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Robert Zangas Obituary
LT. COL. ROBERT J.
USMC Reserve, age 44 of Level Green died Tues. Mar. 9, 2004 South of Baghdad, Iraq while working for the Coalition Provisional Authority under the Dept. of Defense. He was a sales person for several companies, most recently with Quest Software. He served during Operation Desert Storm & Iraqi Freedom. Husband of Brenda Huffman Zangas, formerly of Butler; father of Shannon, Scott & Jacob; son of Lt. Col. Charles Zangas of San Diego, CA and the late Nancy Zangas; brother of Kathy Stovicek (Larry) of Gathersburg, MD, Patti Black (Keith) of Woodbridge, VA, John Zangas of Washington, DC and Cassandra Vallery (Colton) of Fayetteville, NC and his father's wife Anne of San Diego. Friends received at the JOHN M. DOBRINICK FUNERAL HOME, INC. 602 Seventh St. (Rt. 130), Trafford 412-372-3111, on Wed. 2-4 & 7-9 PM and Thurs. 10 AM - 12 Noon. A 1 PM memorial service will follow in the Level Green Presbyterian Church, with full military honors. Interment private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Robert J. Zangas Memorial Fund, c/o Navy Federal Credit Union, Willow Grove M.S.C., Building #2, NAS Willow Grove, PA 19090 or the National Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, Univ. of Pittsburgh-Dept. of Neurology, 3471 Fifth Ave., Suite 811, Kaufmann Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Please sign the guest book at post-gazette.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
July 3, 2012
The hope and truth of believers stands:
1 Thessalonians 4:16
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
Debbie Elam
July 2, 2012
Together...We Will Not Forget...My name is Debbie Elam and I am the Chairman of the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project. Our group is making and presenting a numbered memorial quilt to the immediate family of each soldier killed in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror with ties to the Commonwealth of Virginia. We have a website at www.vmqp.com if you get a chance to see the quilts. We have sent 207 quilts as of this date. Please contact me via email or phone at 804-598-0465 and I will get the information from you so we can send you a Memorial Quilt in honor of your soldier. Thank you.
Debbie Elam, Chairman
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project
P. O. Box 534
Powhatan, VA 23139
Peggy Childers
March 16, 2012
March 9, 2012
To the family and friends of Robert J. Zangas:
Always remembering Robert. "Some gave all."
Ginny
October 3, 2011
May God Bless you in his Love. Thank You to Lt. Col. Robert Zangas and his Family for his Service to our Country.
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Nancy Sterniak - former PT teacher
Nancy Sterniak
May 17, 2011
Dear Mr. Charles Zangas,
As per our telephone communication, I am about to mail two copies of the DVD that has been produced at the PennTrafford High School, in which your son, Robert, was a guest speaker.
If you would, you or a family member, kindly confirm your mailing address.
Blessings from our Lord to you and your family.
Nancy Sterniak
[email protected]
Peggy Childers
March 9, 2011
To the family and friends of Robert J. Zangas:
Please accept my remembrance of Robert on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Patrick Prendergast
January 20, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Zangas Family. I went to high school with Bob at the AMerican School of Isfahan IRAN in the 1970's....Bob and i played trumpet inthe high school band and ran cross country together. I just learned of his passing. Bob was a great person and the world suffered a loss with his passing.
Peggy Childers
March 9, 2010
To the family and friends of Robert J. Zangas:
Remembering Robert on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Peggy Childers
March 9, 2009
To the family of Robert J. Zangas:
Robert gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Debbie Elam
September 11, 2008
My name is Debbie Elam and I am the Chairman of the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project. Our group is making and presenting a numbered memorial quilt to the immediate family of each soldier killed in the Iraq War with ties to the Commonwealth of Virginia. We have a website at www.vmqp.com if you get a chance to see the quilts. We have sent 121 quilts as of this date. Please contact me via email or phone at 804-598-0465 and I will get the information from you so we can send you a Memorial Quilt in honor of your soldier. TOGETHER...WE WILL NOT FORGET!
Thank you.
Debbie Elam, Chairman
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project
2621 Linbrook Drive
Richmond, VA 23228
Sam Stitt
February 11, 2008
I worked with Bob in Iraq. My team would come up from Najaf periodically and he would always be there to greet us. He was one of those guys that just had a positive energy about him – made you feel at ease. Even though I knew him only briefly he has left a lasting impression on me. I wish I could say more, but words fail me now. To the Zangas family I offer my most heartfelt condolences. Thank you and God Bless.
Marjorie Price-Lundgren
December 25, 2007
Hello. Merry Christmas to the Zangas family. I served with Robert's brother, John, in Okinawa back in 1987. He and his wife, Carol were two of my closest friends. I wanted to sign this book because even though I did not know Bob Zangas, if he was any thing like his brother, then he was one of a kind! God bless the Zangas family. I cannot comprehend their loss. God Bless.
Debbie Elam
November 26, 2007
My name is Debbie Elam and I am the Chairman for the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project. Our Project's Mission is to present the immediate family of each casualty of the Iraq War from the State of Virginia with a numbered memorial quilt. Please contact me at the following:
Debbie Elam, Chairman
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project
2621 Linbrook Drive
Richmond, VA 23228
or you can email me at [email protected] or call me at 804-379-3817. You can view our work on www.vmqp.com. We hope to hear from you soon! God Bless.
Debbie Elam
November 26, 2007
My name is Debbie Elam and I am the Chairman for the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project. Our Project's Mission is to present the immediate family of each casualty of the Iraq War from the State of Virginia with a numbered memorial quilt. Please contact me at the following:
Debbie Elam, Chairman
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project
2621 Linbrook Drive
Richmond, VA 23228
or you can email me at [email protected] or call me at 804-379-3817. You can view our work on www.vmqp.com. We hope to hear from you soon! God Bless.
Jan Maffei-Byrne
October 2, 2007
I met Bob once when I was visiting John at their home in Va. He was so sweet talking about wanting to write a children's book. I am so sorry to hear about the family's loss. I knew Nancy & John & they were a lovely family. I'm so sorry.
John Belaire
August 21, 2007
I didn't know Robert, but I knew his father. I had the privilege of serving in Lt. Col. Charles Zangas' unit as a Marine in Iwakuni, Japan in 1974. If Robert was anything like his father, which I'm sure he was, than he was indeed a son to be proud of. So to the family of Robert, I'd like to offer my condolences. Especially to my former C.O. God Bless and Semper Fidelis
August 8, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
Aphrodite Mousmoulis
July 23, 2007
What a gift he was. Bob was a breath of fresh air. Knowing him, John and Mr. Z during our high school days in Iran were unforgettable times that I will treasure forever. Spending time with Bob at a reunion in Texas was an extra treat! My heart goes out to all of the family. He will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. Gods speed. Love to the family, Aphrodite
Debbie Elam
July 7, 2007
My name is Debbie Elam and I am the Chairman of the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project. Our Project's Mission is to present the immediate family of each fallen soldier from the State of Virginia in the Iraqi War with a numbered memorial quilt. Please contact me at
Debbie Elam, Chairman
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project
2621 Linbrook Drive
Richmond, VA 23228
phone 804-379-3817
or you can email me at [email protected]. We hope to hear from you soon. God Bless your family and friends.
ROBYN GARSIDE
March 24, 2007
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Debbie Elam
January 17, 2007
My name is Debbie Elam and I am the Co-Chair for the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project. The Friendship Circle Quilters in Richmond, VA have a project to present the immediate family of each fallen soldier from the State of Virginia with a memorial quilt. Please contact me at the following:
Debbie Elam, Co-Chair
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project
800 Hallsboro Road
Midlothian, VA 23112
Home Phone 804-794-6364
or you can email me at [email protected]. We hope to hear from you soon! God Bless.
Barbara Padgett
December 23, 2006
I read Bob's story on findagrave.com and knew I had heard that name before; I went to high school with him in Manassas, Va. and I believe we were in an English class and maybe a Spanish class together. I didn't know him well but remember him as a nice guy! So sad to see this but very inspirational; he was not a braggart or a show off but it sounds like he grew into a man of honor and courage. I wish I had gotten to know him but I was a very shy person back then. I wish eternal blessings to Bob's spirit and that all who mourn him be comforted: "greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
October 23, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Zangas family in the loss of Robert. I did not know Robert, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Robert you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Lee Sirotnak
October 21, 2006
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. We will be always grateful for Robert, for the sacrifice that he made. God bless you and your family with comfort and peace.
Jamie Graves
October 20, 2006
God Bless his family and friends..He will be sadly missed..
Jamie(Navy wife)
marinecomfortquilts.us
gary allain
October 19, 2006
Robert J. Zangas
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.
Garnet Jenkins
October 19, 2006
Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy regarding the loss of Robert J. Zangas, in this war torn country, so far away from home. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
May Robert, rest safely in the Care of God. Please know that he will never be forgotten.
I Pray that God's Loving Grace and Comfort will be with the Zangas family.
There will never be enough ways, to humbly thank these Heroes, who are willing to serve so far from home, knowing the dangers involved. I am the sister of a Vietnam Hero, KIA-1967.
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-
from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2
May the Peace of God and your memories of Robert,
remain in your heart always may this give you comfort
and strength through the difficult days ahead.
Softly and slowly, time heals.
October 19, 2006
To the Family of Civilian Robert J. Zangas:
If your child can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 as well and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for right now. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten . You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA
Henryk Zaleski USN-Ret
October 19, 2006
Rest in peace and may God show you the joy of paradise.
Tom Damisch
March 24, 2004
May God go with you and your family.
Michelle Moldenhauer
March 21, 2004
I was deeply saddened to hear of Bob's death in Iraq. I've worked with his sister, Patti Black, for many years and know how proud she was of Bob during his career in the Marine Corps and as a civilian. My deepest sympathies are with Bob's family at this time.
Don Thomas
March 18, 2004
I did not know Bob personally but worked with his wife, Brenda, in Amtrak's Law Department in Washington, DC. Brenda, my deepest sympathys to you and your family. The entire Law Department was saddened to learn of Bob's passing.
Lisa
March 18, 2004
Thank you Bob for protecting us.
Karen (Haynes) Ormsby
March 17, 2004
I met Bob in the 1971-72 school year at Dean Junior High in Manassas, VA. He was nominated for "Mr. Dean" because of his outgoing personality and the shining light that he was to our school. We were in band together and he always kept us laughing beyond belief. Bob was put on this Earth to do good things and to go far. He did so. My only wish is that he could have continued his journey. I spoke with his Sister-in-law last night and she spoke of what a wonderful Father he was to his three children. There is no doubt in my mind, because this man was an All-American. Bob, you will be missed by so many and my prayers go out to each and every member of your family. May God Bless.
April Perera
March 17, 2004
My deepest condolences to your family. I did not know Robert Zangas personally, but I have worked with his sister, Mrs. Patti Black. I am very sorry to hear this news. Please know that I will lift your family up in my prayers. God bless.
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702 7th St, Trafford, PA 15085
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