2049 Carolina Place Drive
Fort Mill, South Carolina
John Henry Zabel III
Tega City
John Henry Zabel III of Tega Cay, SC, passed away on April 30, 2013 at CMC Pineville Hospital, Charlotte, NC. John was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on August 12, 1944 to John H. Zabel, Jr. and Sally V. Zabel who are deceased. John was a dedicated husband, father, brother and friend and was committed to serving his community and country with love and pride.
John was a distinguished Veteran of the Vietnam War where he served with the 1st Air Cavalry Unit as a combat helicopter pilot in 1968 and 1969. He transitioned from active duty to the SC National Guard, serving for more than 20 years. He was a graduate of Furman University in Greenville, SC. John spent the majority of his career as an employee of Daniel Construction Company and later Parsons Corporation managing domestic and international assignments in the Middle East and Asia.
John is survived by Bridget Dunn Zabel, his cherished wife of 31 years; his son John H. Zabel IV and his wife Mary of Charlotte, NC; his son James C. Zabel and his fiancé Lindsay of Mount Laurel, NJ; and his daughter Maureen L. Zabel of Tega Cay, SC. He is also survived by seven siblings: Mary Cassabon of Simpsonville, SC; Thomas J. Zabel of Greer, SC; Barbara Wefferling of Seattle, WA; James R. Zabel of Boston, MA; Michael A. Zabel of Greenville, SC; Robert M. Zabel of Boston, MA; and S. Teresa Curtis of Arlington, WA along with their spouses and children.
A Rosary Service will take place at 5:30 pm on Friday, May 3, 2013 at Palmetto Funeral Home located at 2049 Carolina Place Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29708. Family Visitation will follow at the funeral home from 6-8 pm. A Requiem Mass will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 11:00 am at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 292 Munn Road East, Fort Mill, SC 29715.
Donations can be made to Wounded Warriors at www.woundedwarriorproject.org, Fort Mill High School Marching Band, or St. Philip Neri Building Fund. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.palmettofh.com.
The family is being served by Palmetto Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Mill, SC.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
A great guy, with a great war record.
A really good man.
Be at peace John we love you.
Nigel Thomason & Family
Nigel Thomason
April 26, 2023
I am a year late in hearing that John has passed away. We worked together at Parsons in South Korea for about 3 years. A great guy and all-round hero. God Bless you John and all your family. From Nigel, Karen, Max & Duncan Thomason - UK.
Nigel Thomason
April 13, 2014
God blessing all
shatha shani
August 2, 2013
So sorry to hear late of John's passing. Only met him the one time he was visiting the late Steve Flood at Mountain Top. But prior to that heard many stories from my daughter Heather, and Son-in-Law Steve. Our prayers are with the Family.
Joe Paulhamus
May 19, 2013
Viet Nam 1968-1969 I flew Hueys and Cobras with John in the 334th Aerial Weapons Company.Our unit was the Raiders,I was Raider Two-Five and John was Raider Two-Zero; better known as "Zero". On a night mission, we took fire flying separate aircraft and John eventually forced landed his damaged Huey. After being picked up and returned to base he learned I had not made it back and got his crew into another Huey. My aircraft was shot down and destroyed on landing without radio contact. We ran thru the night for hours and couldn't believe when I saw a lone Huey searching the area in the dark. It was John, my Guardian angel that night who was my friend and brother throughout our time there. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism that night. I am so deeply saddened to learn of his passing and send sincere sympathy to Bridgit, John, James and Maureen for the loss of a wonderful man.
Dan Parker
May 9, 2013
I am so saddened to learn of John's passing. Our prayers are with you all. He was a great guy !
Joe & Angela Upchurch
May 8, 2013
Bridget,
My heart is with you and your children during this difficult time. I worked closely with John for almost two years in Iraq and I know what a kind and loving husband and father he was to you, Maureen and your boys. He was also a good friend to me and all the guys with whom we worked. I am so sorry that he had to leave us so soon but I know that he is in a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. Please let me know if ever there is anything that I can do for you.
Boyd Grier
May 8, 2013
To all of the Zabels, just wanted you to know I was thinking of you during this time of your loss. I know each of you will reflect on all the good times that were spent with John as you celebrate his life. I know as I reflect on those times when our paths crossed and I can't but smile as they were fun, full, and at times fast. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all and may God once again put a smile on your faces as your broken hearts heal.
Doug Wamack
May 4, 2013
I knew Mr.Zabel Thru MMT.May his family stay Strong with GOD. Sir We will see you soon.
Jack Burns
May 3, 2013
Bridget, you and Maureen are on my heart and in my thoughts daily. John was a wonderful, kind and loving man. I don't believe I've ever seen a father as devoted to his daughter as John was.
Linda Reeves
May 3, 2013
We are sorry for you lost. The family is in our prayers.
Charlie Owens(Ret. 1st Sgt.
May 3, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss.
Tab Bridwell
May 3, 2013
Bridget, My heart is hurting for you and your family. Prayers for God to wrap you and you family in his arms to ease your pain.. God Bless You.
Barbara Boozer Hahne.
May 2, 2013
Oh Bridget, what a loss. John was such a wonderful man. We were blessed to see John walking everyday, an asset to our community. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
I pray for strength and peace for you, Maureen, JC and Johnny.
Mary Jo Calvin
May 2, 2013
To John's family: How sorry I am that John has gone from us to greener pastures. My heart is sad that he is no longer with us, but glad that he will be with our Lord in a far better place.
I lost track of John when he stopped flying at McEntire ANGB in Eastover, and missed him greatly. I considered him a true friend and "one of the good guys". John will be missed by so very many who were touched by his true sincerity and goodness. Please rest assured that John will remain in my thoughts and prayers, as will all of you, his family.
Tony Wilson
May 2, 2013
Bridget,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We hold fond memories of our times together in Jeddah.
Stan & Ann Cromer
May 2, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Roffe Family
May 2, 2013
I attended high school with Teresa at Hillcrest. I wish to extend sympathy the Zabel family
Dwight Pinson
May 2, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We will miss our dear friend John. He was one of the good guys in this world.
Diana & Gus Reynolds
May 2, 2013
Our hearts go out to you and wish you God's peace.
The Colton Family
May 2, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time.
Kathy McDowell
May 2, 2013
So sorry to read of John's passing, have good memories of working with both John and Tom at Daniel International. Our thoughts and prayers for the family...Joe M. Turner
Joe M. Turner
May 2, 2013
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