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John Ziergiebel Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Ziergiebel
Tracey Knowles
November 4, 2009
Molly and Ann,
John was truly a gift from the heavens above sent down to inspire as all to Look,Listen, Learn, Live Life,and Laugh. He left us all a song in our hearts. What a Gift. Thank you for for sharing such a wonderful person.
October 31, 2009
I am sure that you have received hundreds, if not thousands, of well wishes from both students and faculty. My deepest sympathy goes to you and your whole family. Johnny Z was by far my favorite teacher. 15 years later, I still find myself walking through the house singing the Dewey Decimal song. Follow the numbers, Johnny, they'll show you where to go. The class of 1995 is still touched by all that you gave us.
October 29, 2009
Dear Ziergieblel Family,
The people of Gloucester that knew him,and of him are united in their deep feeling's of sadness in his tragic passing.When John entered heaven's gate they got one of the best.He was a treasure.His memory will be treasured by us all.
Kristina Lakeman
October 29, 2009
Mrs. Ziergiebel, my thoughts go out to you and your family. My mother (Sandy Ekborg) and myself had both you and your husband as teachers. I know his legacy will live on.
October 28, 2009
Dear Ann:
It was a privilege to know both you and John during my tenure as principal of Swampscott High School. John's faith, strong sense of morality, and inspired leadership provided all the principals on the north shore a lesson in education far beyond our buildings.
The strength John demonstrated in fighting his cancer and grieving for your daughter was never compromised by his work at MHS. My fondest memory of John was working to establish a "healthy" rivalry between MHS and SHS the first two years we were on the job. After two fights at the Thanksgiving Day Football Games it was imperative that something be done. I'm proud to say that a "healthy" rivalry was established and there were no more incidents. John was a tower of strength during this time and I valued his counsel.
I no longer serve Swampscott High School and have moved on to another high school in West Boylston, MA. However, I will never forget the kindness, spirituality, and courage both you and John shared with me for those three years.
My wife, Jean,and I offer our sincerest sympathies for the loss of this loving and inspirational man. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers and John's memory with be with me no matter where I go.
With much love and respect,
Larry & Jean Murphy
310 West St.
Winchendon, MA 01475
Tel. 978-297-4598 (h)
978-895-8379 (c)
Email: [email protected]
Erica Wonson
October 25, 2009
To Annie and Family, Your strength amazes me... you have all been faced with such hardship these past couple of years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless John and Jane
Terry Marchant
October 25, 2009
Annie, I am so sorry for your tremendous loses you and your family have endured these past couple years. Your a very strong person. I've always admired you for that. God will help you keep the strength for you and your family. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gus Martinson
October 24, 2009
To Ann and Family,
I'm sadden to hear of John's passing. Your family has experienced so much tragedy in so few years. My prayers and condolences are with you.
Viki Vale
October 24, 2009
John was a great father and educator. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ziergiebel family.
audie tarr
October 23, 2009
im so srry im one of the tarrs son we rented our log cabin out to u (the curtains are still their) i was going to come by today but i was at mi grandfathers bareal agen im so sorry for your loss love and hope -audie tarr
J. Charlotte Keenan
October 23, 2009
The respect,love,concern, and intelligence and WIT!of this family that I have seen as a friend of John's brother Nich has given me occasion to celebrate the life, and choice of profession, of John, who gave deeply and fully to so many. I don't KNOW John, but I know his impression, in all who have the exceptional privilege of a truly engaged educator/person touching them indelibly, because that IS his essence.
Blessings
Linda Davis Siess
October 23, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss, and remember Mr. Z. with great fondness - I was just remembering him the other day, out of the blue: I remembered him dancing on the stage during a student talent show, with characteristic exuberance. He was thoughtful, cheerful, and kind, the very best mentor.
Jennifer (Bonina) and Joshua Noseworthy
October 23, 2009
To the Ziergiebel family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Mr. Z was an excellent teacher and I will always be greatful to him for teaching me grammar. He was a wonderful man and will be missed and never forgotten.
Riahna Williams
October 23, 2009
To the family of Mr. Z. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to you. I had Mr. Z from O'Maley all the way to the high school and went to school with Jane. They were both really great people and they will be missed. RIP both of you.
Don Bertsch
October 23, 2009
Awake, alert, compassionate, conspirital, considerate, committed,wicked witty, full of all that life could bring, a truly fine person, Johnny Z, his light will shine on. I am so sorry for your loss.
Steven Tebou
October 23, 2009
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Ziergiebel. I wasn't fortunate enough to have one of his classes at GHS (Class of '82), but that didn't stop him from taking the trouble to know who I was and to share a joke or kind words of encouragement. I hope that his gift will somehow be passed on to all the future students who won't have the great opportunity to know him.
October 23, 2009
To the Ziergiebel family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John. Working with him at Marblehead High School was a pleasure and inspiration. Erin enjoyed how he was so thoughtful, caring and knowing that he knew who she was. He knew everyone and made everyone feel welcome. He will be missed. Rest in Peace, Mr. Z.
Janet and Erin Brings, Marblehead
Lindberg Family
October 23, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family †
Denise Velez
October 23, 2009
I'am sorry for your loss.
Mr. Z was a great teacher. He will be missed but never forgotten.
October 23, 2009
Dear Ziergiebel Family,
Our hearts are with you as you deal with the loss of your much loved father and husband. Words fail us and we can only say that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Peter and Candace Erickson
Ataan Kurgun
October 23, 2009
To the entire Ziergiebel family,
Mr.Z was an amazing ally to me in Middle school, sticking by me and supporting me above and beyond what he needed to do. I remember the excitement in his voice when he learned my grandfather was teacher in the school system whom he greatly admired. Please let me know if I can do anything for you.
Sara Kenyon
October 23, 2009
Dear Ziergiebel family,
I am so sorry for your loss and remember John as a wonderful fun person who has a huge heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
October 23, 2009
Our prayers go out to the Ziergiebel family.Mr Z was a great teacher and person to all.Rest in peace Mr Z
Anne & Steve Parsons
Mill River,Riverdale
Philip Parisi
October 23, 2009
Molly, Mrs. Ziergiebel and Family,
I was deeply saddended to hear about your loss. Mr. Z was such an inspirational teacher and I learned many lessons from him while at Gloucester High. You helped me strive for goals and words can't describe how much that is valued today. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Ada & Don Watson
October 22, 2009
John was a wonderful man - he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
October 22, 2009
Mr. Z's presence will be missed but his spirit will be with us each and every HS hockey game we play, Chris McLeod, Pat and Doug McLeod.
October 22, 2009
Dear Annie,
I was very sad to hear from Bobby Cunningham that you have lost John. I regret that I did not know him, and that I won't get the chance to. It's been a very tough couple of years for you, and I want to send my sincerest sympathy to you and your family.
With best wishes - Bill Langer
Aileen Day
October 22, 2009
Dear Ann & Family,
We are so sorry to learn about John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Connie Cederholm
October 22, 2009
Annie & Family
So very sad to learn today of the loss of John. I know he fought the bravest battle. His very special charisma will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Hugs Connie Cederholm
Pamela Dalzell
October 22, 2009
Amazing man. Cannot be put into words. My heart is heavy. Love and prayers to his family.
Yvonne Tarantino
October 22, 2009
To the Ziergiebel family,,
I am sorry for your loss..I had Mr Ziergiebel as my teacher at GHS, he was the kindest person always made us laugh.I loved going to his class..very compassionate human being..He will always be in our hearts.. And carry on in all he touched..We will miss him..
Kristy Rowe
October 22, 2009
To the Ziergiebel family I am trully sorry for your loss. Mr.Z was an awesome teacher and person he will be forever missed.
Bob & Day Gotschall
October 22, 2009
Dear Ann & Family,
We are newer acquaintances from "The Muffin Shop". We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. We so enjoyed your company on weekend mornings...you always shared a laugh and we feel privileged to have known him and when you are ready, Ann, we hope to see you at "coffee" one morning.
Kristen (Jenkins) Coughlin
October 22, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Ziergiebel's passing. Its a loss to all his students. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kelley Connors Golden
October 22, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you all....
Robbie Dexter
October 22, 2009
To the Ziergiebel family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Ann, I've enjoyed watching your children grow along with mine and have fond memories of your family at Beeman School.
All my sympathy.
Antrella Grice
October 22, 2009
To the Ziergiebel family,
My deepest sympathy to you.
Lois Jacobs
October 22, 2009
My condolences to the Ziergiebel family. I remember John as a class leader at Newton High School, Class of 1968. It is not surprising to read how beloved he was by his students.
He was always a leader.
Mike McEneaney
October 22, 2009
Annie, Andy and Sam -- It was so sad to read this news, and I'm very sorry for your loss.
Pattianne LeClair
October 22, 2009
To Mr. Z's Family, I am so sorry for the loss of a great man. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He was definitely one of my favorite teachers at Gloucester High. His loud announcement of Friday's "BOOOOOONUSSSSS QUESSSSTIONNNNNN" will always be one of my favorite memories from high school. Also one of the smartest and caring and sweetest we had at GHS.
Tracy Sullivan
October 22, 2009
He was a gem. We were all lucky to have had him in our lives, no matter how long or short it was. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Ann, and your family.
October 22, 2009
One of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of knowing.
I am so sorry for your loss, he will be greatly missed.
Mark Orlando
October 22, 2009
Mr. Z was a great teacher and great human being. He inspired me to become the person I am today. He was one of the reasons I went back to Grad School and I received my Master's last April, I wish I could have told him that. I hope my kids are fortunate enough to have a teacher like him at some point. Know that a piece of Mr. Z is carried around by each of his past students and will never be forgotten.
Debi Sheehan
October 22, 2009
my thoughts are with your family at this difficult time. I am sorry for your loss.
Dudley Blodget
October 22, 2009
Annie and kids -- So sorry to learn of John's passing. He left us way too soon, but his good works will live on in the children he touched as an educator and in the wonderful family that surrounded him. My thoughts sympathies are with you... Dudley Blodget
Elizabeth Klopotoski
October 22, 2009
Molly,
I am so sorry for you loss. Your father was an inspiration and a wonderful role model to us all. I smile every time I think of him riding his unicycle at our pep rallies. Those memories will never fade, and I'm sure the stories of his teachings will be passed down for generations of children both in Gloucester and Marblehead. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.
October 22, 2009
Mr. Z,
You were the best rest in peace. To his family I am very sorry for your loss but please be proud of him he made such an impact on so many peoples lives.
Amanda Kline-Lique
October 22, 2009
I am deeply sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to the Ziergiebel family. Mr Z was an amazing person and will live on in students memories forever. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
October 22, 2009
Mr. Z was an amazing man that always tried to help everyone. He did so much for everyone and never expected anything in return. My prayers go out to his family, he will be truly missed.
Ruthie Dupuis Exama
October 22, 2009
It was my extreme honor to have Mr Ziergiebel as a teacher in the 10th grade at the high school 20+ years ago. He was an educator that not only wanted to teach, but also cared for each and every student. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
~Ruthie
philip kantoff MD
October 22, 2009
Dear Ann and all of the Ziergebel family, My heart goes out to all of you at this very sad time. John was an inspiration to many; his students, his family and to his Dana Farber friends. His spirit, courage, love and spirituality will long be remembered. We will miss him dearly. Phil Kantoff
laura bradford-burke
October 22, 2009
my prayers are with mr. Ziergiebel's family I remember my english teacher very fondly...a very kind soul..
Jackie LaFlam
October 22, 2009
Dear Annie and Family, Please accept our deepest condolenses to you and your family. We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of John.. With heartful sorrow, The LaFlams on Holly St.
October 22, 2009
rest in peace Mr. Z. we have lost a truly inspirational person! my thoughts and prayers go out to ann, molly, andy and sam! he is free of pain at the hand of the lord with his daughter.
October 22, 2009
Molly and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Lauren and Adam Brown
LeRoy Gaynor
October 22, 2009
My thoughts are with your family. I am very sorry for your loss.
BILLY MARTIN
October 22, 2009
I'AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
WE ARE ALL BLESSED FOR BEING PART OF JOHNS LIFE. THE GOOD TIMES AND GREAT MEMORIES WILL BE WITH US FOREVER.
FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS GOD BLESS!
Allison Harrison
October 22, 2009
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Pamela Hoysradt
October 22, 2009
Mr. Z will always be a part of Gloucester. He touched so many students, friends, and co workers. He brought the word "teacher" to life and expanded on its meaning. He truly gave every part of his intellect and soul to his work. Ask any of his students why he was their favorite teacher. The answer, "he cared".
Mrs. Z and Family, please accept my condolences and take comfort in the indelliable mark John has left on all of us.
October 22, 2009
To Annie and Family - Your husband's first year at MHS was my son, Roger's senior year. John certainly made an impact on Roger's life. We met you all at the home of my brother-in-law, Larry Ross, and my sister, Connie. You are an amazing family, and we all grieve with you now. Take time to lift your faces to the sun - stay the course of your life helping kids who need your love and support; we here in Marblehead will remember both John and Jane, and keep them in our hearts. Most sincerely, Merry and Dana Tufts, and Family
mary kochman
October 22, 2009
I am very sorry for your loss. Please accept my sympathy at this time.
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