive him. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, May 8, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, MA. His Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 9, at 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, 185 Lake St., Peabody. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe’s name to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or the Salvation Army, 93 North St., Salem, MA 01970.